MEET THE TEAM
Arash Niazi, DDS
Dr. Niazi obtained his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Case Western Reserve University in 2003. After practicing for five years as a general dentist in Tacoma and Gig Harbor, he attended the University of Southern California to become certified in Endodontics (root canal specialist).
Dr. Niazi's past experience as a general dentist is an asset in providing a multidisciplinary approach to long-term treatment in conjunction with a patient's general dentist. Dr. Niazi believes root canal treatment is the best method of saving teeth and improving oral health, an essential part of a patient's overall health. He believes that endodontic treatment should be affordable, comfortable, and of long-lasting results. Dr. Niazi has enjoyed returning home to serve the endodontic needs for the people of Pierce, Kitsap and Mason counties.
Dr. Niazi is active in endodontic research and publication. He has volunteered and traveled to El Salvador to provide endodontic care to the less fortunate. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebecca, and their daughter and son.
Hadjir Haghparast, DDS MS
“Dr. H” was raised in Sweden where he earned a Master of Science Degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Malmo University. He continued to practice general dentistry in a multi-specialty practice where he discovered his passion for endodontics. Dr. H was also a faculty member at Malmo University where he was active in research and publications.
In pursuit of professional growth, Dr. H moved to the United States and attended the University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Here he completed his post-doctoral residency in Endodontics.
Dr. H now calls the Pacific Northwest home. Coincidentally, this area reminds him very much of where he grew up in Sweden. Hadjir’s unique cross-cultural background and life experiences enable him to relate to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic, religious, or cultural background. He is fluent in English, Swedish, German and Farsi.
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Kristy
Administrative Assistant
Kristy has been a part of Gig Harbor and Port Orchard Endodontics since 2007 as administrative assistant and insurance coordinator. She enjoys playing a part in making our patients comfortable during their office visits. She was born in the Midwest but has lived most of her adult life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. When away from the workplace, she and her husband Mark enjoy checking out local restaurants, travelling and always make sure to allow plenty of time for their adult children and grandkids!
Margaret
Administrative Assistant
When you first visit our office, you will be greeted by Margaret. With a smile and sense of humor, she takes care of all your front office needs. With more than 25 years in the dental field, Margaret really enjoys helping patients have a fantastic dental experience.
When Margaret is not at the office she enjoys running, camping, hiking, traveling, visiting family, and spending time outdoors. Margaret has a son with whom she enjoys spending time. She is an avid animal lover and has a rescue dog named Rosie...her "partner in crime."
Ashley
Administrative & Dental Assistant
Ashley is new to Gig Harbor Endodontics and the dental field. She wants to get involved in dentistry to help people get the smile they desire knowing it will boost their confidence. Growing up in Gig Harbor, she always had a great experience with dental visits and was impressed by the many different specialties in the dental field. She found it spell binding how multiple doctors from different specialties come together to help one patient. In the future, Ashley wants to pursue a career as a dentist, specifically a pediatric dentist. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with an emphasis in pre-med and cell biology from Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO. In her free time, Ashley keeps busy with some of her favorite activities: boating, camping, hiking, skiing, and her new favorite activity....fishing!
Tara
Certified Dental Assistant
Tara enrolled as an Alumni at Penn Foster Career School graduating from their Dental Assistant program in 2016. She says, “as a biracial female, I knew from previous life experiences that my passion was helping people, especially the under-privileged and immigrant populations.” With this intent, she began her profession working as a Dental Assistant in Community Health. She loves working in the dental field because every day is an opportunity to make a dramatic and positive difference in someone’s life. She says her job is more than assisting a dentist; her job is one of reassurance, empathy and compassion.
Tara grew up in Canada, but moved to the US nearly ten years ago. Now that she passed her last national board exam to become a CDA, Tara enjoys spending time with her fiancé in their new home...soaking in the hot tub, gardening and caring for their little zoo of animals. They can most certainly be found all over Western Washington fishing from their kayaks.
Madeline
Dental Assistant
Madeline joins our Endodontic Team directly from Bremerton Dental Assisting School. After working with small children for several years she wanted a new adventure and career change. Madeline likes meeting all the people who come in for help on their teeth and being able to help them with the procedures of the office.
Madeline has lived in Port Orchard since she was in the second grade and considers Washington State home. In her free time, she likes to read and tend to her garden. Madeline loves her two dogs: Rhino a Great Dane-Mastiff mix and Ellie a Chihuahua-Terrier mix. Also, amongst the mix she cares for two fish!
Kat
Dental Assistant
Kat is a graduate of Clover Park Technical College. She assisted in a private general dentistry practice for 2 years before committing to five years to Community Health Care.
Kat’s mother has been her greatest role model when deciding to go into the dental field. She inspired Kat with her excellent patient care, how she commands the room and makes every patient feel comfortable and confident knowing that their dental needs and best interests are taken to heart.
What does Kat like about the dental field? “When my patients leave their appointments smiling and confident knowing that their needs are being taken care of. A smile is so important. It’s what makes us feel beautiful on the inside out and can affect how we perceive ourselves.”
Kat was born into the military (Air Force) in Okinawa, Japan and lived there for 7 years before moving to Abilene, TX. When her dad decided to retire, they moved to Washington in 2001.
During Kat’s free time, she spends time with her young son and his father. She loves to read a good book to relax and listen to music on long drives and let her mind and imagination wander. What’s her latest challenge? Developing a green thumb!
Nicole
Office Liaison
Nicole has been with Gig Harbor Endodontics for 10 years. As the office liaison, she has had the privilege to travel throughout Pierce, Kitsap and Mason County areas visiting the offices of our referring dentists. You will most likely find her on the road delivering lunches, flowers, or other seasonal goodies to show our appreciation to those who help the practice thrive. She has been learning on the job by adding website design and social media management to her work skills. When she's not working she enjoys spending time with her husband Ted, daughter Miranda and son-in-law Matthew. Ruby, the Labrador keeps everyone on their toes! Together they like to camp, hike, fish, garden and work on their home.