It does not take long to realize that dentistry is not only a passionate calling in the lives of Drs. Reema and Maher Arnouk of Glendora’s Foothill Family Dental Group. Dentistry is also a family affair that is grounded in a loving and enthusiastic desire to serve men and women of all ages, as well as children.
When Dr. Reema launched the Glendora practice in February 2013, Dr. Maher was serving in highly respected and demanding leadership position requiring his expertise in skilled dentistry, training, and quality control. In 1993, he began serving as an associate doctor with Western Dental Services, San Bernardino, (one of the largest offices in the company), and quickly assumed the responsibilities of managing doctor. Soon after, he became the clinical director in Northern CA, with oversight of 16 offices . He served in a similar regional capacity over the Southern California region, as well as with the Arnouk’s Redlands practice, Tricity Family Dental Care.
Long before the Arnouks married, they were attending the same school as first grade classmates, while grewing up in Syria. After high school, they went their separate ways to attend different dental schools, all the while staying in touch as friends. They then both finished dental school, reconnected and before long a loving relationship blossomed, followed by marriage, and the beginning of a family.
Dr. Reema still carries vivid memories of first encounter with dentistry. “As a youth, I spent my free time helping my mom’s dentist friend. I was always captivated by the grateful nature of patients who were helped and relieved of pain and discomfort.” In similar fashion, Dr. Maher remembers the early inspiration of being with a close family member who was highly esteemed in the community for his dedicated service and proficiency in the field of dentistry.
For a time, Drs. Maher and Reema, with their three daughters, lived near Reema’s family in Kansas. Their goal was always to return to Southern California, and when they did, they found their hearts drawn to the City of Glendora. While Dr. Maher provided territorial oversight for Western Dental’s clinical work in California and Arizona, Reema took the lead in establishing the family’s newest venture, which officially opened in the Foothill Medical Arts Building.
Shortly after the Arnouk’s office opened, their oldest daughter, Mariam, joined the team as the hygienist, a position she held until being accepted to dental school in Arizona, where she is completing her second year. It is an exciting development, too, as Dr. Reema explained: “Maher and I can’t wait for her to come back to serve as a dentist. The knowledge that she is gaining from her studies and clinical work at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health is preparing her for a career in dentistry.” Not far behind is the Arnouk’s second daughter, Yara, who is majoring in Biochemistry at Azusa Pacific University and has already applied for dental school. The Arnouk’s youngest daughter, Maya, is a flourishing eighth grader at Foothill Christian School, Glendora.
Certainly the love of dentistry and joy of service has proven to be a life calling for Drs. Reema and Maher that is spilling over into the lives of two of their three daughters. As for Maya, time will tell!