Southern Smiles is an owner-operated dental practice founded by Dr. Monzer Shakally in Phoenix in March 2024. The practice provides general, preventive, cosmetic, restorative, implant and emergency dentistry, with an emphasis on comfortable, clearly explained and personalized care. It began with Dr. Shakally, one assistant and no existing patient base; according to the practice, more than half of its new patients now arrive through word-of-mouth referrals.
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2026-09-02
From Refugee to Practice Owner: Building a Mission-Driven Dental Startupwith Dr. Monzer Shakally
Dr. Monzer Shakally, a dentist and founder of Southern Smiles in South Phoenix, discusses his journey from being a Syrian refugee to establishing a mission-driven dental practice. He emphasizes the challenges of starting a dental startup, including high initial costs and the importance of building trust with patients. Shakally's practice focuses on serving a diverse community, primarily uninsured patients, and aims to provide quality care while navigating the complexities of the dental industry.
Notable quotes
“I was born and raised in Syria. I moved here to the US when I was 17 years old. I came here as a refugee.”
“If you are an immigrant or maybe the son of an immigrant, there's a joke that we say to each other is that you have 3 options. You can be a doctor, an engineer, or a disappointment.”
“My success leads to better confidence leads to longer living, leads to happier lives.”
“Trust is something that is very difficult to build sometimes, but takes— it's very easy to break.”
“I would rather be not busy than have somebody that will make my life miserable.”
“The feedback that I really enjoy is when somebody is telling me, hey, I appreciate you taking the time to spend with me and educating me.”