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Shaping the Future of Dentistry
Through Leadership, Education & Mentorship
My life's work is to educate, mentor, and inspire the next generation of dental leaders—creating pathways where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. HISHAW →Welcome
Throughout my career, I've believed that leadership isn't measured by titles, it's measured by the lives we influence.
After nearly 25 years in private practice as a pediatric dentist, I'm honored to return to my alma mater as Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry, where I have the privilege of educating, mentoring, and developing the next generation of dentists.
Whether I'm teaching students, speaking at conferences, leading Mentorships in Dentistry (MIND), or collaborating with colleagues across the profession, my mission remains the same:
To create opportunities for others to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
GET IN TOUCH →AS SEEN IN:
Developing Future Leaders
As Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry, Dr. Laila Hishaw is committed to developing future dental leaders, advancing academic excellence, and expanding opportunity through mentorship, education, and service.
Why I Do What I Do
Mentorships in Dentistry, Inc.
As one of only 3.8% of Black dentists in America, I know what it means to pave your own way—and how crucial mentorship, access, and support truly are. That’s why I founded Mentorships in Dentistry. My mission is to light the path for future dental professionals while helping today’s leaders thrive with authenticity, purpose, and legacy.
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“Her talk was the most inspiring I’ve ever heard. Dr. Hishaw didn’t just lecture—she moved us to action.”
– Dr. Grace Yum, Founder, Mommy Dentists in Business
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Edward P. Nelson Endowed Professor
Bring Dr. Hishaw's Powerful Voice to Your Next Event
Whether you’re planning a national conference, women in leadership event, or healthcare summit, Dr. Hishaw’s authentic delivery and lived experiences inspire audiences to lead with purpose, equity, and joy
Meet
Dr. Hishaw
Dr. Laila Hishaw is a board-certified pediatric dentist, educator, speaker, and nationally recognized leader in mentorship. As Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and an Edward P. Nelson Endowed Professor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry, she combines more than 25 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience with a lifelong passion for developing future dental professionals. Through her teaching, speaking, writing, and nonprofit work, she is committed to advancing excellence in dentistry and creating opportunities for the next generation.
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CAVITY FREE KIDS
Give your kids the very best start to a healthy life! My Amazon Best-Seller is a must-have resource guide that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to provide the best oral healthcare at every stage of your child’s development while instilling a lifelong commitment to taking care of their teeth!
BUY NOW →GRAB A FREE RESOURCE
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.
