Dr. Valerie O.T. Mukanga, DDS

Media Releases

Combating Dental Disparities and Inspiring Community Wellness

In a heartfelt commitment to improving dental health in her community, Dr. Valerie Osako Tambashe Mukanga, founded Healing Wings Dental in Arlington, Texas, in 2016. With a profound understanding of the significance of dental hygiene, Dr. Mukanga aims to provide advanced dental care in a welcoming environment, addressing the critical dental disparities she experienced growing up.

Dr. Mukanga’s journey began in Brussels, Belgium, and continued in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of dental diseases. These experiences, including the tragic loss of her uncle to a dental infection, ignited her passion to make a difference.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, Dr. Mukanga pursued her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis. She then completed her General Practice Residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in New York City, equipping her with the skills to provide exceptional care.

Having been an evacuee of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Mukanga profoundly appreciates the support from the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) community during her time of need. Therefore, after completing her dental education, she purposely returned to the Dallas area to give back to the community that selflessly helped her during one of the most challenging times of her life.

Affiliated with several industry-related organizations, Dr. Mukanga is an active member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society.

Before pursuing her dental education, she demonstrated her passion for oral health by founding Healing Wings Inc., a Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about proper oral hygiene. Her commitment to her profession and community is evident in her work.

As Healing Wings Dental grows, Dr. Mukanga remains dedicated to transforming dental health in Arlington, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all. Additionally, she has volunteered many times in the field of dentistry and philanthropy.

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