About Us
Supporting Families, Empowering Smiles
Creating Smiles, Building Confidence
At the heart of Ahh-tism Smiles is a simple yet powerful purpose: supporting families and empowering children through compassionate, sensory-friendly dental care. Our mission is to transform dental visits into positive, stress-free experiences for neurodivergent children, fostering confidence and comfort for every family we serve.
Founders: Mironda Engstrom
Mironda Engstrom is the Founder and CEO of Ahh-tism Smiles, leading the organization with a rare blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and—most of all—heart. A mother, advocate, and dental professional for more than 30 years, Mironda understands firsthand the challenges families face when accessing compassionate, inclusive dental care.
Her vision for Ahh-tism Smiles was born from seeing exclusion up close and recognizing the significant gaps that exist between special needs families and the dental community. Determined to change that, Mironda created Ahh-tism Smiles to bridge those barriers—bringing families, providers, and education together to ensure every individual is treated with dignity, understanding, and respect.
Through leadership grounded in empathy and experience, Mironda continues to champion access, inclusion, and better outcomes for special needs patients and the families who love them.
OUR VALUES
Compassion
We approach every interaction with empathy and understanding. Our commitment to compassionate care means we listen to the concerns of families and provide support that acknowledges their challenges and triumphs.
Inclusivity
We embrace and celebrate diversity by creating a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for all families. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of every individual, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.
Empowerment
We believe in empowering families by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for their children. Our workshops and support groups are designed to equip parents and caregivers with the tools to navigate their journeys confidently.
Vision
Mission
What parent say
The participating dental clinics volunteer their time to give kids a chance to come and explore the dentist in the most welcoming and affirming way possible. And the kids and parents who come give the dentists and hygienists tons of experience with a great group of neurodiverse kids. Benjamin had a great time greeting everyone and practiced holding his mouth open for the dentist and showing her how he brushes his teeth.
So grateful for Mironda Engstrom who found a problem and then found a way she could make a difference. 🦷🪥
