Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Golnaz Samimifar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Golnaz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Starting my own dental practice was both a leap of faith and a longtime goal. I always knew I wanted to build something grounded in my own values, where patient care came first, team culture was strong, and quality was never compromised. The opportunity came when I joined Sopris Smiles and eventually grew into a co-ownership role alongside my wonderful partners, Drs. Chelsea and Dave Stangl. Their mentorship, support, and leadership played a huge part in shaping both my growth and the evolution of Sopris into what it is today.

In the early days, the biggest struggle wasn’t just about being a great dentist and continuing to grow clinically, but it was learning how to lead. I had to become the boots-on-the-ground leader for a team that was still forming its rhythm, while also earning the trust of patients who had experienced a lot of transition and were craving stability. Balancing those responsibilities—delivering excellent care, managing a new team, and providing consistency and reassurance to patients—was one of the steepest and most important learning curves. Every detail mattered: choosing systems like our dental software, setting up new patient processes, building a brand, and creating a culture that reflected my vision.

Some of the biggest challenges were managing the unknowns: learning how to lead a team, navigating insurance and billing complexity, and balancing clinical work with the business side. There’s a steep learning curve when you move from provider to owner, especially when you care deeply about doing it right.

If I could go back, I would have focused earlier on setting clear systems—especially around scheduling, insurance estimates, and team roles. Mentorship from my awesome business partners was key. Having a network of people who’ve already done it can save you from reinventing the wheel.

My advice to anyone thinking of starting their own practice is: make sure your “why” is clear. This work is incredibly rewarding, but also demanding. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, invest in your team early, and don’t underestimate the business side of what you’re doing. Clinical skill gets patients in the door—but culture, communication, and consistency are what keep them coming back.

Golnaz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Dr. Golnaz Samimifar, though most patients just call me Dr. G. I’m the owner of Sopris Smiles, a dental practice in Colorado where we focus on providing compassionate, high-quality care in a setting that’s welcoming, consistent, and patient-centered.

I got into dentistry because I’ve always loved both science and people, and dentistry is the perfect blend of both. I enjoy working with my hands, solving problems, and most importantly, helping people feel confident in their health and their smiles. But beyond the clinical side, I was drawn to the idea of creating a space where patients genuinely feel cared for, where trust is earned and maintained, and where a team can grow together under a shared vision.

At Sopris Smiles, we offer a full range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services—from cleanings and fillings to crowns, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry/smile rejuvenations, whitening, and more complex treatment planning. But what really sets us apart is the way we deliver care. We focus on listening before recommending, educating instead of pressuring, and treating people like people, not procedures.

One of the biggest challenges I saw early in my career was how many patients came in feeling anxious, judged, or confused about their past experiences. Many of them had bounced between providers or felt rushed through care. So from the beginning, I made it my mission to build a practice rooted in clarity, consistency, and calm. That’s what I believe patients want most: someone they can trust, a place that feels familiar, and care that doesn’t feel transactional.

I’m proud of what we’ve built. We’re a growing practice with a small-practice heart. Our team works hard, supports one another, and genuinely cares about the people we serve. That energy shows up in every patient interaction, and it’s why we’ve been able to build such strong relationships in our community.

For anyone considering becoming a patient, I’d want them to know: we’re here to listen, to help, and to make dentistry a positive part of your life—not something you dread or delay. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last dental visit, you’ll be met with empathy, skill, and a team that’s on your side.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In the early stages of my leadership journey (and sometimes still today!), I wore every hat. I was the provider, the scheduler, the fixer, the cheerleader, and the decision-maker. I took pride in being deeply involved, but I also began to burn out. The turning point came when I realized that by trying to manage everything myself, I was actually limiting the growth of both the practice and the team.

It took time (and some humility) to unlearn the idea that delegation was risky or that stepping back meant lowering standards. What I eventually saw was that true leadership isn’t about control, it’s about trust. When I started empowering team members, investing in their growth, and letting go of the need to micromanage, things changed. Our team became stronger, more independent, and more invested in the success of the practice.

That shift didn’t happen overnight, but it’s one of the most important transformations I’ve gone through. I still hold myself to a high standard—but now I do it alongside a team I trust, rather than trying to carry everything on my own.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Being a dentist and a leader comes with a lot of emotional weight. Some days are heavy. Patients may walk in saying, “No offense, but I hate the dentist,” or a case doesn’t go as smoothly as you hoped, and you still have to rally the team, lead with clarity, and stay grounded. That’s why I believe one of the most important things you can do is protect your own morale first. For me, that means remembering why I got into this in the first place and finding gratitude in the position I’m in.

We’re incredibly lucky to be in a profession where we can help people, not just with their oral health, but in a much more whole-istic way. We listen. We celebrate with our patients when they share good news, a graduation, a new job, a baby on the way. We help anxious patients feel safe and cared for. That connection is powerful, and it reminds me that what we do matters.

When you lead from that place of purpose and gratitude, it has a ripple effect. Your team feels it. Your patients feel it. And even on hard days, it helps you realign with what’s most important. So my advice is: take care of your own morale first. Then lead by example, stay transparent, appreciate your team out loud, and build a culture that’s grounded in connection and care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soprissmiles.com
• Instagram: sopris_smiles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoprisSmiles
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sopris-smiles-englewood