About
From the Beginning
Raised in Kansas City, Missouri, by an amazing mother and trailblazing grandmother, my childhood was filled with love and the thrills of competitive figure skating. My father, a compassionate and esteemed dentist in Iran, always inspired me to be a doctor. Though initially drawn to Sports Medicine at Pepperdine University, destiny guided me to dentistry. Embracing this path, I achieved a Doctorate of Dental Surgery with Honors in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. My journey continued with a post-doctorate residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to enhancing the oral health of my young patients in Southern Arizona as the Founding Partner of Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
Achievements
I am a board-certified pediatric dentist with prestigious Fellowships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American and the International College of Dentists. This places me among less than 3% of dentists. I am honored to have been chosen as Tucson’s Top Dentist™ featured in Tucson Lifestyle magazine annually since 2012, thanks to the support of my colleagues.
I gained national and international recognition on Mystery Diagnosis (Discovery Health Channel) for my role in diagnosing a rare neurological disorder in one of my young patients. I strongly believe in continuous learning and growth, which is why I was thrilled to serve as an Anesthesia Evaluator for the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. In this role, I assessed dentists’ abilities to safely sedate patients in their dental practices, a crucial aspect of pediatric dentistry. Serving on the board was a rewarding experience. Additionally, I am honored to be an alumna of the American Dental Association Institute for Diversity in Leadership and currently serve on the American Dental Association Task Force to Eliminate Barriers for Underrepresented Minorities into the Dental Profession.
Community Involvement
Community is vitally important for all of us. We each have to do our part in making communities thrive and last. I am proud to be a member of these inspiring civic and community organizations:
- Jack and Jill of America, Inc.– An organization of mothers dedicated to raising the next generation of African-American leaders, while enhancing the lives of all children.
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.– The first intercollegiate historically African-American Sorority.
- Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, Board Member– Supporting programs and services that promote good oral health and increase access to dental care in Arizona.
My Passions
Public Speaking, Mentorship, Education, Representation
As a passionate public speaker, I’ve shared insights with health professionals nationwide, finding joy in mentoring, educating, and connecting with audiences. This platform allows me to make a direct impact, something I also achieve through writing. As an author, I extend my mentorship and education, grateful for the chance to influence through words. My work includes co-authoring articles on tooth whitening and empowering parents to raise healthy children, with my book “CAVITY FREE KIDS” which supported the launch of my non-profit, Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., aimed at increasing representation in the field.
Always striving to find work/life harmony, I was thrilled to contribute to “Mommy Dentist in Business: Juggling Life and Career While Running a Business,” sharing strategies for managing family and career with the support of the community. Mentorship, especially for young female dentists, is a cornerstone of my career, aiming to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams without compromise.
My legacy project, Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc. 501 (c)(3) addresses the underrepresentation of Black dentists in America, seeking to inspire and educate young people of color about the oral health profession and to strike a balance in the dental workforce. Through this non-profit, I strive to show that representation matters and to encourage children to see themselves in roles where they don’t often see themselves and can make a significant impact.
Friends and Family
All that to say, I certainly stay busy, which is why it is important to me to work on staying grounded and living the life I have been called to live. This has led me to teach others what I have learned and help them create a balance of work and relaxation, all while walking in their purpose. One of the ways I stay grounded is by cultivating my friendships and creating a solid foundation and support system to fall back on whenever I need it. It does take a village.
A big part of my village is my family. My greatest joy is spending time with my husband, Dr. Alex Hishaw, who is an academic physician and researcher in neurology. Together we have three wonderful children. As a family we love traveling, playing video games, and are self-proclaimed #1 Star Wars Fans.
