Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Palacios.
Hi Gabriela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Gabriela Palacios, and my journey begins in Venezuela, where I earned my degree as a general dentist and discovered my passion for caring for children. Dentistry was not just a profession for me—it was a calling, a way to bring comfort, confidence, and health to others.
I arrived with a dream and an unwavering determination to continue growing professionally. Starting over in a new country came with its challenges, adapting to a different culture, learning a new language, and understanding a new system, but I embraced each step with resilience and purpose. I saw every obstacle not as a setback, but as an opportunity to push myself further and get closer to the goal I had carried with me for so long. The path was far from easy, yet perseverance guided every step. Slowly, I rebuilt my foundation, strengthened my skills, and immersed myself in the field I love. And eventually, the opportunity I had dreamed of became a reality: I was accepted into a pediatric dentistry residency program in the United States. It was a moment that marked not just a professional triumph, but a personal one—a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment.
Today, as a pediatric dentist, I have the privilege of caring for children from diverse backgrounds, many of whom remind me of my own journey. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and joyful environment for every patient, understanding firsthand the impact that kindness and empathy can have on a person’s life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No. Along the way, I learned that every meaningful journey comes with its share of obstacles. There were moments of uncertainty, times when progress felt slow, and days when balancing responsibilities seemed overwhelming. But I discovered that challenges are not meant to stop us, they are meant to strengthen us. Each hurdle taught me patience, discipline, and resilience. Every setback pushed me to grow, to refine my goals, and to believe in myself even more deeply. In the end, those difficult moments became stepping stones that shaped my character and guided me toward the future I had always imagined.
As you know, we’re big fans of Joyous Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Owning Joyous Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has been one of the greatest joys of my professional journey. From the very beginning, I envisioned a place where children could feel truly safe, welcomed, and understood, a space filled with warmth, compassion, and genuine care. At Joyous Smiles, we focus not only on creating positive experiences for our young patients, but also on ensuring that parents feel heard, supported, and confident in the care their children receive. We provide gentle, patient-centered dentistry in an environment designed to make every family feel comfortable and valued. As the owner, it is incredibly meaningful to see families walk through our doors and leave with brighter smiles, greater peace of mind, and the reassurance that they are in a place that genuinely cares. Joyous Smiles is not just a practice; it is the heart of my mission to provide exceptional pediatric care and to make a lasting, uplifting impact on our community.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
One of the biggest risks I have taken in my career was not only opening Joyous Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, which came with financial responsibilities and the challenges of building a new practice from the ground up, but also pursuing my pediatric dentistry residency while leaving my family behind in Texas. This was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the months without being able to see them or travel to share special moments felt endless. It was emotionally difficult, but I knew that following this path was essential to achieving my dream
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joyoussmiles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyous_smiles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Joyous-Smiles/61552816014961
