BUSINESS: This Dynamic Dental Duo Fights Plaque With Panache (And Super Powers)

AUGUST 19, 2009 -- The shtick started when dentist Nazli Keri decided to become a super hero. Her husband, fellow tooth jockey Kami Hoss, is explaining over the phone that his wife’s alter ego is “Tooth Keri.” Like the Tooth Fairy, Tooth Keri can fly, says Hoss, who is allegedly not amped up on sodium pentathol.

Living and working with a super hero can breed jealousy, though. So Hoss used the letters of his last name to create a character called Dr. Have One Super Smile. His super power is x-ray vision.

The dynamic duo practice dentistry together as The Super Dentists at offices in East Lake and Chula Vista. Hoss says they have upwards of 40,000 active patients, and plan to expand into North County. Unlike most super heroes, we know their real identities. Both were born in Iran, met in Los Angeles as teens and have been married for 25 years.

Their offices are tricked out lairs. Adults get a newsstand and free Starbucks coffee. Kids can watch movies on TV, play dress up or earn points that qualify them to win toys. There are also a couple dragon statues (look closely, the dragons have braces) interspersed among colorful play areas.

“We like to think our offices are the second happiest place on Earth,” says Hoss. Sure, because you don’t get your teeth drilled at Disneyland.

Hoss and Keri have super hero outfits—natch—but don’t wear them while they work. “We fly into the office every day and hang our outfits up so people can see them,” says Hoss.

Aha! He said Keri was the one that could fly. “I use a jet pack,” explains Hoss.

Ahhhh.