Murtuza Jaffari, DDS

“It’s important that we see each patient as a person, not as a chart number or procedure.”

Murtuza Jaffari, DDS
Team Dental, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania



Murtuza Jaffari, DDS, said taking a one-patient-at-a-time approach has strengthened his connection to the important work of dentistry. When you’re going from appointment to appointment, day after day, it’s easy to lose sight of the individuals in the chair.

“As dentists, we treat dozens of patients a day while completing hundreds of procedures a month,” he said. “It’s important that we see each patient as a person, not as a chart number or procedure.”

Jaffari’s list of accomplishments include serving as president of the New Jersey AGD (2017–18), starting two dental practices and establishing a nonprofit called Team Patients, which matches dental students who are taking licensing boards with patients who can’t afford dental care.

“We have helped many students and patients and, in a very minute way, maybe even helped address the access-to-care issue,” Jaffari said.

“Dr. Murtuza Jaffari has had a real impact on the way the New Jersey AGD views itself going into the future,” said Shari L. Hyder DMD, MAGD, regional director of Region 4. “During his presidency, he developed a mission statement for the New Jersey AGD along with smart goals and a hierarchy of leadership. In addition, he is a strong advocate for younger dentists and for membership.”

In the years ahead, Jaffari hopes to blend his love of learning with his love of mentorship by educating future dentists.

“I’d like to earn a master’s degree to further my education, whether it be in business, health or a specific dental field,” he said. 

“I also love teaching and can see myself becoming a dental professor in the next decade.”

Read more about the 10 Dentists to Watch or return to This Week at AGD.