Francheska Velazquez
Play to Learn Childcare
The Backstory
When Dr. Mehnosh (Michelle) Afkari established her own dental practice, she was driven in part by her personal philosophy of treating patients the way she would want to be treated. She strives to provide gentle care, not rush patients, offer detailed explanations of her findings, and educate patients on treatment options and how they affect their health.
“I love what I do,” says Michelle. “Most patients like me because they’re not used to this type of style, and they’re used to seeing dentists running room to room.”
After graduating from Portland State University in Oregon, Michelle began her dental career at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. She remained in Oregon for a few years after graduating in 1999, then moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family.
Michelle briefly worked for other dentists in Connecticut, and in 2002 she decided to start her own practice. She renovated a building in Norwalk, and Precision Dental Care was born.
“I love what I do,” says Michelle. “Most patients like me because they’re not used to this type of style, and they’re used to seeing dentists running room to room.”
After graduating from Portland State University in Oregon, Michelle began her dental career at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. She remained in Oregon for a few years after graduating in 1999, then moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family.
Michelle briefly worked for other dentists in Connecticut, and in 2002 she decided to start her own practice. She renovated a building in Norwalk, and Precision Dental Care was born.
How Women's Business Development Council Helped
The decision to start her own practice came with new challenges. Michelle says that her background in dental care did not prepare her for aspects of running a small business, especially when it came to marketing. When a friend informed her about the services available through the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), she attended several classes to improve her business knowledge and received an Equity Match Grant (now Ignite grant) to help grow her practice.
“I am excited to be a part of the WBDC community and to have an opportunity to learn from their team of experts and from other women business owners. It is amazing to know this resource is available to help women grow their businesses,” said Michelle. “I truly believe that when you help women, you also help families and strengthen communities.”
Michelle says she loves how being a business owner gives her the opportunity to be more creative and build strong relationships. She urges women who are starting their entrepreneurial journeys to remain committed to honesty, integrity, hard work, and good service, and to understand that making mistakes – and learning from them – is part of the process.
“Don’t give up,” she says. “Be persistent. Take it one day at a time.”
“I am excited to be a part of the WBDC community and to have an opportunity to learn from their team of experts and from other women business owners. It is amazing to know this resource is available to help women grow their businesses,” said Michelle. “I truly believe that when you help women, you also help families and strengthen communities.”
Michelle says she loves how being a business owner gives her the opportunity to be more creative and build strong relationships. She urges women who are starting their entrepreneurial journeys to remain committed to honesty, integrity, hard work, and good service, and to understand that making mistakes – and learning from them – is part of the process.
“Don’t give up,” she says. “Be persistent. Take it one day at a time.”
Website
Location
2 Colony Place, Norwalk, CT 06851
preciseteeth@gmail.com
Contact Phone
203 838-5511