Meet our founders

Dr. Niazi obtained his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Case Western Reserve University in 2003. After practicing for five years as a general dentist in Tacoma and Gig Harbor, he attended the University of Southern California to become certified in Endodontics (root canal specialist).

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Dr. Niazi's past experience as a general dentist is an asset in providing a multidisciplinary approach to long-term treatment in conjunction with a patient's general dentist. Dr. Niazi believes root canal treatment is the best method of saving teeth and improving oral health, an essential part of a patient's overall health. He believes that endodontic treatment should be affordable, comfortable, and of long-lasting results. Dr. Niazi has enjoyed returning home to serve the endodontic needs for the people of Pierce, Kitsap and Mason counties.

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Dr. Niazi is active in endodontic research and publication. He has volunteered and traveled to El Salvador to provide endodontic care to the less fortunate. He enjoys spending time with his daughter and son.

Dr. Amber Chu immigrated to the United States from Taiwan at the age of 17. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, an elite honors program for gifted students that admits only five undergraduates per year for advanced, graduate-level coursework. During her studies, Dr. Chu received the prestigious Randolph Wolf Research Award for her work in organic chemistry and graduated with Dean’s Honors.

Driven by a passion for science and a desire to work closely with patients, Dr. Chu pursued her dental education at New York University College of Dentistry, graduating in 2002. She opened her first private dental practice in Manhattan shortly thereafter and, over the next six years, expanded to own and manage three group practices.

In 2008, Dr. Chu continued her advanced training by completing an endodontic residency at the University of Southern California. Following residency, she returned to New York before relocating to Houston, Texas, where she established and successfully operated a solo endodontic practice for over 12 years.

In 2026, Dr. Chu moved to the Pacific Northwest to join Puget Sound Endodontic Associates group practice alongside Dr. Arash Niazi, her former USC co-resident and longtime colleague. 

Ava Niazi serves as the Executive Director of NW Continuing Education Center. Raised in the Puget Sound area, Ava grew up surrounded by the dental community, spending much of her childhood in dental offices through her father, Dr. Niazi. This early exposure gave her a strong appreciation for the dental profession and the importance of continuing education.

Ava graduated from Charles Wright Academy before attending San Diego State University, where she recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. After graduation, she spent a year working in sales in San Diego, gaining valuable experience in communication, client relationships, and business development.

Now back in the Puget Sound area, Ava is passionate about helping NW Continuing Education Center grow through business expansion, marketing, and community outreach. She is excited to continue learning the ins and outs of the dental field while supporting high-quality educational opportunities for dental professionals.