We recently connected with Dr. Tiara Felder and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Felder, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

What my parents did right was modeling hard work, excellence, and belief in me, even as a first-generation college student. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to go to college, but they excelled in their own careers and showed me that success comes from discipline, integrity, and consistency. I watched them work tirelessly and take pride in everything they did, which gave me the blueprint for my own path.

Beyond their example, what shaped me most was how much they believed in me. No matter what I showed interest in—whether it was academics, sports, dance, or eventually dentistry—they supported me fully. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue big goals, even when they seemed out of reach. I knew that no matter what direction I chose, I had their unconditional backing.

That combination of their work ethic and their belief in me allowed me to not only become the first in my family to graduate from college, but also to push further into a demanding career in dentistry. I stand on their foundation, and everything I’ve achieved is rooted in the values and support they instilled in me.

Dr. Felder, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dr. Tiara Felder, a general dentist and author passionate about making oral health both accessible and inspiring. As a first-generation college graduate, I carved my path into dentistry to blend science, artistry, and service, with a focus on patient-centered care that builds confidence through healthy smiles. In my practice, I provide a wide range of services including preventive care, restorative treatments like fillings and crowns, cosmetic procedures such as whitening and veneers, and patient education that empowers people to maintain long-term oral health.

Beyond the dental chair, I authored Bailey’s Big Bright Smile, a children’s book that teaches kids about oral health in a fun and engaging way. I also use my platform to raise awareness and connect with people in ways that feel approachable and relatable. Outside of dentistry, one of my greatest passions is dance—it brings me joy, balance, and a creative outlet that allows me to connect with others.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge professionalism with authenticity. I’m proud of showing that dentists are more than their profession, and I hope my journey inspires others to chase their dreams while prioritizing both their health and happiness.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In dentistry, success goes far beyond technical training and knowledge. What I’ve found most helpful is empathy and communication. Patients don’t just come to you for a procedure—they come trusting you with their health, their fears, and often their confidence. Being able to listen, connect, and make them feel comfortable is just as important as the treatment itself.

Another key factor is resilience. Dentistry can be demanding, and the journey to get here is long. Having the ability to push through challenges, adapt, and stay focused on the bigger picture has made all the difference in my career.

Ultimately, combining skill with compassion and perseverance is what allows you to not only succeed but also make a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest tests of my resilience came during my journey to dental school. I applied to hundreds of schools and faced rejection after rejection. It was discouraging, but I refused to give up on my dream of becoming a dentist. Instead of letting those setbacks define me, I used them as motivation to work harder, strengthen my application, and stay focused on my goal.

Eventually, my persistence paid off, and I was accepted into dental school. That experience taught me that resilience is not about avoiding challenges—it’s about pushing through them with determination and faith. Now, whenever I face obstacles in my career or personal life, I remind myself that perseverance has carried me this far, and it will continue to do so.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtiara_?igsh=MWlpeTVhZXl5Z2k3cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav