Dr. Shahrokh Esfandiari is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience at the nexus of healthcare, academia, and innovation. A distinguished academic and executive, Dr. Esfandiari has dedicated his career to advancing oral health, health technology assessment, and education, while driving transformative change through his strategic leadership. His relentless pursuit of excellence, paired with a passion for mentorship and inclusion, has cemented his reputation as an influential figure in dentistry and beyond.
As the former Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Université de Montréal, Dr. Esfandiari managed one of the largest dental faculties in Canada. With oversight of a $20 million annual budget and leadership of over 900 faculty, staff, and students, he implemented strategic initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and academic innovation. Dr. Esfandiari started
his academic leadership at McGill Univesrity, where he became the Academic Associate Dean of
the Undergraduate Dental Program. Throughout his academic career, he has successfully
developed and implemented graduate programs, redesigned undergraduate programs, has
chaired and created numerous committees and has participated in many national and
international accreditation processes. With his passion for the provision of Health Care among
the less privileged members of the society, he has managed to run several fundraising
campagnas that facilitated community health initiatives to expand through partnerships with hospitals and local organizations.
Dr. Esfandiari is internationally recognized for his contributions to Oral Health Technology Assessment (OHTA), having authored over 130 publications, including books, book chapters, peer-reviewed articles, abstracts and conference presentations. His pioneering work in this field has shaped global conversations on the evaluation of health technologies and their integration into clinical practice. Additionally, he has conducted research funded by grants exceeding $2.5 million, emphasizing equity, diversity and inclusion in public and oral health education.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Esfandiari is the Founder and CEO of SAT Investment Inc., a diversified holding firm specializing in real estate investments, management, and import/export operations. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate complex markets have been instrumental in driving the firm’s sustained growth and profitability over two decades.
Dr. Esfandiari’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He holds a Fellowship in Dental Implantology, a Ph.D. in Oral Health Technology Assessment and a postdoctoral fellowship in Health Technology Assessment from McGill University, along with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from Université Laval. His qualifications are further enhanced by an M.Sc. in International Health Technology Assessment and Management from Université de Montréal, and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from McGill University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Esfandiari has championed the importance of mentorship and teaching excellence. His dedication was formally recognized with the prestigious Dr. Howard S. Katz Award for Excellence in Teaching at McGill University. This honor highlights his ability to inspire and motivate students, foster innovation in pedagogy, and act as a role model for personal and professional development.
An advocate for social justice and community engagement, Dr. Esfandiari actively participates in causes related to civil rights, economic empowerment, education, health, and environmental sustainability. His work is guided by a belief that impactful change stems from collaboration, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to societal well-being.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Esfandiari is a polyglot fluent in English, French, Farsi with a working knowledge of Spanish, Italian and Arabic. This linguistic dexterity reflects his ability to connect with diverse audiences and foster cross-cultural understanding in both academic and professional contexts.
Dr. Esfandiari’s achievements are a testament to his character, knowledge, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. He is a leader who inspires transformative change, advances healthcare innovation, and builds systems that empower individuals and communities.
Character:
Dr. Shahrokh Esfandiari embodies integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. His inclusive approach and dedication to mentorship inspire trust and collaboration among peers and stakeholders.
Knowledge:
With extensive expertise in healthcare, health technology assessment, accreditation processes and education, Dr. Esfandiari is a recognized thought leader. His innovative research and academic contributions continue to drive impactful solutions and global advancements in these fields.
Strategic:
A visionary planner, Dr. Esfandiari excels in aligning organizational objectives with broader societal needs. His ability to execute comprehensive strategies ensures measurable outcomes and sustainable growth.
Communication:
Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in engaging diverse audiences, Dr. Esfandiari is an adept communicator. His ability to foster collaboration and build partnerships has been instrumental in driving successful initiatives and innovation.
