Today we’d like to introduce you to Laji James.
Hi Laji, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born on the southern tip of India in a state named Kerala. My parents and I immigrated to the United States in the 1970s and made Houston our home in 1981. Kerala is a beautiful, tropical, and mostly rural area. I would always joke that I grew up in the jungle, with monkeys, snakes, and no indoor plumbing. Funny thing is, I wasn’t joking. My dad was in the Air Force and my mom had aspirations to become a nurse. My dad had 8 brothers and sisters and my mom had 7. They left their lives and family in India for a better life in the US. But not a better life for them. A better life for me & my siblings. Life in the US was hard for my parents. Their support structure was half a world away. They didn’t have many friends or family. They had to learn a new language. They had to find work. It was a difficult time for my parents. But I will tell you, because of their sacrifices, my siblings, our children, our families have amazing lives. None of this could be realized without everything they gave up for us.
I graduated from Bellaire High School magna cum laude. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity University in San Antonio and again graduated magna cum laude. I obtained my dental degree and specialty training in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio graduating in the top of my class, cum laude, and earned several awards and scholarships.
I completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry after graduating from dental school. My training included externships at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Children’s Medical Center Dallas, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. I also received anesthesiology training at University Hospital in San Antonio, as well as hematology and pediatric medicine at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio.
I am an official speaker for the American Dental Association’s Success program. I have lectured to dental students at various schools around the country. I have chaired community outreach programs such as Give Kids a Smile Day at the University of Texas Dental School. I have made several mission trips to Mexico with the Christian Medical and Dental Society and volunteered for the Texas Mission of Mercy and Veterans Smile Day events.
I am an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I have served as president of the Houston Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and president of the Greater Houston Dental Society. I have served on the board of directors for both the Greater Houston Dental Society and the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Additionally, I have served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Dental Association which entails serving roles as Director, Senior Director, and Vice President.
I started working in West Houston and Katy in 2003. In 2008, I became the owner of the dental practice that I was working at for 5 years. We have been treating infants, children and teens in the West Houston area for so long that I now see the children of my patients that I saw 20 years ago as teenagers. We also treat children with special health care needs and behavioral and sensory issues. We offer various types of behavior techniques and sedation options to help children that can not tolerate dental treatment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t believe anyone has a smooth road. I have always believed that life is a series of obstacles that need to be overcome daily. Being a first generation immigrant brought challenges in the form of language and cultural differences. We also had to develop a support network of friends to help us along our journey. Luckily, Houston has wonderfully kind people with a rich multicultural community that made the transition much smoother. I received great education at the schools here in Texas. Finally, I was blessed to find mentors in our community and my profession that taught me the right way to treat people and patients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a board certified pediatric dentist that specializes in the dental treatment of infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Furthermore, I have multiple years of pediatric medicine, anesthesia, and specialty training to be the best provider of dentistry to children. My training included working at hospitals that focused on children with a wide assortment of medical needs as well as behavioral and sensory challenges. We have designed a child friendly atmosphere at the office to make dental visits fun for children. I believe that dentistry for the infant, child, adolescent, and those with special healthcare needs should be focused on the prevention of dental disease. This is achieved through education about oral hygiene and nutrition, and a coordinated approach between families and the dental team.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Dental decay is a preventable disease. Establishing good home care is essential to lifelong oral health which goes hand in hand with overall health. Our goal is to help your child have a learning experience about dental health that prepares them for a life of great overall health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kidsdentistofhouston.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lajijames/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsDentistofHouston
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtySSq9WGdq-CAJKn9kr8dQ
