Pardis Azar, DDS
Endodontic Specialist at Oak Creek Endodontics in San Antonio, TX
Dr. Pardis Azar is the endodontist and founder of Oak Creek Endodontics in San Antonio, Texas. She is known for her calm, compassionate presence, her meticulous approach to root canal therapy, and her genuine dedication to doing what is right for each patient.
Although her days are spent behind a microscope treating complex cases, her story begins much earlier—with a deep appreciation for science, a commitment to service, and a desire to create a more humane experience in healthcare.
A Purposeful Path to Endodontics
From early on in her career, Dr. Azar realized that general dentistry didn’t fully align with her interests or strengths. She was drawn instead to endodontics, the specialty focused on diagnosing and treating the inside of the tooth. What captured her attention was not just the technical side, but the combination of:
- Scientific depth
- Diagnostic challenge
- The high level of precision required
Endodontics gave her the opportunity to work at the intersection of science, problem-solving, and fine detail. She saw it as one of the most specialized and demanding areas of dentistry—an environment where advanced training and careful, deliberate work could genuinely change someone’s quality of life, sometimes in a single visit.
Her formal journey into endodontics began in 2019, when she joined the endodontics department at UT Health San Antonio as an intern. Immersed in a setting that blended clinical care, research, and teaching, she quickly realized she had found the right path. That same year, she was accepted into the endodontic residency program at UT Health San Antonio, an experience that solidified her commitment to the specialty and ultimately led to the creation of Oak Creek Endodontics.
A Patient-Centered Philosophy Shaped by Service
Much of what defines Dr. Azar’s approach to patient care comes from her upbringing and early involvement in community service and advocacy. Her mother has long been active in a nonprofit focused on gender equality and peace, and during her own student years, Dr. Azar participated in social justice work.
Those experiences sharpened her awareness of vulnerability, inequity, and the importance of compassion. They also reinforced a simple but powerful belief: people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, especially when they are in pain or afraid.
In her endodontic practice, that translates into a calm, patient, and empathetic style of care. She understands that dental pain can be overwhelming and that the words “root canal” alone can trigger anxiety. Rather than dismiss those fears, she acknowledges them openly. She takes the time to listen, to understand what a patient has gone through, and to explain each step clearly so there are no surprises.
Her philosophy is straightforward:
- Every patient should feel heard.
- Comfort is not an afterthought—it is a priority.
- Treatment planning should be transparent, honest, and grounded in what is truly best for the patient.
For Dr. Azar, a successful outcome is not just a radiograph that looks ideal or a tooth that’s technically well-treated. Success also means a patient who feels safe, respected, and relieved of pain, with a clear understanding of their diagnosis and what comes next.
Education, Training, and Mentorship
Dr. Pardis Azar’s foundation in dentistry began at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where she earned her dental degree. Her education emphasized academic rigor, clinical excellence, and a deep understanding of oral health as an integral part of overall well-being.
From early in her career, research played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Azar’s approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. Her involvement in scientific inquiry began in her third year of dental school, where she first discovered her passion for evidence-based dentistry. After relocating to the United States, she continued her research journey as a research assistant at the Craniofacial Growth Research Center at UTHealth Houston, where she contributed to studies focused on craniofacial development and growth for two years.
Her strong scientific background has guided her decision-making in clinical practice, allowing her to approach every case with analytical precision and a deep understanding of the biological principles behind healing.
Dr. Azar later pursued advanced specialty training in endodontics and was accepted into the Endodontic Residency Program at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. There, she gained extensive hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp and root, including root canal therapy, retreatment, and microsurgical procedures.
Her research project during residency earned multiple awards and was selected among the top ten research projects presented at the American Association of Endodontists Annual Meeting in 2022—a distinction that reflects her commitment to advancing the field through scientific discovery and innovation.
During her residency, Dr. Azar trained under world-renowned endodontists and scientists, including Dr. Ken Hargreaves and Dr. Anibal Diogenes, whose mentorship profoundly influenced her clinical judgment, technical precision, and understanding of pain, infection, and tissue regeneration.
To better serve patients with dental anxiety or complex medical needs, Dr. Azar obtained Level I Minimal Sedation Certification and is licensed to provide oral conscious sedation. She also completed additional coursework in surgical root canal retreatment, further demonstrating her dedication to treating even the most challenging cases with care and accuracy.
Today, Dr. Azar remains closely connected to UT Health San Antonio as an adjunct clinical professor in the endodontics department, where she teaches students and residents. Her ongoing involvement in academia keeps her at the forefront of emerging research, techniques, and materials—knowledge she integrates daily into her patient care at Oak Creek Endodontics.
Professional involvement continues to be an essential part of her growth. She is an active member of the:
These affiliations reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence, ethical practice, and patient-centered care grounded in science.
Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Care
As an endodontist, Dr. Azar is committed to practicing at the highest clinical standard. She combines modern imaging, microsurgical techniques, and evidence-based protocols to help patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible.
She carefully reviews each case, studies radiographs and 3D images with her patients, and discusses every reasonable option. She is transparent about the benefits and limitations of treatment and is honest when a tooth cannot be predictably saved.
Her attention to detail continues beyond the procedure itself. Patients leave with a clearly explained pain management plan tailored to their needs, typically including over-the-counter recommendations and practical guidance. Oak Creek Endodontics also offers complimentary recall visits to monitor healing over time, reflecting her belief that follow-up is an important part of high-quality care.
At the heart of her work is a respect for the connection between oral health and overall health. She understands that untreated oral disease can affect systemic conditions such as diabetes and that being able to chew comfortably directly impacts nutrition, wellness, and daily quality of life.
Building a Practice with Integrity in San Antonio
Over the course of her career, Dr. Azar has seen clinical environments where financial gain seemed to take precedence over ethical, patient-first care. Those experiences didn’t just trouble her—they motivated her to build something different.
Oak Creek Endodontics was created as a reflection of her values: compassion, integrity, and service. She designed her practice to be a place where:
- Patients are treated like family
- Staff are respected and supported
- Treatment decisions are guided by what is clinically sound and ethically right
She chose to open her practice in this part of San Antonio, Texas, in large part because she saw a real need. The community is growing quickly, yet there are relatively few endodontic specialists nearby. Many patients were driving across town or enduring long waits to receive care. By opening Oak Creek Endodontics here, she hopes to make high-quality, specialist-level root canal care more accessible to the people who live and work in the area.
San Antonio has been home to her for nearly seven years, and in that time, she has developed strong connections with both patients and colleagues. She collaborates closely with general dentists and other specialists, providing detailed reports and often speaking by phone to ensure that patients receive coordinated, seamless care.
Beyond private practice, she continues to give back through charitable events at UT Health San Antonio, where she participates in providing free root canal treatment for patients who otherwise might not have access to specialized care.
Life Outside the Operatory
While much of Dr. Azar’s life is devoted to her patients and her teaching, she is also someone who finds joy in creativity, nature, and quiet moments.
She enjoys working with her hands outside of dentistry through baking and watercolor painting, both of which allow her to express the same careful attention to detail in a more artistic way. She is an avid reader and enjoys both fiction and nonfiction, always curious to explore new ideas and perspectives.
Along with her husband, she loves being outdoors and traveling—especially to the Rocky Mountains. The two of them often visit national parks to hike, unwind, and recharge. Those experiences in nature help her return to her practice with renewed energy and clarity.
A Doctor Who Treats Beyond the Tooth
At Oak Creek Endodontics, patients meet Dr. Pardis Azar as more than a specialist behind a microscope. They meet someone whose life has been shaped by service, advocacy, and a deep respect for the people who sit in her chair.
Her advanced training, academic involvement, and technical expertise allow her to treat complex root canal problems with confidence. But it is her compassion, integrity, and commitment to ethical, patient-centered care that truly define her.
For patients in San Antonio seeking an endodontist who will listen, explain, and provide thoughtful, evidence-based care, Dr. Azar offers not just treatment—but genuine partnership in protecting their oral health and overall well-being.