We are excited to announce the addition of Dr. Haider Kalhan, D.D.S.M.Sc. to our dental department.

We expect that after hearing him speak, guessing his birthplace will leave most still wondering. Dr. Kalhan was born in Iraq, but grew up in London, England. “My father was an air traffic controller. He trained and worked in London,” Dr. Kahlan said. “When first meeting me, people often think I am Hispanic. That is, until they hear my feeble attempts to speak Spanish!” He speaks English, of course, but with a hint of a British accent. “I confuse people!” he said.

Dr. Kalhan returned to Iraq in 1996 and graduated from the Baghdad Dental School in 2003. He earned an advanced education in General Dentistry degree in 2005 and his Master of Orthodontics in 2007. At the end of the program, he was offered a professor’s role.

In 2011, Dr. Kalhan moved his family to the United States, where he completed post-doctoral advanced education in General Dentistry certification at Nova Southeastern University at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In 2014 he received post-doctoral advanced education in general dentistry education from Northwest Dental residency in Toppenish, WA. He is an academic member of American Association of Orthodontics which gives him the right to lecture and teach orthodontics nationwide.

In addition, Dr. Kalhan is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and is also a member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is also a fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists, which allows him to lecture and teach globally.

He received advanced education in Orthodontics, from American Orthodontics Society in Dallas, TX in 2015. “I returned to London the fall of 2015 to speak at an international orthodontics conference,” he said. “I am a teacher at heart and welcome opportunities to share information.”

Dr. Kalhan previously worked as Orthodontic Director of the Northwest Dental residency. Dr. Kalhan has worked in both private dental clinics, and, most recently, at Yakima Valley Farm Worker Clinic in Toppenish, which is a community health center.

He prefers working at community health centers. “Many of the patients work long hours at labor intensive jobs; their lives are often complicated and somewhat difficult,” he said. “Many are part of an underserved population which hasn’t always received proper dental, medical, and vision care. They appreciate the treatment they receive. I am honored to care for them.”

He is looking forward to treating patients at CBHA, which is also a community health center.

“CBHA has an advanced education in general dentistry resident program. I am looking forward to helping out the program in any way I can. The facilities here are state-of-the-art, with the latest technology and equipment available.”

Dr. Kalhan met his wife, Tamara, in dental school. They have three children – a 13 year-old-son, and two daughters, ages 11 and 9. As a family they love to hike and go for bike rides.

He also is an avid salsa dancer and "even took lessons" but his favorite thing to do is play soccer.

Dr. Kalhan is excited to be treating patients at our clinics in Othello and Mattawa. Schedule an appointment with him by calling 509-488-5256.