Lessons from Local Leaders:

Nojan Jafari

Transforming Smiles, Transforming Lives — A Conversation with Dr. Nojan Jafari of Pace Dental

When you first meet Dr. Nojan Jafari, owner of Pace Dental in Vienna, Virginia, you’re struck by his warmth, humility, and fierce dedication to patient care. But once you hear his story, you quickly realize he’s part dentist, part educator, part community builder—and, as he jokes, part therapist. In our recent sit-down, Dr. Jafari shared the personal and professional experiences that shaped his approach to dentistry and what makes his practice a place where patients feel truly heard, understood, and empowered.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Dr. Jafari’s passion for dentistry was ignited early on, thanks to a few generous mentors who introduced him to the transformative power of oral health. One story in particular sealed the deal: while shadowing an oral surgeon, he witnessed an entire day of pro bono work for a man who hadn’t smiled in 20 years due to severe dental issues. By the end of the procedure—implant-supported dentures and all—the patient’s tears said everything. That life-changing moment showed Dr. Jafari the profound emotional and psychological impact dentistry can have.

“We had to teach his face how to smile again. That moment of transformation—it’s never left me.”

The Veterans Who Taught Him Empathy

Dr. Jafari didn’t stop his learning after dental school. He completed an Advanced General Dentistry residency at UNC Chapel Hill and spent a pivotal rotation at the Kernersville VA serving military veterans. This chapter of his journey gave him more than clinical expertise—it gave him perspective.

“Military dentistry was about patching up and moving on. At the VA, I realized how many veterans carried trauma—not just from war, but from bad dental experiences. That’s when I learned how much of our job is just listening.”

To this day, Dr. Jafari remains in-network with VA Community Care so he can continue treating veterans with the dignity they deserve.

Dentistry with Heart—And a Therapy Dog

At Pace Dental, patient experience goes far beyond cleanings and crowns. Walk in on a Wednesday or Thursday and you’ll be greeted by Lulu, the official office therapy dog. She sits with anxious patients, cuddles during procedures, and provides a calming presence that helps even the most nervous visitors feel at ease.

“She’s our secret weapon. She helps people like me a lot more.”

Beyond Lulu, it’s Dr. Jafari’s hands-on, deeply relational style that sets the tone. He makes it a point to sit with every patient, talk through procedures in plain language, and offer analogies that click with their lifestyle—whether they’re engineers or DIYers.

Digital Tools with a Human Touch

Dr. Jafari isn’t just empathetic—he’s also cutting-edge. His practice uses fully digital scanning to eliminate goopy impressions, and he’s recently incorporated scannable healing abutments for implant procedures. This newer technology reduces the number of surgeries and healing time for patients, making implant restoration smoother and more comfortable.

“No one wants to get numb more than once. This tech lets us skip a whole surgery—patients love it.”

Despite the tech, Dr. Jafari emphasizes the human side of dentistry. Every digital innovation is evaluated through the lens of patient comfort, not convenience.

A Culture of Growth and Gratitude

As the sole owner of Pace Dental, Dr. Jafari has shaped the practice’s culture with intention. He leads a tight-knit team where everyone—from front desk to hygienists—feels heard and supported. He encourages open communication and collaboration, even inviting his assistants to weigh in on shade matching for restorations.

“I joke that I flip the burgers. I’ll do sterile, flip rooms—whatever’s needed. We’re a team.”

He looks for team members with a growth mindset, valuing humility and the desire to keep learning over flawless resumes. The result is a workplace rooted in empathy, accountability, and care.

Rooted in Vienna, Invested in Legacy

Vienna isn’t just where Dr. Jafari practices—it’s why he chose this location in the first place. The intimate, close-knit community reflects the same values he wants his practice to embody.

“Most of our new patients come from referrals. That word-of-mouth—it means everything to me.”

He’s proud to carry on the legacy of Pace Dental, which has served Vienna since the 1950s. As corporate chains disrupt the healthcare landscape, Dr. Jafari stands firm in offering relationship-driven, prevention-focused care that puts patients before profits.

Advice for the Next Generation of Dentists

For younger dentists, Dr. Jafari offers this:

“Listen to your patients. Use analogies. Learn how they think. You’re not just treating teeth—you’re building trust.”

His secret? Show patients their scans, teach them about their conditions, and explain the long-term reasoning behind every recommendation. When patients understand the “why,” they become active partners in their own care.

The Long Game: Prevention Over Profit

Perhaps most refreshingly, Dr. Jafari has no interest in upselling or aggressive treatment plans. His VA background shaped a deeply conservative, prevention-first mindset. He avoids unnecessary procedures, focuses on oral hygiene education, and tells patients that regular cleanings are “personal training for your gums.”

“If you don’t fix the hygiene, it’s just a loop of fillings and frustration. Let’s prevent the problems before they even begin.”

Final Thoughts

In an industry often plagued by rushed appointments and confusing treatment plans, Dr. Nojan Jafari offers something rare: clarity, compassion, and a long-term vision of wellness. At Pace Dental, it’s not just about perfect smiles—it’s about restoring confidence, building relationships, and making people feel truly cared for.

To experience this kind of dentistry—or meet Lulu—visit Pace Dental of Vienna.

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