We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Nathan Nourian recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Nathan, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Growing up, I wasn’t the smartest kid in school, which meant I had to work extra hard to keep up with the rest of the class. This determination and resilience became a fundamental part of who I am today. My experiences in dental school further solidified this trait. Despite the rigorous curriculum, I persevered and immersed myself in research, which eventually led me to pursue an orthodontic residency. The journey was challenging, but each step reinforced my belief that with dedication and hard work, I could achieve my goals. This resilience has become a cornerstone of my professional life and has guided me through opening my own orthodontic practice Textbook Orthodontics.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
From an early age, I was immersed in the world of dentistry. As a child, I would often be in my father’s dental practice, interacting with patients or pretending to help out. By the age of five, I knew that dentistry was my future and passion. This early exposure to the field shaped my path and instilled in me a deep love for helping others.
Now, as an orthodontist, I carry forward the values and dedication I learned from my father. I am deeply committed to my patients, understanding the immense trust parents place in me to care for their children. I find great joy in witnessing the growth and transformation of my young patients during their treatment, especially during those critical transitional years. The look of newfound confidence on their faces when treatment is complete is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
At Textbook Orthodontics, I treat every child as if they were my own, ensuring they receive the best possible care. I understand that choosing an orthodontist is a significant decision for parents, as it involves entrusting their most cherished treasures to my care. This responsibility is one I take very seriously, and I strive to provide a positive and supportive experience for both the children and their families.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were working hard, having fun, and loving what I do. The determination to work hard helped me overcome challenges, from my school days to my orthodontic residency. Having fun along the way kept me motivated and reminded me to enjoy the process, even during the most demanding times. Above all, loving what I do has been the driving force behind my success. My passion for orthodontics fuels my commitment to providing the best care for my patients and makes every day fulfilling. These qualities have shaped my journey and continue to guide me in my practice.
I always tell college and dental students that the most important thing is loving what you do. If you don’t love what you do, you’re always going to struggle because you’ll never enjoy the journey to get where you want to be. Becoming an orthodontist is a long and demanding path. I completed 4 years of undergraduate studies, 4 years of dental school, and 3 years of orthodontic residency. Without a genuine passion for the field, the challenges along the way can feel insurmountable. Loving what you do makes every step of the journey rewarding and worthwhile.

How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal orthodontic patient is anyone who is looking to improve their smile, confidence, and oral health. Orthodontics not only aligns the teeth but also promotes an ideal bite, which is essential for the long-term health of your teeth. Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, if you’re committed to enhancing your oral health and achieving a beautiful smile, you’re an ideal patient for my practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://textbookorthodontics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.braceface
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/textbookorthodontics/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/textbook-orthodontics-braces-and-invisalign-panorama-city


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