Today we’d like to introduce you to Sami Sarabadani.
Sami, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into dentistry and orofacial pain has been anything but straightforward. I grew up in Tehran and later lived in New Zealand, Australia and eventually the United States. Along the way, I had to navigate different countries, licensing systems and professional exams, which taught me resilience and gave me a broader perspective on healthcare and patient care.
I first practiced as a general dentist, but over time I became increasingly drawn to patients with chronic jaw pain, headaches, facial pain and symptoms that others often struggled to diagnose. Part of that came from personal experience: I have struggled with TMD myself. I know what it feels like to live with jaw tension, pain and the frustration of not always feeling understood or finding the right answers. That experience gave me a much deeper understanding of what my patients are going through and ultimately inspired me to dedicate my career to helping people with these conditions.
That led me to pursue advanced training at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where I earned both a Master of Dental Science and a postgraduate certificate in Orofacial Pain. I am a board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist through the American Board of Orofacial Pain, where I hold Diplomate status, and I recently became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
Today, I divide my time between practicing general dentistry and running my specialty practice, Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain. My practice focuses on helping people with TMJ disorders, facial pain, headaches, migraines and sleep-related breathing issues. Many of my patients have often been told “everything looks normal” or have seen multiple providers without answers, so one of the most meaningful parts of my work is helping them finally feel heard and understood.
Building my own practice has been both challenging and rewarding. Starting a business from the ground up required a lot of persistence. But it has also allowed me to create the kind of practice I always envisioned—one that combines science, compassion and truly listening to patients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was starting over multiple times in different countries. I moved from Iran to New Zealand and eventually the United States. Each move meant learning a new system, rebuilding my career and, in some cases, taking difficult licensing and board exams all over again.
When I came to the United States, I had already been practicing dentistry for years, but I still had to repeat years of training and prove myself again. There were moments when it felt discouraging and overwhelming. I was balancing school, exams, work and trying to build a new life at the same time.
Another challenge was choosing a specialty that many people do not fully understand. Orofacial pain and TMJ disorders are often overlooked, and patients are frequently told that nothing is wrong or are passed from one provider to another without answers. Starting a practice focused on that area was a risk because I knew I would have to educate both patients and other providers about what I do.
There were also personal struggles along the way. Because I have experienced TMD myself, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to deal with chronic pain and uncertainty. At times, that experience made the journey harder, but it also gave me more empathy and determination.
Looking back, those challenges ended up shaping me. They taught me resilience, patience and persistence, and they are a big part of why I connect so strongly with my patients today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the founder of Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain, a specialty practice dedicated to helping patients with TMJ disorders, facial pain, headaches, migraines and sleep-related breathing issues. Many of the people I see have been struggling for years. They may have seen several dentists, physicians or specialists and have often been told that everything looks normal, even though they are still in pain.
What makes my practice different is that I focus on the bigger picture. TMJ and facial pain problems are rarely just about the teeth or the jaw joint. They often involve muscles, headaches, stress, sleep, posture, breathing and even the nervous system. I take time to understand the full story and perform a detailed evaluation rather than rushing patients through a short appointment.
I specialize in conservative, evidence-based treatment. That may include oral appliances, physical therapy, trigger point injections, Botox for TMJ and headaches, home sleep testing and collaboration with other providers such as neurologists, ENT physicians, physical therapists and primary care doctors. My goal is not simply to mask symptoms, but to help patients understand why they are hurting and create a treatment plan that actually addresses the underlying problem.
I think what sets me apart most is that I truly understand what many of my patients are going through because I have experienced TMD myself. Patients often tell me that it is the first time they have felt heard. I know how discouraging it can be to live with pain that other people cannot see or explain, so I try to create a practice where patients feel listened to, supported and taken seriously.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain has become known for compassion, thoroughness and honesty. I never want patients to feel like they are “just another case.” I want them to know that there are answers, that there are options and that they do not have to keep living in pain without support.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain and making specialized care more accessible to people who are struggling with TMJ disorders, facial pain and headaches.
One of my goals is to expand the practice and build a stronger interdisciplinary network with other providers, including neurologists, physical therapists, sleep physicians, ENT specialists and general dentists. Many patients with facial pain and TMD have complex symptoms that overlap with other conditions, so I believe the best care comes from collaboration.
We are also in the process of becoming in network with medical insurance plans to make care more accessible. So far, we are working on contracting with many major medical insurance companies, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, and TRICARE. I am also in the process of enrolling as a non-participating provider with Medicare. I hope this will make it easier for more patients to receive the specialized care they need.
I am also looking forward to growing awareness about orofacial pain. It is a field that many people, and even many healthcare providers, still do not know much about. Through education, speaking, social media and community outreach, I hope to help more people understand that chronic jaw pain, headaches and facial pain are real, treatable conditions.
On a personal level, I plan to continue expanding my knowledge and training. I have always loved learning, and I want to stay at the forefront of new treatments and technology so I can provide the best care possible for my patients.
The biggest thing I am looking forward to is helping more people who have felt overlooked or misunderstood finally get answers and hope. That is what motivates me every day.
Pricing:
- • New Patient Evaluation: $335 Includes a comprehensive evaluation of TMJ, jaw muscles, headaches, facial pain and sleep-related symptoms Detailed discussion of medical and dental history, prior treatments and contributing factors such as stress, posture and clenching/grinding Examination of the jaw joints, muscles, bite and cranial nerves Personalized treatment recommendations and discussion of next steps
- • Because Botox for TMJ and headaches is often not covered by insurance, we offer affordable treatment packages for patients who may benefit from it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cotmj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colotmj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Colorado-TMJ-and-Facial-Pain/61578987032729/
