AboutStart Smiling Dental
Start Smiling Dental is a Sandy Springs based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dental office that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, veneers and more.
We also perform emergency dentist services that include bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. As a local dentist, we create lifelong relationships with our patients and their families and work to ensure that they receive treatments in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Dr Dancy, Dr Patel, and our team invite you to schedule an appointment by calling 404-496-6146 and experience why our patients think Start Smiling Dental is the best dentist in Sandy Springs.
Nimmi Patel, DMD
Dr. Patel received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science. She then moved to Boston, Massachusetts to pursue her dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, she completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Dayton VA Medical Center, where she learned to handle complex cases and gain an understanding of the unique oral health needs of veterans. She then had the privilege of serving the community of Dayton, Ohio, providing comprehensive and gentle dental care to her patients.
Dr. Patel is passionate about her role in providing the best dental education for her patients, as she truly cares about the preventative aspects of dentistry and maintaining good oral health. Her philosophy regarding dentistry is comprehensive dental care with the patient’s overall health and comfort in mind.
In 2023, Dr. Patel embarked on an exciting new chapter with her husband and son as they relocated to Atlanta to be closer to family. Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Patel finds joy in spending quality time with her family and traveling. She is excited to explore all that Atlanta has to offer and contribute to the bright smiles of its residents.
Ala Yassin, DDS, MSD
Dr. Ala Yassin is a highly accomplished and board-certified periodontist. She moved to the United States in 2008 and embarked on her professional journey in dentistry after graduating from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in December of 2015. She remained in Colorado, where she practiced until 2017. She joined the Periodontal Residency Program at Anschutz Dental and Medical University and graduated from the residency in June of 2020. She attended the American Association of Periodontology and became a Certified Periodontist in August of 2021.With a solid foundation in periodontology and dental implant surgery, she has continuously strived to enhance her skills and knowledge over the years.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Yassin leads a fulfilling life outside of the office. During her free time, you can often find her engaging in various physical activities such as Zumba and hiking. A lover of nature, she cherishes the opportunity to immerse herself in the beauty of Georgia’s landscapes. Dr. Yassin possesses a passion for culinary arts, finding joy in exploring new recipes and creating delicious meals. She speaks English and Arabic.
William Kevin Dancy, DDS, MS
Dr. Dancy is a licensed dentist based in Atlanta, GA, with a distinguished career spanning clinical and managerial roles since 2001. In addition to serving numerous patients since he began practicing in Atlanta in 2002, he continues to provide leadership initiatives, guidance and mentorship to many dentists in the area. As a dedicated dentist, exceptional patient care is the cornerstone of his practice. His mission is to cultivate a compassionate and welcoming environment where every patient feels valued, understood, and empowered to make informed decisions about their dental health. He is committed to providing the highest quality of dental care through continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a personalized approach tailored to each individual’s needs. By fostering open communication and trust, he aims to make a positive, lasting impact on his patients' oral health and overall well-being. Dentistry is not just a profession for him, but a partnership in improving lives, one smile at a time.
Dr. Dancy is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Top Gun Dentist Award, and the Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. Additional professional achievements include Fellowship Awards from the AGD and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
An alumnus of the University of Michigan, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse College, Dr. Dancy is also involved in community and professional organizations such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival Society Board, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Morehouse College Alumni Association.
Avni Maru, DMD, MSD
Dr. Avni Maru grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky. She completed a rigorous combined 6-year undergrad and dental program at Case Western Reserve University where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine. After graduation, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at University Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Following her AEGD, she worked in private practice for a year before starting her two-year endodontic specialty training. Dr. Maru obtained her Certificate in Endodontics and Master's Degree in Dentistry with a Minor in Oral Pathology from Indiana University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Maru has completed training in complex endodontic procedures using modern equipment and techniques such as surgical operating microscope, microsurgical instruments, digital 3D CBCT imaging. Dr. Maru strives to provide the best dentistry delivered painlessly.
In her free time, Dr. Maru enjoys spending time with her family & traveling to different parts of the world. Her hobbies include painting, reading and practicing yoga.
Shahrokh Bagheri, BS, DMD, MD, FACS, FICD
Dr. Shahrokh C. Bagheri is a dual-degree, board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with advanced training in both medicine and dentistry. He holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD, cum laude, Class Marshal) from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Emory University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Dr. Bagheri completed his General Practice Residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, followed by internships and residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and General Surgery at Emory University Hospitals. He further specialized in CranioMaxillofacial Trauma Surgery through a fellowship at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
Husain Ali Khan, MD, DMD, FACS
Dr. Husain Ali Khan, MD, DMD, FACS is triple board certified, holding board certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and Cosmetic Body Surgery. This rare combination of certifications reflects comprehensive training and demonstrated expertise.
Dr. Khan grew up in Toronto, Canada, where he developed an early interest in science and medicine. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky, followed by his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the nation’s premier Level I trauma centers.
In 2011, Dr. Khan completed both a Master’s Degree in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery and an accredited fellowship in Cosmetic Surgery, recognized by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS).
Through his work in Atlanta, Dr. Khan continues to integrate rigorous trauma training, academic scholarship, and hands-on clinical experience.