On November 8th 2016, three words forever changed my life, “you have cancer!”. My world was flipped upside down. Scared, angry, frustrated and so many other feelings go through one’s mind. During the ensuing months, as my treatments started, I began to feel the power of hope, confidence and peace again.
The oncology team at Cedars Cancer Center was there for me through thick and thin, the ups and downs. I never felt alone. I knew I had the world’s best cancer team right by my side as I embarked on this life changing journey for the following year. I write to you today as a breast cancer survivor thanks to the amazing team of doctors and nurses and staff at the Cedars Cancer Center.
When I was going through my treatments, I noticed first-hand the general lack of education on oral health amongst the patients. I witnessed a patient’s life saving chemo treatments having to get postponed because of a periodontal abscess, in an already immunocompromised patient. I witnessed how patients struggled with oral rehabilitation after their cancer treatment.
As a result, my husband and I created a fund at Cedar’s Cancer Center Foundation to raise money towards periodontal education and rehabilitation for patients undergoing chemo treatment and cancer survivors. We also decided to provide free of charge comprehensive periodontal care for their patients at our private practice whenever it affects their chemo treatments.
Dr. Sara Behmanesh
Biography
Dr. Omid Kiarash
DMD, MSD, Dip. Perio., ABP.
Dr. Kiarash is the former Director of the Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He is the President-Elect of the Canadian Academy of Periodontology and the co-organizer for the Annual Scientific Session as well as the Long-Term Strategic Planning Committee for the CAP. Dr. Kiarash is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the International Team of Implantology (ITI). Dr. Kiarash is the Chairman for the Predoctoral Directors Organization of the American Academy of Periodontology, as well as a voting member on the Education Committee for the AAP. Dr. Kiarash is the Study Club Director for the “Montreal Rive-Sud” ITI Study Club.
Dr. Sara Behmanesh
DDS, MSc., Dip. Perio., ABP
Dr. Behmanesh is a former clinical instructor, faculty lecturer and course director in the Department of Periodontics at McGill University Faculty of Dentistry. She has received the prestigious American Academy of Periodontology Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Behmanesh is the president of the Montreal Dental Club and an executive member of Federation of Dental Societies of Greater Montreal. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the International Team of Implantology (ITI). She is also a member of the American Academy of Periodontology Predoctoral Organization committee. Dr. Behmanesh has a passion in hands-on Dental Continuing Education courses and teaching advanced surgical techniques. She is also the director of 3 Spear Study Clubs in Montreal.