People often assume that becoming a dentist was a straightforward career choice for me, but in reality it began with a traumatic childhood experience that changed the course of my life.
A Childhood Accident That Changed Everything
When I was 12 years old, I suffered a serious schoolyard accident that damaged my front tooth. What followed were months of anxiety and uncertainty. I worried constantly about my smile, whether I would lose my tooth, and how I would look in the future. At that age, I never realised how much confidence could be tied to a smile.
Fortunately, I received dental care that helped manage the injury and changed the way I viewed dentistry. It was about helping people through vulnerable moments and supporting patients through vulnerable and often uncertain moments. That experience showed me how significant dental trauma can feel, particularly at a young age, and it later influenced my decision to become a dentist.
Balancing a Busy Practice and Motherhood
Today, I am fortunate to lead the team at Connolly Dental in Perth’s northern suburbs while also raising two young boys. It is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own challenges.
Like many working mothers, I often feel pulled in multiple directions. My days involve caring for patients, mentoring staff, managing the day-to-day running of the practice, making clinical decisions, and then switching roles to being a mum when I get home. There are days when it feels like there simply aren’t enough hours.
One of the biggest challenges is balancing the responsibility I feel towards both my patients and my family. Dentistry is not just a job where you clock in and clock out. Patients place enormous trust in you, often during times of pain, anxiety, or uncertainty. As a mother, your children depend on you completely. Both roles are meaningful, and both require your full attention.
Despite the challenges, I genuinely love what I do.
Where My Passion for Dentistry Comes From
One question I am often asked is what keeps me motivated after all these years. The answer is surprisingly simple: I am passionate about dentistry and the creative process behind it.
As a child, I was always drawn to art and architecture. I loved symmetry, design, and the individuality of people and the natural world around us. In many ways, cosmetic and restorative dentistry allows me to combine those interests every day.
One of the most rewarding moments for me often comes after a busy day at the practice, when the clinic is quiet and I can sit down and look through the before-and-after photographs of my patients. I often spend time reviewing clinical photographs, reflecting on the treatment planning, the small details and the clinical decisions involved in each case.
The feeling is very similar to the enjoyment I get from creating a piece of artwork. I enjoy the process of assessing a complex clinical situation, carefully planning the available treatment options, and reviewing the outcomes of that planning.
What may appear to be a simple smile makeover or veneer treatment involves detailed assessment, planning, and careful consideration of the individual patient’s facial features, teeth, and treatment goals. Every patient presents a unique challenge, and every smile tells a different story.
Helping Patients Who Understand Dental Trauma
Dental trauma cases are particularly meaningful to me because of my own childhood experience. I still have a strong interest in helping patients who have experienced dental injuries, particularly children and their families. Even today, I will often stay back to help emergency trauma cases, particularly children. When I see an anxious parent worried about their child’s injured tooth, I often share my own story. I want them to know that I understand what they are going through and that there is hope.
If you or your child ever need urgent care, our emergency dentist service is here to help.
My Ongoing Training in Digital Smile Design and Restorative Dentistry
My interest in restorative and aesthetic dentistry has led me to undertake further education and training internationally, including Christian Coachman in New York, Pascal Magne and Didier Dietschi in Switzerland, Angelo Putignano and Professor Fradeani in Italy, and Paolo Kano in Brazil. This journey ultimately led me to complete my Mastership in Digital Smile Design.
Looking to the Future
Looking to the future, my hopes are quite simple.
For my children, I hope they grow up understanding that success is not measured by titles or achievements alone but by finding something meaningful and pursuing it with passion, integrity, and kindness. I want them to appreciate the value of hard work, resilience, and helping others.
For the practice, I hope to continue building a place that genuinely cares for people. My goal has never been to create the biggest dental clinic in Perth. Instead, I want to create an environment where patients feel comfortable, valued, listened to, and confident in the care they receive.
When I look back at that frightened 12-year-old girl after her schoolyard accident, I could never have imagined where that experience would lead. What felt like a devastating event at the time ultimately shaped my career, my purpose, and the way I care for my patients today.
For that reason, I will always be grateful for the journey that brought me here.
Dr Lily Taheri has a particular interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and has completed Digital Smile Design Mastership training. Learn more about Dr Lily Taheri.
Learn More About Dr Lily’s Approach to Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about Dr Lily Taheri’s approach to Digital Smile Design, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can explore our treatment information or contact Connolly Dental to arrange a consultation. Treatment recommendations are based on individual assessment, clinical needs and suitability.