Two moms caring for young smiles
We are Dr. Parisa and Dr. Dara—two moms, two dentists, and two passionate individuals who absolutely love working with kids. As moms ourselves, we understand how important it is for little ones to feel safe, happy, and comfortable at the dentist, which is why we’ve created a dental office just for kids in Phoenix, where visits are filled with laughter, fun, and great memories. We truly believe that a positive experience at the dentist can make a lifelong difference, and we’re committed to making every child’s first dental visit one they’ll look forward to.
Our journey together began years ago at Midwestern University, where we bonded over our shared sense of humor, personalities, and love for people. As our careers evolved, we reconnected with a common goal: to create a dental practice that’s more than just a visit—it’s an experience. Our vision was clear: we wanted to build a place where children feel safe, cared for, and excited to visit. A space that stands apart from corporate dental offices—where the only memories are gentle, painless visits and happy moments.
At our practice, we treat every child like our own—gently, patiently, and with plenty of encouragement. Whether it’s a high-five, a silly joke, or simply taking the time to help a child feel at ease, we’re here to make sure every kiddo feels special and cared for. Our goal is simple: to create a space where kids actually enjoy coming to the dentist! We want visits to be something they look forward to, not dread. We feel incredibly fortunate to serve the young community in Phoenix, and we can’t wait to welcome you and your little one into our dental family. Let’s make going to the dentist an adventure they’ll love!
Dr. Dara
Dr. Dara grew up in a small town in northern New Jersey, where she developed a strong sense of community and passion for helping others. Her academic journey took her to the University of Michigan for undergraduate studies, where she majored in Psychology, a field that deepened her understanding of human behavior and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with others.
Dr. Dara then pursued her dental education in Arizona at Midwestern University, where she met her future colleague and friend, Dr. Parisa. Upon graduating, Dr. Dara began working with adults but soon discovered that her true passion was working with children. WIth a deep love for kids, she shifted her focus solely to pediatric dentistry, where she found great joy in making a positive impact on young patients' lives.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Dara is a devoted mother to three young children of her own, which gives her even more insight into the unique needs and challenges of working with kids. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Dara enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling to new places, exploring the outdoors, being a Girl Scout troop leader, and trying new foods. These passions allow her to continually learn about different cultures and bring a fresh perspective to both her personal and professional life. Dr. Dara’s love for adventure and family, combined with her expertise in dentistry for children, makes her a compassionate and dedicated professional who is committed to creating memorable experiences for her young patients.
Dr. Parisa
Dr. Parisa Shahnavaz grew up in Iran in a bustling family of eight girls, where a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others were deeply ingrained. Inspired by her father, a general surgeon, she developed an early love for the medical field. She first earned a degree in Computer Science but soon followed her heart into dentistry, finding her true calling in working with children.
Dr. Shahnavaz is a fun-loving dentist who believes every visit should be a positive and fear-free experience. She keeps kids engaged with silly jokes and playful tricks—like “tickling the tooth” while she works. Whenever possible, she skips numbing for simple fillings, ensuring little patients stay comfortable without the worry of a “pokey” shot.
She is also learning Spanish and speaks fluent Farsi, helping her connect with even more families. Outside the office, Dr. Shahnavaz is a devoted mom to two daughters, ages 3 and 7. She loves baking, competitive swimming, painting, and traveling with her family—hobbies that bring balance and creativity to her life.
With a deep appreciation for family and the joy of working with kids, she is dedicated to making every little smile shine!
Ready for your child's appointment?
Book your child’s dental appointment at Smiley Kids Dental in Phoenix, AZ, for a fun, stress-free visit! Our kid-friendly dentists provide gentle, expert care, ensuring bright smiles and healthy teeth. From routine checkups to cavity prevention, we make every visit comfortable and educational. Schedule today and give your child the best start for lifelong oral health!