We had the good fortune of connecting with Dora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dora, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey into entrepreneurship began with a deep passion for improving children’s health and well-being. As a dental professional, I saw firsthand the significant barriers that underserved and uninsured families face in accessing dental care. Many parents struggled with transportation and couldn’t afford to take time off work for dental appointments, leading to preventable oral health issues in their children. Determined to find a solution, I founded TheSmileZone, a mobile dental outreach organization in Arizona.

Our organization brings comprehensive preventative dental care, oral hygiene education, and care packages directly to schools and community centers. By meeting children where they are, we eliminate logistical and financial obstacles, ensuring they receive essential dental services without disrupting their parents’ work schedules. Our innovative approach not only addresses immediate dental needs but also empowers children with the knowledge and tools to maintain their oral health long-term.

Since our inception, we have reached thousands of children across the state, providing critical dental care and education that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our success lies in our ability to adapt and respond to the unique challenges faced by the communities we serve. We continuously refine our services based on feedback and outcomes, ensuring we deliver the most effective care possible.

The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and volunteers has been essential to our growth and impact. Our vision is to expand our reach further, ultimately reducing dental health disparities and fostering healthier futures for all children in Arizona.

Through resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to our mission, TheSmileZone has become a beacon of hope and health for many families, and we are excited to continue this vital work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My journey in the dental field began in high school when I discovered my passion for dentistry. Although I hadn’t been to the dentist much before then, the experience left a lasting impression on me. I was drawn to the small but meaningful act of taking care of my health, the care I received from dental professionals, and the unique environment of a dental office – the smells, the scrubs, and the sense of purpose. This early experience sparked my desire to pursue a career where I could care for others in a similar way.

Over the years, my career evolved from a sterile tech and dental assistant to management and partnerships. My experience co-owning dental practices provided invaluable insights into patient care, dental practice design, and building strong dental teams. Since 1999, I have dedicated myself to learning and growing in the field, and that knowledge has allowed me to serve as the President and CEO of a mobile dental organization, TheSmileZone.

The turning point in my career came in 2019, when I was promoting a dental office in Texas and collaborating with school nurses, administrators, and parents. I encountered a significant barrier: many families struggled to access dental care due to the demands of work and school schedules. One conversation with a teacher, who was unable to take her daughter to the dentist because of her role as the sole provider for her family, deeply impacted me. This conversation sparked an idea, what if I could bring dental care directly to the schools? From that conversation, TheSmileZone was born.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated the development of TheSmileZone, and since then, it has been my privilege to lead a passionate team dedicated to providing accessible care to children and families across Texas and as of June 2023, across Arizona. This journey has been both fulfilling and therapeutic, and it has reinforced my commitment to this work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting, I’d definitely start by showing them downtown Phoenix, there’s always something happening, and the energy is great. Depending on the season, we’d catch an Arizona Cardinals or Diamondbacks game. For a fun night out, I love Rough Rider for cocktails, and Highball is perfect for great drinks and stunning views.

We’d have to make a stop in Scottsdale, a little shopping there never hurt anybody! And if we’re talking about where to stay, I’d recommend Wild Horse Pass, the JW Marriott, or The Phoenician, especially if they’re into relaxing by the pool, hitting the spa, or getting a round of golf in.

Honestly, I love Arizona and could go on forever. I haven’t even mentioned Sedona’s red rocks, Cave Creek’s charm, or a road trip down to Tucson. The options are truly endless!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
What started as a vision has grown into something truly special. I am proud to lead an incredible team. Raymond Pesqueda, Vice President and Executive Assistant, has played a pivotal role in our success by managing systems and communicating effectively with our team and volunteers. Alyssa Apodaca, our Director of Operations, has expanded our reach through her expertise and dedication. Mariah Taylor, our RDHAP, and Jacob de Werd, another RDH, have both shown deep commitment to our outreach programs, while Rachel Schimpa, and Georgia Kaliotzakis our Dental Assistants, bring a willingness to learn and grow that has been invaluable.

We are also incredibly grateful for the continued support from Miah Pesqueda, Justin Pesqueda, Isaiah Apodaca, Ezekiel Pena, Celeste Fleming, Anissa Cabanillas, who, though limited on time, have contributed countless hours to our mission. Their dedication has been essential to our success.

Lastly, Dr. Nikita Kuppanda, our Pediatric Dentist, has been a longtime partner in the mobile dental space, offering exceptional care to the children and families we serve. Together, our team’s diverse skills and shared vision are making a lasting impact on our community and the dental industry.

Website: https://www.thesmilezone.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmilezone.dentaloutreach/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesmilezone/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSmileZoneAZ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmileZone.DentalOutreach

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmilezone.org?_t=8nQ8Ecgzq3i&_r=1&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabXHk6qia5RqpSxrj8I-MjROZl3N3qE8eZT-NVIoPuM-xZ6YBVZ9yxkyyU_aem_wTr4XVtkYKhSrtJbBL0bCw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.