Our Caring, Professional Boston Team

Steven Shapiro, DMD

Dental Director

Dr. Steven Shapiro is the Dental Director at Great Hill Boston and has been practicing Dentistry for over 10 years.

Dr. Shapiro is a graduate of McGill University School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his DMD. While at school, Dr. Shapiro was named the winner of the Canadian Dental Association’s President’s Award in recognition outstanding qualities in leadership, scholarship, character and humanity. He was awarded Gentle Dental Associate Dentist of the Year in 2009 and has since continued providing the best patient-care.

Member of:

• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Dental Society

While not in the office, Dr. Shapiro enjoys golfing, playing basketball, skiing, and spending time with his family at their residence in Needham.

David P. Pawlowski, DDS

Improving the health of those around me is very rewarding. For nearly 30 years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many people from my community and exert a direct, positive influence in their life. The education we provide to our patients gives them the knowledge and motivation to take control of their dental health.

• Doctorate of Dental Surgery – Marquette University

Member of:

• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Dental Society

I am originally from Lynnfield and have lived in North Reading for the past 20 years. My wife Jeri is a dental hygienist, and we have three sons – David, Will, and Dan. My leisure time is usually spent sailing, playing musical instruments, exercising, reading, and traveling. I am also active in my church and with community sports

Joseph W. Purman, III, DDS

General Dentistry

My dental career began 30 years ago, and since then, I have had the opportunity to create relationships with so many wonderful people. Each patient I meet is a unique individual and it is always my goal to treat clients with the same consideration that I would expect for my own family.

• Bachelor of Science – University of Wisconsin
• Doctorate of Dental Surgery – Marquette University

Continuing my education is a vital aspect of staying on the forefront of dental treatments and technology. I am always interested in finding new, more efficient, and more comfortable ways to give my patients the dental health they deserve.

I am a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and have lived in Wayland for the past 20 years with my wife and our son and daughter. When I have free time I enjoy water and snow skiing, traveling, and reading. I am also active in high school and college rowing programs.

Catherine J. Moshirfar, DMD

Periodontist

I am passionate about educating my patients about the health of their mouth. I chose to specialize in periodontology because it was the perfect mix of microbiology, education, and artistry. I really enjoy the day-to-day interactions with my patients. I try to maintain a comfortable yet upbeat environment where the focus is always on quality patient care.

• Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
• Certificate in Periodontology – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Member of:

• American Academy of Periodontology
• Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

In my time outside of our practice, I enjoy traveling and kayaking, and I am learning how to golf.

Yong Hur, DMD

Periodontist

Dr. Hur is currently assistant professor of Periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is a recipient of the research fellowship award sponsored by American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Hur is particularly active in the clinical research of guided bone regeneration and participates in the GHDP. He serves as a principal investigator (PI) / co-investigator (Co-I) for more than 10 projects related with periodontology.

Dr. Hur is also a published clinician:

Hur, Y., Bui, M. N., Griffin, T. J., & Ogata, Y. (2015). Modified Periosteal Releasing Incision for Flap Advancement: A Practical Technique for Tensionless Closure. Clinical Advances in Periodontics, 5(4), 229–234. doi:10.1902/cap.2014.140009

Hur, Y., Tsukiyama, T., Yoon, T.-H., & Griffin, T. J. (2010). Double Flap Incision Design for Guided Bone Regeneration: A Novel Technique and Clinical Considerations. Journal of periodontology, 81(6), 945–952. doi:10.1902/jop.2010.090685

Dr. Hur is a member, and peer-reviewer for the two main Journal of American Academy of periodontology: Journal of Periodontology and Clinical Advances in Periodontics . He is a member of the International Association of Dental Research (IADR).

Dr. Hur enjoys traveling with his lovely wife, Yumi who is also a periodontist.

Omar Salem, DMD

Orthodontist

I have been practicing orthodontics since 1999, but have a lifetime of learning in my profession. My father is a retired orthodontist, and I loved joining him in his office to help organize patient study models and prepare supplies. I still meet people who were patients of his, and were influenced by his gentle nature and beautiful results. I strive every day to be the best orthodontist I can be for my patients, and to provide a warm and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable.

Education and Continuing Education

• Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Tufts University
• Orthodontic Specialty Certificate – State University of New York at Buffalo
• Master of Science in Dentistry – State University of New York at Buffalo

Although my formal education is complete, I am always learning something new in the orthodontic field. My continuing education courses and seminars keep me up to date with the latest techniques and technology, which enables me to offer my patients the most advanced and dependable practices. Additionally, I have been involved in the education of future orthodontists, serving on the faculty at the Department of Orthodontics at Buffalo University until 2002, then at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where I served as director of the Pre-doctoral Orthodontic Program until 2005.

Professional Affiliations

• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Dental Society
• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Board of Orthodontics

I was born and raised in Damascus, Syria, and moved to the United States in 1996. I have been living in Canton since 2001 and love it! My wife Zeina and I have two boys who attend Canton public schools. After work, I enjoy hiking, soccer, landscaping, traveling with my family, watching the Red Sox and the Patriots, and spending time with my family.

Maryanne Knasas Irwin, DMD

Endodontist

By using state of the art technology, root canal therapy can often preserve a damaged tooth that would otherwise require extraction. I enjoy educating patients to have realistic expectations of what root canal therapy involves, while providing treatment that is skilled, compassionate, and pain free in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

• Bachelor of Science in Biology – Boston College
• Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Tufts University School of
• Dental Medicine
• General Practice Residency – Veterans Administration, West Palm Beach, FL
• Specialty certificate in Endodontics – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Professional Affiliations

• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Dental Society
• American Association of Endodontists
• Board Certified Diplomate – American Board of Endodontics

Outside the Office – I enjoy reading, running, and spending time with my husband and our two daughters.

Mahshid Bahadoran, DDS DMSC

Orthodontist

I completed my Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) in Orthodontics specialty at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Prior to starting the Orthodontics specialty, I completed General Practice Residency at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. I also earned my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 and 2010, respectively.

My four-year Orthodontics residency has prepared me to confidently treat all range of malocclusions. I’m a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and was ranked as a preferred Invisalign provider. I am proficient in treatments that include interceptive, comprehensive adult and adolescents, functional appliances, correction of anterior openbite using TAD, Invisalign, Lingual braces, sleep apnea appliances, splint therapy for TMD treatment, and accelerated orthodontics.

My childhood scrapbook is filled with memories of my grandfather, who was one of the pioneer dentists in my homeland. He loved his work and raised me to appreciate dentistry and to value the patient-dentist relationship. My grandfather’s office hosted the Orphanage Institution, where needy children could come for dental care. The memories I have of my grandfather made me proud to pursue my career in dentistry. My fascination with orthodontics was increased as I was able to give my patients more stunning appearances and to bring smiles to their faces has been incredibly rewarding.

Qian Yang, DMD

Oral Surgeon

Dr. Yang began his career in China, graduating from Peking University with majors in Economics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. Dr. Yang continued his education at the University Of Michigan, where he earned his PhD. He then went on to attend Harvard University, where he attended Dental School and earned his DMD. He then turned his attention to a residency at Mass General Hospital, where he , and then attended their medical school and earned his MD.

Dr. Yang is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, Massachusetts Medical Society.

Education

• University of Michigan, PhD
• Harvard University School of Medicine, MD
• Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, DMD

Professional Affiliations

• American College of Surgeons
• American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Medical Society

Jose Colon, DMD

Periodontist

Dr. Jose Oscar Colon earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry. His education continued at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Master of Science in Dentistry in Oral Biology and his Certificate of Advanced graduate studies in Periodontology. Dr. Colon was awarded as the Best Periodontist in Puerto Rico in the 2015 Dentist Choice Awards.

Professional Affiliations

• American Academy of Periodontology
• Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de PR
• Academy of Osseointegration

Dr. Colon volunteers his time as a local and international speaker in areas of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Roz Najafabadi, DMD

General Dentistry

Education

• Baylor College of Dentistry, MS
• University District Hospital, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine, DMD

Professional Associations

• Member of Oral and Maxillofacial Sugery Residents Promotions Committee, BU
• Member of the Curriculum Committee Boston University Goldman School of Medicine

Nari Park, DMD

General Dentistry

Education

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

• Advanced Graduate Education in Periodontology
• Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) Candidate

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Case Western Reserve University

• Master of Science

University of Michigan

• Bachelor of Science