Monzer Shakally
Dentist
DDS
My name is Dr. Monzer Shakally, and I’m the proud founder and owner of Southern Smiles. I was born and raised in Syria and came to the United States as a refugee at the age of 17. I was relocated to Iowa - an unexpected landing spot - but one that became home for over a decade while I pursued my dream of becoming a dentist.
I earned my dental degree at the University of Iowa, one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the country.
After graduation, my wife and I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I practiced under the mentorship of experienced dentists. These years were invaluable in building my clinical skills and patient relationships - but I always envisioned practicing dentistry in my own way, centered on compassion, quality, and community.
That vision came to life in March 2024, when I opened the doors to Southern Smiles. We started from scratch - just me, my assistant, and zero patients. Watching our practice grow from those humble beginnings to a thriving dental home has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Today, over 50% of our new patients come through word of mouth, and we are incredibly proud of the trust and loyalty we've earned.
What I love most about dentistry is being part of my patients’ lives as they grow and evolve. Seeing families welcome their first child and bringing them to our office is more than a checkup - it's a privilege to be part of their journey. I'm equally passionate about supporting my team, watching them grow in confidence and skill as we build something meaningful together.
Outside of the dental office, I enjoy working out, reading, and modeling - I’m signed with The Young Agency here in Arizona. I’m also active on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where I love connecting with patients and professionals.
Professionally, I’m deeply involved with the Arizona Dental Association, having served on several committees, including the Council on Government Affairs. I’m a proud graduate of AzDA’s LEAD program, which prepares young dentists for leadership roles in our profession. I also serve as a House of Delegates representative, advocating for dentistry at both the state and national levels.
I am an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and currently pursuing my Fellowship (FAGD) - an honor achieved by only about 6% of general dentists in the U.S. This ongoing education allows me to stay at the forefront of dental advancements and provide the best possible care for my patients.
My story and work have been featured in several newspapers and magazines, both for my advocacy as an immigrant and for my dedication to dentistry. One highlight was being featured on the cover of the Arizona Dental Association’s monthly journal.