What Does Success Look Like to You? – Dr. Amir Haydarian

What Does Success Look Like to You? – Dr. Amir Haydarian

Dr. Amir Haydarian is a Toronto-based dentist with over 28 years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Born in Iran on October 23, 1965, he moved to Canada in 1986, where he pursued his education while working to support himself. He completed a combined major in biology and chemistry at York University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Toronto in 1996.

Dr. Haydarian began his career as an associate dentist in the Niagara region, working in Welland and Fonthill. In 1998, he opened his own dental practice in Mount Pleasant, Toronto, where he provided comprehensive care for over two decades. He is known for his expertise in Invisalign, implant restorations, and cosmetic procedures. He holds certifications in nitrous oxide sedation and advanced aesthetic dentistry from the Las Vegas Institute (LVI).

Committed to ongoing education, Dr. Haydarian continues to complete courses in emerging dental techniques and technologies. He is a long-time member of the Ontario Dental Association and has been recognized as a Canada Scholar and Ontario Scholar.

Outside of dentistry, he is active in his community, volunteering with the Imam Mahdi Islamic Centre since 2009 and supporting local food banks since 2021. His hobbies include gardening, swimming, reading, and horseback riding with his two horses, Roya and Omid. Dr. Haydarian is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dentists and recently launched a personal blog to share insights from his career and life experiences.

Q&A with Dr. Amir Haydarian: On Success in Life, Career, and Community

How do you personally define success?
To me, success is living with purpose and balance. It’s not only about what you achieve professionally, but how you treat people, how you grow spiritually, and how you give back. If you can look back and say you helped others and stayed true to your values, that’s success.

What has been the biggest lesson in your career journey?
Persistence. I came to Canada without knowing the language or having a support system. I worked hard, learned through challenges, and never gave up. Success doesn’t come quickly—it comes through small, consistent efforts. I always say: trust the process and keep showing up.

How do you stay grounded as a professional?
I remind myself that I’m here to serve, not just to treat. Dentistry is about people, not just procedures. I also make time for activities outside the clinic—gardening, horseback riding, sports. That balance helps me stay centered and bring my best to work each day.

What role does faith or spirituality play in your life?
A major one. I believe in putting trust in God and being open to the path that unfolds. My faith has guided me through tough decisions and reminded me to stay humble. It’s also helped me find strength in moments when logic alone wasn’t enough.

How can a community be successful?
By supporting one another. When people share their time, skills, and compassion—whether through volunteering or simply being present for others—that builds real strength. I’ve seen this through my work at the Imam Mahdi Islamic Centre and the local food bank. Success as a community starts with service.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Don’t rush. Focus on building character, not just a résumé. Learn from everyone. Stay curious. And always do the right thing, even when no one is watching. That’s how you build a meaningful life, not just a successful one.