Suzette
Office Manager
About
Dentistry Built on Expertise & Thoughtful Care.
For more than thirty years, one practice in San Ramon has been quietly built on a single premise: that the training to do more is only valuable when paired with the judgment to know when not to. Dr. Hakim assumed ownership in 1992. Dr. Patel joined in 2018. Between them and a team of seven, that premise still holds.
Our philosophy
We believe in conservative, minimally invasive care. If your smile is healthy, we won't over-treat it. If we see something that could affect your oral or systemic health, we'll bring it to your attention with clarity, respect, and a plan that makes sense.
You'll always know why we're recommending something and what the path forward looks like. That includes the recommendations we don't make. When the honest answer is to watch and wait, we'll say so, and we'll explain what to watch for.
It's a quieter way to practice dentistry. It relies on time in the chair, careful diagnostics, and a willingness to explain findings in a way that a thoughtful person can weigh against their own priorities. It's the reason more than fifty fellow dentists have chosen this practice for their own care.
The training to do more. The judgment to know when not to.
Owner
Dr. Foroud Hakim, DDS, MBA
Dr. Foroud Hakim began his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, but completed his degree at San Jose State University when his family moved to the Bay Area in 1985. He went on to earn his DDS degree from the world-renowned University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 1991, graduating with high honors. He also holds an MBA degree from the UOP Business School.
Upon graduation, he received uncommon and immediate validation by being recruited back to his alma mater as a faculty member by school leadership. He is in his 4th decade of giving back to the profession by teaching young dentists. Equally passionate about providing the best possible patient care, Dr. Hakim assumed ownership of San Ramon Dental Excellence in 1992.
He takes great pride in having provided 4 decades of thoughtful, compassionate, and expert oral health care to a multitude of patients in the San Ramon Valley area. To this end, Dr. Hakim has received numerous honors and accolades related to both teaching and patient care.
Dr. Hakim wears a 3rd hat as an established speaker and opinion leader in his field. He has provided continuing education and training to established dentists on both a national and international level on a multitude of topics including prevention, conservative to complex restorative dentistry, esthetics, smile design, and implant dentistry. His activities in the profession have resulted in the development of long-standing relationships with the dental industry. Dental manufacturers routinely use Dr. Hakim's office as a trusted beta site, where he is asked to evaluate the latest developments in technology and materials.
Dr. Hakim strives to provide the most thoughtful and individualized care, specifically catering to every patients' priorities, needs and wants. He takes the time to explain his findings and the recommended treatment in a way that is logical and clear to all of his patients. He believes "a well-informed patient will inevitably be a healthier and happier patient". Perhaps the most compelling fact about Dr. Hakim's skill set is that over 50 fellow dentists have chosen him to be their doctor over the years. "The ultimate compliment, when one is chosen by colleagues."
Dr. Hakim considers it both a privilege, and a great responsibility when a patient trusts him with their health. He truly looks forward to caring for his current patients, who he considers family. He also looks forward to meeting all the new patients that choose him to be their doctor in the future.
Owner and Chief Clinical Officer of Trust AI
Dr. Divian Patel, BDS, DDS
Welcome to San Ramon Dental Excellence, where innovation meets empathy under the leadership of Dr. Divian Patel. With over 15 years of experience in general dentistry, Dr. Patel has built his career on a belief that dentistry is not just about teeth, it's about people. Patients come to him not only for his technical skill but for his calm, compassionate approach that makes every visit feel comfortable, personal, and empowering.
A Global Journey in Dentistry
Dr. Patel began his dental career at the Royal London Hospital, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), where he earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2010. His early years in London were marked by rapid success, managing two thriving dental practices. In 2016, Dr. Patel brought his expertise to the United States, completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of the Pacific (UOP), where he was inducted into the Tau Kappa Omega Honor Society for his excellence in scholarship, character, and patient care. Today, he blends European precision with American innovation, providing comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry in San Ramon, from preventive and restorative treatments to invisible orthodontics, smile makeovers, and implant dentistry, all guided by a focus on long-term oral health and patient comfort.
Recognized Excellence & Leadership
Dr. Patel's impact reaches far beyond his practice. He is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in modern dentistry, blending clinical excellence with cutting-edge technology and mentorship.
- Featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Dentistry Today and Business Insider for his pioneering work with Trust AI, an AI-powered dental platform that supports real-time diagnosis, treatment planning, and smarter patient care.
- Advisory Board Member, Cloud Dentistry, often called "the Uber of dental staffing," which has facilitated over 500,000 dental placements.
- Award Recipient, QMUL Alumni Centre of Excellence in AI in Education Awards 2025.
- Member, Tau Kappa Omega Honor Society at UOP.
Mentorship & A Philosophy Rooted in Trust
Dr. Patel is deeply committed to mentorship, guiding pre-dental students and new graduates. His mentorship philosophy is simple yet profound: "The future of dentistry shines brighter when experience is shared, not guarded." Every patient relationship begins with listening. He believes the most important part of dentistry is understanding the person behind the smile. His approach emphasizes conservative, minimally invasive care, helping patients achieve health, function, and beauty in harmony.
Giving Back & Life Beyond Dentistry
Dr. Patel supports the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation USA, a Nobel Peace Prize–winning organization dedicated to ending child labor and rescuing trafficked children. His belief that "true success is measured by how much we uplift others" fuels both his clinical work and global outreach. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Patel lives in Pleasanton with his wife and their beloved goldendoodle, Toffee, and are now proud parents of twin boys. A lifelong learner and competitor, he enjoys gym training and powerlifting, watching Liverpool FC, and exploring music and film.
Our team
Seven people who make everything work.
Rajdeep
Dental Hygienist
Since earning her degree, she has committed herself to educating her patients about the crucial role of optimal gum health in preventing chronic conditions.
Orqui
Dental Hygienist
With a strong focus on education, she is passionate about empowering patients with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain optimal oral health.
Rebecca
Dental Hygienist
Nicole
Registered Dental Assistant
Her true passion lies in connecting with her patients on a personal level. She finds joy in getting to know each individual who sits in her chair, whether they are visiting for the first time or are long-time patients.
Tiana
Front Office & Clinical Support
Tiana's journey with our office began uniquely, as a patient. She has transitioned from receiving care to providing it, becoming a vital part of the team.
Adrien
Front Office & Clinical Support
Adrien, a longtime resident of San Ramon, recently graduated with distinction from UC Riverside, where she obtained her degree in Biology.
Office tour
A quieter, more considered space.
In May 2025, we moved to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. The new rooms are calmer, better set up for the way we practice, and give visitors more room to think.
Come see the office.
We'll show you around, listen to what brought you in, and take the time to answer the questions you actually have.