Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh, D.M.D., is an advocate for wellness, serving as a trained yoga instructor and formerly as an ADA wellness ambassador. She integrates her commitment to well-being with her role as senior clinical manager at Overjet, a dental software company. With a background in health care and technology, Dr. Ghorbanifarajzadeh works to shape the future of dental artificial intelligence, ensuring these innovations not only enhance patient care but also promote the overall wellness of providers. Her belief in the power of technology to improve both health care and well-being drives her work at the intersection of dental care and wellness.
Feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated? Doom scrolling not giving you the sense of purpose you thought it would? In today’s world, volunteering offers something truly rare: a moment to pause, connect and make a meaningful impact — in a way an app can’t. While most people think of volunteering as something that benefits the community, the truth is that the act of giving has profound benefits for the giver as well. Volunteering supports stronger mental and physical health by offering a sense of purpose, creating connections, enhancing self-esteem and even encouraging more physical activity. But beyond the science, there’s something deeply human and restorative about showing up for others, while also showing up for yourself.
When we volunteer, we step outside our own routines and into a space where empathy, service and community take center stage. This shift in focus can reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and create feelings of fulfillment that linger long after the work is done. Building connections — whether with those we’re serving or with fellow volunteers — strengthens social well-being, a core pillar of overall health. Who knows? You might even make some new friends. And the act of moving, doing and engaging with tangible tasks can support better physical health, too. It’s a win-win-win situation!
For me, these truths aren’t abstract ideas; they’re lived experiences.
As a former wellness ambassador for the American Dental Association and a member of the Florida Dental Association’s Wellness Committee, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering in spaces that align deeply with my values and my passion for supporting colleagues within dentistry. These roles allow me to advocate for well-being in a profession that often carries heavy demands, high expectations and emotional weight. Through workshops, conversations and community-building efforts, I get to share tools, resources and insights that empower dental professionals to care for themselves while caring for others. Be sure to check what your district offers or reach out to find out more about resources. The ADA also offers wellness-related resources at ADA.org/wellness.
The fulfillment I feel from these roles is hard to put into words. Representing organizations that are so near and dear to my heart while contributing to the health of a community I love is a source of purpose and pride. It reminds me that wellness isn’t a solo journey; it’s something we build and nurture together. Volunteering in this capacity gives me the opportunity to embody the very principles I encourage others to follow: compassion, balance, connection and intentional living.
Volunteering has a unique power to lift both the giver and the receiver. If you’re looking for a way to enrich your life, strengthen your well-being and feel more rooted in your community, consider finding a cause that resonates with you. The time you give may be small, but the impact on others and on yourself? Priceless.
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