Salmeh “Dr. J” Jafarifar, DDS
Dr. Salmeh Jafarifar attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. In 1999, she took the next step toward her passion and enrolled at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans, graduating in 2003. During her time there, Dr. Jafarifar had the privilege of participating in clinical rotations serving underserved communities across Louisiana. These hands-on experiences were both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing her commitment to delivering compassionate, accessible and high-quality care to patients from all walks of life. This blend of academic achievement and practical experience in diverse settings has shaped Dr. Jafarifar’s well-rounded, patient-centered approach to dentistry — an approach she proudly brings to her work each day at Preferred Family Dentistry.
Dr. Jafarifar began practicing dentistry in 2004 and has led Preferred Family Dentistry since 2006. Over the course of her career, she has developed extensive experience across restorative, cosmetic, preventive and general dentistry. She has completed thousands of dental crowns, bridges, fillings, bonding treatments and periodontal therapy cases, along with hundreds of veneer treatments, implant restorations, dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, professional whitening treatments, night guards and tooth extractions.
This broad clinical background allows Dr. Jafarifar to care for patients with a wide range of needs, from protecting healthy teeth and gums to restoring damaged or incomplete smiles. She has provided crowns, bridges, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, root canal treatment, extractions, dentures and removable prosthetics throughout her career. She also has decades of experience restoring dental implants and has completed hundreds of individual implant restorations and implant-supported or snap-in denture cases.
Dr. Jafarifar believes that staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry is essential to providing the highest level of care, and she makes continuing education a priority. Since graduating from dental school, she has completed approximately 500 hours of continuing education, including hundreds of hours focused on restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She regularly participates in advanced training, seminars and hands-on workshops to stay up to date with evolving techniques, technologies and best practices, enabling her to offer effective, comfortable and modern treatment while continually growing as a dental professional.
Her advanced education has included a multiday dental implant training program and additional professional credentials related to dental implants. This training supports her extensive experience with implant restorations and implant-supported prosthetic care. By continuing to expand her knowledge, Dr. Jafarifar is able to offer treatment that reflects modern clinical principles while remaining thoughtful, personalized and focused on each patient’s long-term health.
She is dedicated to addressing not only oral health but also facial aesthetics and overall confidence. Whether restoring a smile with implant-supported treatment, enhancing facial harmony with cosmetic dentistry or helping improve tooth alignment with clear aligners, her goal is always to deliver results that are both functional and beautiful through skill, safety and personalized care. She carefully considers each patient’s oral health, comfort, appearance and long-term needs when developing a treatment plan.
Dr. Jafarifar also incorporates modern dental technology into patient care when it can improve diagnosis, comfort, treatment planning, efficiency or communication. She has used dental lasers for approximately 20 years and offers laser-assisted care when appropriate. The practice also uses digital dental X-rays, intraoral cameras and an intraoral scanner.
Digital impressions created with the intraoral scanner can provide a more comfortable alternative to traditional impression materials for certain treatments. Intraoral cameras allow Dr. Jafarifar to show patients detailed images of their teeth and gums, helping them better understand areas of concern and the treatment options being discussed. She believes technology is most valuable when it helps patients feel informed, comfortable and confident in their care.
Dr. Jafarifar has participated in several professional dental organizations during her career, including:
- American Dental Association® (ADA)
- Nevada Dental Association (NDA)
- Southern Nevada Dental Society (SNDS)
From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Jafarifar served as a part-time faculty member at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, where she supervised students in the clinic as they treated patients. This rewarding experience allowed her to mentor the next generation of dental professionals while helping ensure quality patient care in an academic setting.
Dr. Jafarifar has also served as a Disciplinary Screening Officer for the Nevada Dental Board, contributing to the maintenance of high standards in dental practice and patient safety across the state. Her academic and professional leadership experience reflects her ongoing commitment to excellence, education and integrity in dentistry.
Dr. Jafarifar has proudly practiced dentistry in the southwest area of Las Vegas, Nevada, since 2004 and has had the privilege of building long-term relationships with patients and their families, many of whom she has cared for across multiple generations. Patients frequently come to her after being referred by other patients or healthcare providers, reflecting the trust she has built within the community over more than two decades.
She strives to provide high-quality, compassionate care that goes beyond simply treating teeth. Her goal is to support each patient’s overall wellbeing, comfort and confidence. Dr. Jafarifar’s commitment to her community runs deep, and her focus is always on delivering personalized treatment with compassion and integrity. That process begins with listening, understanding each person’s individual needs and building trust through open communication.
Practicing in the vibrant and diverse southwest Las Vegas community for more than two decades has been an incredibly rewarding experience for Dr. Jafarifar, and she looks forward to continuing to serve local patients and families for many years to come.
Dr. Jafarifar was born into a loving and supportive family and raised in the United Kingdom by two incredibly dedicated parents. Family plays a central role in her life and is one of her greatest sources of strength and purpose. She is proud to care for her elderly parents, a responsibility she takes to heart and one that has taught her patience, compassion and deep gratitude. She also has one sister and a wonderful nephew who bring joy and connection to her everyday life.
She finds joy and fulfillment in both her career and her personal adventures. When she is not caring for patients, Dr. Jafarifar embraces life through a variety of hobbies and pursuits, from traveling and exploring new cultures, cuisines and experiences around the world to staying active with hiking, pickleball and dancing.
She also has a deep appreciation for the arts and enjoys attending concerts, museums and galleries, as well as expressing her individuality and style through the creative outlet of fashion. These interests bring joy, balance and fresh perspective, helping Dr. Jafarifar stay connected to the world and the people around her.