Like many dentists, I started with a deep desire to help people; and now, especially children, live pain-free and smile with confidence. Somewhere along the way, I discovered something just as fulfilling as treating kids: mentoring the next generation of pediatric dentists.
I currently work one day a week at Kids Dental Office of Phoenix, a vibrant, high-volume practice that has become a true hub for learning and mentorship. I started here after completing my pediatric dental residency through NYU Langone, where I had the privilege of training under Dr. Lisa Bienstock. She’s a board-certified pediatric dentist, a Columbia University Alum, and currently serves as Vice President of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. She saw something in me and offered me a chance to stay on—not just as a clinician, but as a teacher.
Now, I help train residents completing their NYU Langone Pediatric Residency, and honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my week.
Teaching has made me a better dentist. It forces me to slow down, explain my reasoning, and really think about the why behind every clinical decision. But more than that, it reminds me of where I started. I remember the nerves of seeing my first pediatric patient solo, the pressure of getting it “just right,” and the way I looked to my attendings for reassurance and guidance. Now, I get to be that person for someone else.
Each week, I work alongside residents as they grow their skills—and their confidence. I watch as they navigate tough procedures, difficult behavior, and even tougher conversations with worried parents. And I’m there to remind them: you’ve got this, and I’ve got your back.
What I love most is helping them see the bigger picture. Pediatric dentistry isn’t just about filling cavities or placing crowns, it’s about changing lives. When you help a child eat without pain, or smile without shame, or sleep through the night for the first time in weeks, you realize how deeply oral health touches every part of a child’s life. And when you empower a parent with tools and education, you’re creating a ripple effect that can impact generations.
My work experience on the Navajo Nation taught me a lot about access to care, health disparities, and the painful truth that many kids still fall through the cracks. The 2020 Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health in America highlights many of the same challenges I saw firsthand: high rates of dental disease in underserved communities, gaps in prevention, and a shortage of providers trained to meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations. That’s why I teach. Because we need more pediatric dentists who don’t just know how to treat teeth—but who understand how to listen, how to lead, and how to advocate.
And honestly? It’s a joy. Watching residents grow, watching kids heal, and watching families leave our office smiling it’s everything I hoped it would be, and more.