Dentist – Aspen Hill, MD
Get to Know Dr. Azhar Akber
Born and raised in Central Asia, Dr. Azhar Akber is passionate about having the ability to help others with their oral health while getting to see the immediate positive impact of his work. He’s quickly become an incredible asset to our team with both his skill and enthusiasm in dentistry, and he looks forward to meeting new patients whenever possible. Feel free to read more about his background and education before coming in for your visit!
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Akber moved to the United States at the age of 16 years old, but he didn’t go to see a dentist until he was 19 years old. With dentistry being so foreign to him at a young age, he realized that there was a significant lack of knowledge on oral preventative care in his family, and people in his community didn’t place much emphasis on maintaining oral health. Curious and determined to improve his and his family’s oral health, he volunteered and shadowed at a dental practice, where he learned how dentistry combines medicine, science, and art while also helping others. Seeing how dentists help relieve dental pain, restore smiles and their functions, and improve a patient’s oral health and confidence while building lifelong relationships, he decided that becoming a dentist was his calling, and the rest is history.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Akber attended the University of Maryland, College Park for his undergraduate degree before studying at the University of California, San Francisco for his dental doctorate. He then continued his training in general practice residency at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center where he helped provide comprehensive dental care, including restoratives, endodontics, removables (dentures), and oral surgeries to veterans with complex medical histories.
Dr. Akber has taken numerous hours of continuing education through the Veterans Affairs Dental Services and the Academy of General Dentistry. He plans to advance his knowledge and skills with more courses so that he can continue to improve while providing patients with the best care possible. He is also an active member of the American Dental Association.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Whenever he isn’t at the office, Dr. Akber enjoys playing and watching soccer. He also likes traveling, hiking, and exploring local and national parks. Being able to visit familiar and new places is very rewarding for him, and he hopes to go to more locations in the future.