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I'm Laila Hishaw
DDS, FACD, FICD, FPFA
Pediatric Dentist. Speaker. Author. Mentor. Changemaker.
I’m Dr. Laila Hishaw—a board-certified pediatric dentist, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Mentorships in Dentistry, Inc. (MIND), a national nonprofit focused on building a more inclusive future in oral healthcare. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to improving children’s oral health and creating opportunities for underrepresented students to thrive in dentistry. Whether I’m in the clinic, on stage, or coaching healthcare professionals, my mission is to help others lead with authenticity, confidence, and purpose. I believe that when we feel empowered and supported, we not only do our best work—we leave a legacy that transforms lives.
From the beginning...
Raised in Kansas City by a strong mother and pioneering grandmother, I grew up surrounded by love, resilience, and the thrill of competitive figure skating. Inspired by my late father—a compassionate dentist in Iran—I eventually found my true calling in dentistry.
After earning my DDS with honors and completing a pediatric residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center, I made it my mission to transform children’s oral health. For over two decades, I’ve proudly served Southern Arizona as Founding Partner of Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
Community Involvement
Community is the heartbeat of my mission. I’m proud to be an active member of:
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Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – Raising the next generation of African-American leaders.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – The first historically African-American sorority.
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Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, Board Member – Supporting access to oral healthcare in underserved communities.
MY PASSIONS
Speaking. Mentoring. Creating Change.
I’m passionate about empowering others—whether through keynotes, coaching, or writing. As a bestselling author of Cavity Free Kids, I educate families on oral health and inspire others to find balance and purpose.
I proudly contributed to Mommy Dentist in Business, sharing how I juggle motherhood, practice ownership, and leadership with intention.
I’m also the founder of MIND (Mentorships in Dentistry, Inc.), my legacy project and a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity in the dental profession. Through youth summits, scholarships, and hands-on mentorship, we’re creating clear pathways from middle school to dental school—empowering the next generation to see themselves in dentistry and lead with purpose.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY SPEAKING →AS SEEN IN:
Achievements
As a board-certified pediatric dentist and Fellow of four prestigious dental organizations, I represent less than 3% of dentists nationally. Highlights of my career include:
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Being featured on Mystery Diagnosis for identifying a rare neurological disorder in a patient
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Named Tucson’s Top Dentist™ by Tucson Lifestyle every year since 2012
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Serving on the Arizona Dental Board as an Anesthesia Evaluator
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Alumna of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership and current member of its national Task Force on Equity
Family
My family is my foundation. I’m married to Dr. Alex Hishaw, a physician and neurology researcher, and together we’re raising three incredible kids. Whether we’re traveling or watching Star Wars marathons, we stay grounded through love, laughter, and the joy of living fully.
Balance isn’t just something I teach—it’s how I live. And I’m here to help others do the same.
GRAB THE FREE GUIDE
The R.E.A.L. Leadership Blueprint
Inclusive Strategies for Thriving Teams
Discover Dr. Laila’s powerful framework for building inclusive, high-performing teams with respect, empathy, authenticity, and legacy.
