Lessons from Local Leaders:

Dr. Neda Kalantar

Safari Smiles and Global Impact: Dr. Neda Kalantar’s Journey in Pediatric Dentistry

At the heart of Reston, Virginia, you’ll find a pediatric dental practice unlike any other — one where kids feel like they’re stepping into a safari adventure. This whimsical world was dreamed up by Dr. Neda Kalantar, a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Pediatric Dentistry Reston. But behind the playful theme lies a deeply compassionate mission rooted in service, education, and global outreach.

Where Passion Meets Purpose

Dr. Kalantar’s path to pediatric dentistry was inspired by her parents’ careers in healthcare. Her father was a physician, her mother a nurse, and from an early age, Neda saw firsthand the joy that came from helping others. But it was her involvement with Operation Smile — a nonprofit providing cleft lip and palate surgeries to children around the world — that helped her discover the unique role dentistry could play in global health.

A pivotal mission trip to Nicaragua exposed her to the transformative impact of cleft surgeries, often completed in under an hour, yet changing lives forever. That experience not only sparked her passion for dentistry but set the tone for her life’s work. She later became actively involved in starting dental missions in Vietnam, where she helped lead oral health education efforts alongside medical care — an initiative that continues today.

Creating a Safari for Smiles

When she opened her own practice nearly two decades ago, Dr. Kalantar infused it with her lifelong love of animals. The result? A vibrant, safari-themed office that instantly puts children (and parents!) at ease. With colorful murals, themed play areas, and a special mascot named Cammy the Tiger, the practice is designed to make dental visits feel exciting rather than scary.

“I wanted kids to feel like they’re going on an adventure when they come in,” she explained. “We meet them where they are — using imagination, storytelling, and language that speaks their language.”

Instead of clinical terms, her team uses phrases like “tooth bugs” instead of cavities and “sleepy spray” in place of anesthesia. This thoughtful approach transforms potentially frightening procedures into empowering experiences for children. And yes — even the most hesitant little ones often leave with smiles and high-fives.

Education That Empowers

Beyond the walls of her practice, Dr. Kalantar is a fierce advocate for prevention and education — especially in underserved areas. Her volunteer work with Operation Smile and other global missions has taken her across continents, including Africa, where she found herself immersed in both wildlife and meaningful medical care — completing her full-circle safari dream.

On these missions, she not only assists with cleft cases but also leads oral health education workshops, teaching children the basics of hygiene and nutrition that can have lasting impacts. “Sometimes a few small changes in knowledge can lead to huge improvements in a child’s health,” she said.

Bringing Stories to Life: A Children’s Book in the Works

True to her imaginative spirit, Dr. Kalantar is also working on a children’s book featuring Cammy the Tiger. The story centers around Cammy’s own journey with a cleft lip, allowing young readers to explore self-acceptance, empathy, and oral health — all wrapped in a beautifully illustrated safari adventure.

“The idea is to create a story that kids can relate to, that helps them feel seen and supported — especially those going through something similar,” she said. The book, expected to release later this year, is a passion project born from her years of dental work and global mission experiences.

Innovation Meets Compassion

Dr. Kalantar’s office is also a hub of cutting-edge technology, including laser dentistry and digital numbing tools like the Soan pen, which reduce discomfort and eliminate the need for traditional injections. These innovations ensure a more comfortable experience and faster recovery — a win for both kids and parents.

“The less numbing we use, the better,” she said. “It’s about finding tools that serve the patient and make their visit as stress-free as possible.”

Building Community, One Smile at a Time

Despite her global reach, Dr. Kalantar remains deeply rooted in her local community. She supports local swim and soccer teams, hosts educational events, and continues to grow her practice largely through word of mouth. “The best compliment is when families feel so comfortable that they tell others about us,” she shared.

She also credits her incredible team — many of whom have grown with the practice — as the backbone of her success. “Management has been one of the most challenging aspects, but also the most rewarding,” she said. “When you find the right people and build the right culture, magic happens.”

A Quote to Live By

Behind every strong woman is a tribe of others lifting her up — a quote that deeply resonates with Dr. Kalantar. Whether through her family, her team, her patients, or the women who support and inspire her, she believes in the power of community and collective strength.

“I couldn’t do any of this alone,” she said. “From my global work to the day-to-day magic at the office, it all comes back to support — and sharing that support with others.”

Learn More About Dr. Neda Kalantar & Pediatric Dentistry Reston
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist who blends expertise, heart, and just a bit of safari magic — Dr. Kalantar and her team are ready to welcome you into their jungle of joy. Stay tuned for her upcoming book launch this fall, and be sure to follow her journey on Instagram for more updates.

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