Meet the Framingham Team at Orris Dental

Ali Maddahi, DMD

Dr. Maddahi brings more than 35 years of clinical experience to Orris Dental, which he founded in 2010. His path to dentistry began in science. A strong background in microbiology sparked his interest in how oral health connects to overall health, and he was drawn to a field that combines science, problem-solving, and the chance to make a real difference in people's quality of life.

That scientific foundation still shapes his work. Dr. Maddahi has more than 25 years of teaching and research experience. He has served as an Attending Dentist in the General Dentistry Residency program at Cambridge Health Alliance and as a lecturer in the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Patient Care and Continuing Education

At Orris Dental, Dr. Maddahi provides comprehensive care with a strong focus on patient education. His favorite part of the job is helping patients understand their oral health and working with them to find the right treatment.

He completed a mini-residency in dental sleep medicine at Tufts and treats obstructive sleep apnea with custom oral appliances. He also completes multiple continuing education courses each year. He works closely with a team that shares his commitment to thoughtful, high-quality care and a comfortable experience for every patient.

Education and Training

• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
• Harvard Medical School – Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Medicine
• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – Mini-Residency in Dental Sleep Medicine

Professional Associations

• American Dental Association
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
• Massachusetts Dental Society

Outside the Office

Dr. Maddahi loves cooking vegetarian food and trying new plant-based recipes. He enjoys hiking and time in nature, often photographing interesting plants along the way and using an identification app to learn what they are. He also starts every workday with meditation, a routine that centers him and that he's kept for many years.

Jilla

Office Manager

Jilla's (pronounced 'ZHEE-lah') path to dentistry was an unexpected one. She earned her bachelor's degree in radiologic technology from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran in 1993 and spent two years in radiology.

Then an opportunity to work alongside several dentists changed her direction. She quickly found she loved the dental office environment, the time with patients, and the variety of the work. After moving to the United States, she passed her board exams to become a registered radiologic technologist, then returned to dentistry and joined Orris Dental in 2010.

As our office manager, Jilla expertly oversees daily operations, coordinates administrative tasks, and helps patients with their questions and concerns. She believes good communication, teamwork, and attention to detail make a real difference for patients and staff.

Her favorite part of the job is building long-term relationships with patients and working alongside a team that genuinely cares. She keeps growing in her role through ongoing training and continuing education.

Outside the office, Jilla enjoys hiking while listening to audiobooks and podcasts. She also loves experimenting in the kitchen, creating her own recipes rather than following someone else's.

Giovanna

Registered Dental Hygienist

Giovanna has been part of the Orris Dental team since 2015, growing through several roles at the practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum laude, from Framingham State University. She then earned her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Quinsigamond Community College, where she received the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association Scholarship and the Dental Hygiene Department Award.

Giovanna was drawn to dental hygiene by the chance to make a difference through education and prevention. Oral health plays a big role in overall health and quality of life. She finds it especially rewarding to help patients understand their oral health and give them the tools to prevent future problems.

Giovanna is bilingual and can care for patients in both English and Portuguese. She's also proud to be part of a team that works together to make every patient feel welcomed, heard, and well cared for.

Outside the office, Giovanna enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her dog, Korra. She's also working toward hiking all 48 peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Tamheed

Certified Dental Assistant

Tamheed brings a remarkable depth of knowledge to her role as a Certified Dental Assistant. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India before completing her certification through the Dental Assisting National Board in the United States. This background gives her a genuine clinical understanding of every procedure she assists with. She joined the Orris Dental team in 2021.

Drawn to dentistry by its unique blend of art and science, Tamheed's greatest priority is making sure every patient feels at ease. Her training as a dentist means she can anticipate what each step of a procedure involves and offer reassurance that goes beyond the surface level.

Outside the office, Tamheed enjoys cooking. She also loves stargazing and learning about the planets.

Cicilia

Insurance Coordinator

Cicilia joined Orris Dental in 2021, bringing a customer service background and a love of learning new things. She trained here at our practice to become a certified dental assistant, then took on a new challenge as our insurance coordinator.

Today, Cicilia works to make sure patients’ coverage is in place for the treatment they receive. Thanks to her dental assisting certification, she also helps out in sterilization. She values the team’s spirit of support, where everyone pitches in whenever an extra hand is needed.

Outside the office, Cicilia enjoys listening to podcasts on all kinds of topics and tackling DIY projects. She’s also a pro at finding the best price on just about anything, a skill that comes in handy in her role at Orris Dental!