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.