Beyond The Smile Artist

Meet Dr. Farokh Jiveh, Cosmetic Dentist, Community Leader And President-Elect Of The Wellington Rotary Club

Palm Beach Cosmetic Dentist Wellington The Magazine recently sat down with local cosmetic dentist Dr. Farokh Jiveh, delving into the practices, both professional and civic, of one of the more unique local personalities.

Wellington The Magazine: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where were you born and how did you get here?

Dr. Jiveh: I was born in Yazd, located in central Iran. It is a historic town famous for its sweets… a dentist’s dream town! As a kid belonging to a minority religion in Iran, it was a little tough. Living in the U.S. for so many years, it’s difficult to comprehend living in a society where we lacked freedom, and we were persecuted for our beliefs. My parents always had a vision to send us out west to the United States for education. I still recall my first day in the states. I walked out into the hot and humid Miami summer air and thought to myself, “What a beautiful town! And why the heck can’t I breathe?”

Wellington The Magazine: Why did your family decide to emigrate?

Dr. Jiveh: My brother and I left Iran to seek education. My parents were forced to leave a few years later. They came here to visit as tourists. They, too, have not been able to go back for almost 30 years. Soon after my parents left Iran, we received news that our home, and everything we had, was taken over by the new regime. We realized then that we would have to start from nothing. My Dad worked very hard for years after we arrived here to support us. He still has his tickets for their return to Iran. I keep telling him there is no way Pan Am is going to refund his ticket after almost 30 years!

Wellington The Magazine: Did your religion play a part in why you left, where you ended up?

Dr. Jiveh: Being a Bahá’í (visit www.bahai.org for more information), a minority religion in Iran, we were constantly the target of pointless oppression and persecution from religious fanatics. Many Bahá’ís in Iran have perished or have been driven to leave since the early 1980s due to persecution. Because of religious beliefs, many of my family members in Iran do not have jobs or their kids cannot go to school or universities.

A bright moment was when I became a U.S. citizen over a decade ago. I remain extremely proud of my country, heritage and background. Nothing can ever tarnish the love, warmth and hospitality of my Persian friends, the beauty and majestic sites, or the magnificence of such a rich culture.

My faith has its foundation based on unity and celebrating human diversity. It teaches peace, human prosperity, equality between men and women, the elimination of prejudice, and the agreement of science and religion. “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens” is a quote from the Bahá’í faith. It provides me with a vision of unity, peace and harmony for the future, and the spiritual sustenance to act on that vision.

Dr Farokh Jiveh - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers and implant dentistry to the areas of West Palm Beach and Wellington, South Florida.