Dr. Alex Akbari is a board-certified pediatric dentist with advanced training in sedation dentistry, hospital-based care, and management of special needs patients. A graduate of Meharry Medical College and the New York University pediatric residency program, Dr. Akbari provides compassionate, evidence-based care with a strong focus on prevention, patient comfort, and family-centered treatment. He remains actively involved in community outreach, workforce diversity initiatives, and dental education.
Primary Specialty / Specialties
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Pediatric Dentistry
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Sedation Dentistry (conscious sedation, OCS/intranasal sedation, hospital GA)
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Special Needs Dentistry
Doctoral
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Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) — Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, 2012–2016
Undergraduate
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Chemistry — Middle Tennessee State University, 2009–2011
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Morehouse College, 2006–2009 — Academic Scholarship; Honor & Conduct Review Board; Health Professions work-study
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Stanford University, 2007–2008 — Stanford University Exchange Scholar; Stanford Daily writer; Varsity Rugby starter; Debate Team
Education & Training
Post-Doctoral
New York University — Pediatric Dental Residency
Nashville, TN | July 2017 – June 2019
Nashville, TN | July 2017 – June 2019
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2022 ABPD Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
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DEA license; conscious sedation permit; PALS & BLS certified
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Credentialed/privileged at Specialty Surgery Center in Nashville, TN
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40+ GA cases, 25+ OCS/intranasal sedations, 400+ crowns
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Training with Meperidine, Vistaril, Versed, Diazepam, Halcion
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Orthodontics and zirconia/pedo jacket/strip crowns
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Taught pediatric dentistry courses for Meharry GPR residents
Pediatric Continuing Education
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AAPD “Dental Benefits: Billing & Coding in Pediatric Dentistry,” 1 hr
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AAPD “Safe & Effective Sedation for the Pediatric Dental Patient,” 22 hrs
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AAPD “Qualifying Examination Preparation Course,” 22 hrs
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Colgate Oral Health Network “Pediatric Oral Pathology: Diagnosis & Management,” 1 hr
Certifications
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ABPD Board Certified Pediatric Dentist (2022)
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DEA License
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Conscious Sedation Permit
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PALS
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BLS
Hospital Affiliations / Surgery Center Privileges
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Specialty Surgery Center — Nashville, TN (credentialed/privileged)
Professional Affiliations
Current member of:
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American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
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American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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Bethel World Outreach Church
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American Association of Orthodontists
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American Association of Public Health Dentistry
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National Dental Association
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American Dental Association
Honors & Awards
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Academic Lottery Scholarship Recipient — MTSU
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Morehouse Academic Scholarship
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Stanford University Exchange Scholar
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Leadership roles at Meharry (multiple positions listed under Leadership)
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Emcee, MMC 2015 Diversity Day
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Additional community/leadership awards implied through activities
Leadership Experience
Vice President, Fundraising Chair — Meharry Class of 2016
Nashville, TN | 2014–2016
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Led community fundraising, eliminating class dues; raised over $10,000
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Developed “Clinic High Yield Pocket Guidebook”
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MMC 2015 Diversity Day emcee
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Technology & Information Chair, 2012–2014
Vice President, Community Chair — Meharry Orthodontic Study Club
Nashville, TN | 2014–2016
Board Member — National Organization for Workforce Diversity
Nashville, TN | 2013–Present
Community Service
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YMCA Youth Basketball Coach, ages 4–6
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Class of 2016 Dental Care for Underserved Fund
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Community Dental Screenings / Health Fairs: 5+ events per year, 2012–Present
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Habitat for Humanity: 2011–Present
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Southern Regional Testing Agency Volunteer: 2014–2015
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Stanford United for Rape Elimination: 2007–2008
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Stanford Foundations for Education Math Tutor: 2007–2008
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Oral Cancer Walk Fundraiser: 2013–2016
Procedures Performed
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Full-scope pediatric dental care
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Conscious sedation dentistry
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Oral conscious sedation & intranasal sedation (OCS/IN)
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Hospital-based general anesthesia (40+ cases)
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Restorative pediatric dentistry (400+ crowns; zirconia, SSC, pedo jackets)
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Orthodontics exposure from residency
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Extractions
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Pulp therapy
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Space maintenance
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Trauma management
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Preventive care (sealants, fluoride, cleanings)
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Treatment of infants, toddlers, children, adolescents
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Special needs patient management
Procedures provided are dependent upon medical necessity diagnosed by provider.