Maryam Ekhtiar was raised in Dallas, Texas and moved to Southern California over ten years ago. She earned a scholarship to Southern Methodist University and graduated with honors, achieving a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy and English, and a Master of Art in English Literature. After her studies in both science and humanities, she chose to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry in her hometown of Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Ekhtiar is an active member of several professional organizations including American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Orange County Dental Society. In her private practice at San Juan Dental Specialties, Dr. Ekhtiar practices all phases of restorative and cosmetic dentistry including implant restoration. She provides complete progressive orthodontics with IP metal and ceramic brackets and Invisible Aligners for adults.

Dr. Ekhtiar continued her post-doctoral studies and obtained her certificate in Pediatric Sedation from UCLA. In addition to a successful general practice, she has dedicated close to ten years of her practice to pediatric dentistry, interceptive and comprehensive orthodontics for children and adolescents and is certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. For three years, Dr. Ekhtiar proudly served as the team dentist at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, Cleft Lip and Palate department.  She speaks Spanish and Persian.

In her free time, Dr. Ekhtiar writes fiction, enjoys photography, and studies various foreign languages. She is involved in numerous charities both locally and internationally.