Creating a Practice That Restores Smiles—and Lives—From the Inside Out
If you had told Dr. Peter Mikhail years ago that he’d one day be sitting in the operatory with a massage chair behind him, under-eye patches chilling in the fridge, and a baby monitor tucked in his pocket—he probably would’ve laughed.
And yet, here he is—co-owner of SiRa Dentistry in Spotswood, New Jersey; husband; proud new dad; and builder of a practice that dares to do things differently. A place where dentistry feels personal again. Where patients feel seen. And where something as simple as a cleaning can help change a child’s life.
The Long Road to the Right Fit
Before dental school, Mikhail was torn between a few passions. Neuroscience fascinated him, but he also craved the instant gratification of fixing something broken and helping people walk out feeling better than when they arrived. Dentistry turned out to be the perfect blend of science, artistry, and human connection.
After finishing undergrad and dental school, he began his career in a traditional practice—but something didn’t fit. Like many young dentists, he was juggling production goals, tight schedules, and a system that felt more corporate than caring. “I knew there had to be a better way,” he says.
So, he decided to build one.
Building SiRa: A Practice That Protects What Matters
SiRa Dentistry was born from a desire to protect patients from the frustrations Mikhail saw too often in traditional offices: long waits, rushed care, unclear treatment plans, and a lack of trust.
Together with his co-owner, Dr. Massoud, Mikhail shaped SiRa around what they call the emotional, convenience, and trust gaps in dentistry—with one goal: close those gaps for good.
That vision comes to life through:
Same-day appointments and treatment options—so patients don’t wait for relief.
Advanced technology like CBCT imaging, intraoral cameras, and digital scans—for faster, safer, more precise care.
Transparent, pressure-free treatment plans—because trust is the real foundation of any relationship.
Sensory-focused patient experiences—from warm towels and soft lighting to flavored fluoride and neck pillows.
Membership plans and 0% financing—to make care accessible to everyone.
And perhaps most meaningful of all, SiRa donates a portion of every cleaning to enrich the lives of children in need. Their tagline says it all: “Every smile you take care of helps another child smile, too.”
The Hardest Part Right Now
For Mikhail, the biggest challenge these days isn’t growth—it’s sustainability.
“I’ve worn every hat—dentist, marketer, copywriter, social media manager, janitor—you name it,” he laughs. “I love it all, but it’s a lot.”
Learning to delegate and trust others has been the next great chapter of leadership. Recently, SiRa began searching for a full-time copywriter so Mikhail could focus his energy on leading the team and connecting with patients.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup,” he says—a mantra that’s become his guide.
What Grounds Him Outside the Operatory
Becoming a father to his son, Jonah, changed everything. “Holding him for the first time reminded me why I built SiRa—to create a life that doesn’t sacrifice family for success.”
These days, Mikhail’s favorite moments come from family walks with his wife, Martina (a nurse anesthetist), or quiet nights at home—bottle feeds and all.
He also finds balance in boxing, a passion that gives him both discipline and peace. “It’s not about throwing punches—it’s about focus, presence, and pushing through discomfort with intention.” The rhythm of the sport, he says, keeps his mind sharp and helps him lead his team with more awareness and grace.
Words to Live By
“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
“It’s what we preach at SiRa,” Mikhail says. “Let’s be so good—so caring, so convenient—that people would be crazy to go anywhere else.”
A Few Fun Facts
What’s something most dentists don’t know about you?
“I study macroeconomics and market cycles.”
Coolest thing I’ve ever done?
“Built a practice from scratch with values over volume—and had a baby in the same year. Zero sleep, 100% worth it.”
Biggest regret?
“Waiting so long to start. The perfect time doesn’t exist.”
Dream dinner guest?
“My future self, five years from now. I’d ask what I should stop worrying about today.”
Final Thoughts
“Owning a dental practice is hard—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But if you build one rooted in purpose, surrounded by a team you trust, and aligned with a life you’re proud of outside the office… it’s worth every bit of the climb.”
Mikhail’s story isn’t just about building a practice—it’s about building a life that reflects the same care, courage, and intention he brings to every patient he serves.
If his story helps even one dentist feel less alone—or more inspired to reclaim their peace and vision—he considers that the ultimate success.
