Employee Spotlight: Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, Dental Director

Name:  Nader Rastgoftar, DDS

Department: Dental

Title: Dental Director

Primary work location: Olathe, Ottawa, Outreach

How long have you worked at HPC?  

I have been at HPC for six years.

How did you get into your field of work?

In 2003, I needed an emergency surgery on my wrist, and the outcome did not look too promising. I could lose all movement for the rest of my life. After I got my cast off, I was told that my wrist healed normally. I was so happy and relieved! My doctor was even happier since the outcome of his work left a positive and everlasting impact on his patient’s life. At that moment, I realized that I wanted to work in health care to change people’s life.

I chose the medical field where I could utilize my engineering background. I found the manual dexterity, problem solving and artistic aspect of dentistry to be very similar to my previous experiences in engineering. I applied for dental school and in 2011 I was accepted to UMKC School of Dentistry.

Do you speak any other languages? If yes, which ones?

I speak English, Farsi, Turkish and some Thai, Arabic and Spanish.

Do you have a favorite quote? If yes, what is it?

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela

What values are important to you?

Values that are important to me include courage, gratitude, kindness, integrity, respect, patience and forgiveness.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

I was born in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, and moved to the United States in 2003.

What is on your “bucket” list?

I would like to travel to Iran, Thailand, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Hawaii, Paris, Japan and Switzerland. I would also like to visit the Colosseum in Rome and Oktoberfest in Munich.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite foods are Thai food, steak and seafood.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Usual Suspects”

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobbies are spending time with my kids, watching comedies with my wife, grilling, watching football, fishing and gardening.

Are you an animal lover?  If yes, how many pets do you have and what kind are they?

I am an animal lover. My wife and I like fish. We have a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium with more than 40 fish in it.