Dr. Mahdieh Beheshti opened her pediatric dental practice, Bee Happy, in Newton last November. It doesn’t look or sound like a typical dentist’s office. Soft ambient music soothes patients in the waiting room, which is adorned with a mural depicting a woodland scene with a honey-eating bear, buzzing bees, and delicate flowers. Plush chairs and a cozy play area transform what could be an anxiety-inducing medical space into a calming retreat for young patients. Fig City News spoke with Beheshti about her journey from Iran to Newton, her approach to pediatric dentistry, and the personal touches she brings to her practice.
What inspired you to become a pediatric dentist?
I grew up in a family where all my siblings were physicians. In Iran, it’s different. After high school, we take a national exam and choose our major immediately. I really liked doing something with my hands, but I didn’t want to be a surgeon. Looking back at my childhood, I always got involved in crafting. My handwriting is very nice, and I was always making things. I thought dentistry would allow me to work with my hands.
Dentistry is actually much harder than you think. When a millimeter is nothing to most people, for us, a millimeter is the worst thing. Our world is too small, too delicate.
You were already a pediatric dentist in Iran. Why did you have to redo your training in the U.S.?
As a dentist from Iran, my credentials weren’t recognized in the U.S. I attended Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine, graduating with honors and joining the OKU Honor Society. To specialize in pediatrics, I completed my residency at Jacobi Medical Center in New York, a competitive program at a Level 1 trauma center focused on specialized care for children.
What drew you to Newton for your practice?
I really wanted to be close to the city but also envisioned myself living somewhere I could stay for a while. Even before coming to the United States, Boston was my dream land. I had never been here, but just envisioning Harvard, MIT, and everything here made me think this would be a very nice place.
Your office has such distinctive décor. Tell me about that.
I wanted to have a space that’s friendly and inviting, especially for the little ones, but I had a limited budget and couldn’t pay a designer. My sister suggested Etsy, and we found someone from Ukraine who designed the mural at a much lower price.
I did everything here myself — the border molding, lighting, and assembled all the parts like a puzzle. When I made mistakes, I had to take pieces off with a knife and repaint. It was harder than you might think.
You’ve invested in some specialized dental technology. Why is that important to you?
I have one of the latest technologies for anesthesia that’s basically painless with minimal swelling. The look is less scary for kids.
I also use premium composites for fillings that better match natural teeth, though insurance doesn’t always cover these costs. I can feel the difference in the final result, and that matters to me.
What’s your philosophy about dental treatment?
I make money from dentistry, but I don’t want to see any cavities. It just breaks my heart. Prevention is key, which is why educating parents is so important.
I’ve started visiting preschools, daycares, and hosting open houses at my practice to show children the materials we use and what happens during a dental visit — when they’re educated and familiar with it, they’re much less afraid.
I also take a very conservative approach. I don’t like to cut the tooth because once you do, you have to deal with that for the rest of the patient’s life. It’s the patient’s interest and what’s best for them in the long run that matters, not what’s best for me financially.
I understand you’re also a talented cake decorator. Isn’t that ironic for a dentist?
[Laughs] It sounds ironic — the person telling you not to eat sweets is making cakes. But it’s OK to have sweets occasionally, just not frequently.
I bake differently than most Americans. I don’t add sugar to my frosting because the cake already has sugar. I use heavy cream and fillings like banana, pineapple, and walnuts.
I do it for fun, though I secretly dream of my own bakery. Recently, I made a cake for my nephew’s third birthday, and he finds even more joy than me. He called his dad shouting, “Did you see my cake?” and guarded it from all his friends at his party. [Laughs]
I promised myself, as much as I can, I’m going to do it for him.
You also have a pet parrot named Goli?
Yes, he hatched in January 2017. It’s funny because I’m not actually a bird person — I always wanted a dog. But Goli is so smart and understands me very well. He speaks Farsi, and his love is so pure. Sometimes he hides under the sofa when I need to put him back in his cage to leave for work, knowing I can’t reach him. I don’t normally bring him to the office, but he has visited.
What challenges have you faced since opening your practice?
Starting a small business requires passion, dedication, and resilience amid constant challenges.
My mission was clear: create a welcoming space where families trust their children’s dental care. I’ve navigated everything from financial pressures to regulatory hurdles while building a patient base and assembling the right team.
Despite these challenges, the journey has been rewarding. Newton is filled with passionate entrepreneurs making a difference, and I’m proud to be part of this community.
Owning a small business isn’t just about providing services—it’s building relationships, creating jobs, and adding value. With local support, I look forward to growing Bee Happy Pediatric Dentistry’s impact.
What’s most important to you when treating children?
For me, family is my top priority. When parents bring their children to me, they’re trusting me with the most precious thing they have. I really try to understand parents’ concerns without judgment.
My job is never fun for the kids, never comfortable. But I try to make it exciting because that’s how they get distracted. I want them to have a good experience and improve their oral hygiene—so they look forward to seeing a dentist rather than fearing it.
Alexyss Lopez is a senior majoring in Journalism at Boston University and working with Fig City News via her department’s new initiative, the BU Newsroom program.
