MiriamVilla
Dedicated to transforming children's dental experiences through compassion, advocacy, and community-centered care.
of the Year
“ Every child deserves a smile they are proud of -- and a dental experience that nurtures rather than frightens. ”
A multilingual dental student fluent in German, Arabic, English, and French, with a deep commitment to pediatric and special needs dentistry. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University, with a background in Biomedical Science from the University of West Florida and Biochemistry from Pensacola State College.
Education
DMD, Dental Medicine
Midwestern University -- Arizona
B.S. Biomedical Science
University of West Florida
A.A. Biochemistry
Pensacola State College
Recognition
ASDA National Delegate of the Year
American Student Dental Association
Selected from 23,000 dental students nationwide
2025NHSC Scholarship
National Health Service Corps
Four-year public health service commitment
2023ADEA Fellowship Program
Academic Dental Careers
Conducting IRB approved research; lecturing to Class of 2028
2025--2026ASDA Recognition
Midwestern University
Academic Honors
"When Autism and Dentistry Collide"
Contour Magazine, American Student Dental Association
Volume 9, Number 10 -- Nov/Dec 2025 — Disability Awareness in Dentistry
Research
Assessment of an Interdisciplinary Outreach Initiative for Pediatric Special Needs Patients by Healthcare Students and Providers
Leadership &
Advocacy
National, state, and institutional leadership roles driving change in dental education, advocacy, and community health.
American Dental Association
NationalAmerican Student Dental Association
NationalAADMD
NationalAAPD
NationalArizona Dental Association
StateFamily Voices & MCHB
NationalMidwestern University CDMA
InstitutionalClinical Experience & Service
Professional Experience
Pre-Dental Student Mentor Director & Mentor
Dental School Guide, Remote (Peoria, AZ)
Registered Behavior Technician
Java Autism Services (Scottsdale, AZ)
RBT & Parent Resource Coordinator
Little Oaks ABA (Wake Forest, NC)
Translator & Assistant in PEKIP
Social Catholic Woman Services (Wiesbaden, Germany)
Assistant Teacher & Recreation Coach
Gerhart-Hauptman-Schule (Wiesbaden, Germany)
Pediatric Clinical Shadowing
Midwestern Dental Institute
Pediatric Dental Clinic
Dr. Copeland, Dr. Rao, Dr. Johns
Kids Dental Spot
Special Needs Dentistry
Dr. Jourabchi
West Valley Pediatric
Pediatric & Anesthesia
Dr. Brownstein
Jungle Roots
Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dr. Culp
Kids Dental Office PHX
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Bienstock
Externships (2025--2026)
Community Impact
2026 ADA Lobby Day -- NDC Advocacy Panel
New Dentists, New Voices: Advocacy for the Profession — Panel moderated by Dr. Adam Saltz (NDC Vice Chair) with panelists Dr. Alexandra J. Fitzgerald and Dr. Jillian Stacey, sharing experiences on the impact of advocacy.
2026Brave Hearts: N.O.A.H.
Co-founded a Health & Wellness Literacy Fair with 12 Healthcare programs for Children with Special Needs in collaboration with Special Olympics and Delta Dental.
Jan 2025Dream Center Partnership
Provided free dental care and established a dental home for sex trafficking survivors.
2025Special Olympics -- Lead The Field
Coach & Student Lead with BRAVE HEARTS initiative.
2025Give Kids a Smile
Provided clinical treatment as a third-year student (2026). Assisted in providing free dental care to underserved children (Feb 2025). Volunteered across multiple years of the program.
2024--2026AADMD Break Out Session
Co-hosted "Assessing a Special Need's Initiative" at Phoenix Rising: One Voice Conference.
2025PA Program Collaboration
Presented on Fluoride, Diet & Social Determinants of Health; co-hosted Fluoride Varnish Workshop.
2025Oral Histology: Salivary Glands & TMJ
Lecture delivered to the Dental Class of 2028 as part of the Oral Health Science course, Winter 2024. Developed the presentation and objectives as part of the ADCFP Fellowship.
2024Introduction to D2 Community Service Rotations
Co-presented lecture to the Class of 2028, Winter 2025.
2025Conferences & Speaking
Additional Community Service
Team Smiles
Free dental care to underserved children
Sep 2025 & Apr 2026Saving Amy
Provided free dental treatment to individuals experiencing homelessness
2026Career Fair -- Pendergast Elementary
Career fair presentation for elementary school students
Mar 2026Feed My Starving Children
Volunteered to pack meals for children in need
Feb 2026The Opportunity Tree
Oral Health Screenings for individuals with IDD & literacy for caregivers
2025Dentists for Special Needs -- Halloween Event
Assisted individuals with IDD and their caregivers in a sensory-friendly Halloween celebration with games and activities
2025Buckeye UHSD -- Exceptional Student Services
OHI in self-contained S.T.E.P.S classrooms
2025Children's Oral Health Institute
"Lessons in a Lunchbox" -- OHI for children
2025Diversity in Dentistry Day
Student Mentor to underrepresented youth
2024--2025Rainbow Acres Living
OHI for individuals with developmental disabilities
2024--2025St. Vincent de Paul, AZ
4-week summer program for children on nutrition and oral health
2024GCU Back to School Event
Oral health screenings for 50+ children from Title I schools
2024Gentry Behavioral Services
OHI workshops for children on the autism spectrum
2024Arizona Mission of Mercy
Free dental care outreach
2023--2024Special Olympics Arizona
OHI & oral cancer screenings
2023--2024Raising Special Kids
Parent Leader role
2023--2025Project Humanity
Homeless outreach, Arizona
2023--2024Let's Connect
I welcome opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, research partnerships, and professional connection in pediatric dentistry and community health.