If you've driven down Farrington Highway in Waipahu recently, you may have noticed a new face on the wall of Smile Dental Center.
Our new mural, created by Hawaii artist Kamea Hadar, is officially finished. And while we love how it brings color and personality to our Waipahu dental office, there's something even more special about the mural that you may not know.
The young woman featured in the mural is Dr. Viernes' very own daughter.
For us, that makes this mural about much more than art. It's a reminder of where Smile Dental Center began and the family values that have been part of our practice from the very beginning.
It Started With Two Little Girls
When Dr. Viernes first started Smile Dental Center, her two daughters were young.
In fact, some of her very first dental cards featured a photo of her daughters.
We shared a throwback to those early days on our Instagram a few months ago, if you'd like to see where we started.
At the time, no one could have known how much the practice would grow or how many families would eventually walk through our doors.
Fast forward more than 25 years, and one of those little girls is now featured on a mural outside the very dental practice her mom built.
Talk about a full-circle moment.
Look closely and you'll see a caterpillar on her neck and a butterfly above her head. Our logo has been a butterfly from the very beginning, so that detail was not lost on us.
What started with a family photo on a dental card has become a permanent part of the Smile Dental Center story.
A Mural That Represents What We Believe
Smile Dental Center has always believed that going to the dentist should feel personal.
We're a family dental practice in Waipahu, and many of our patients have been with us for years. We've had patients bring in their children, then their children grow up and bring in families of their own.
We've watched little kids become teenagers, teenagers become parents, and families continue to trust us with their smiles through every stage of life.
That's what we mean when we say:
We treat you like family.
The mural is a reflection of that idea.
The face on the wall may belong to Dr. Viernes' daughter, but the story behind it represents all of the families who have made Smile Dental Center part of their lives.
Celebrating Hawaii Through Art
We're also proud that this mural was created by Hawaii artist Kamea Hadar.
Known for his large-scale portraiture and murals, Hadar has created artwork throughout Hawaii and around the world. Bringing his work to our building gives us another opportunity to celebrate the creativity and culture of our island community.
Now, when patients visit our Waipahu office, they're greeted by a piece of Hawaii art that has a very personal connection to our own family.
And we couldn't love it more.
More Than 25 Years of Smiles in Waipahu
For more than 25 years, Smile Dental Center has been proud to serve patients in Waipahu and throughout West Oahu.
Our practice has grown, our team has grown, and our patients' families have grown. But one thing hasn't changed: the importance we place on treating every patient with the same care and respect we would give our own family.
The mural is a reminder of that history.
From two little girls on their mom's first dental cards to one of those daughters now looking out from a mural on the practice wall, it tells a story that is uniquely ours.
And we're grateful that our patients are part of it.
Come See Our New Waipahu Mural
The next time you're visiting Smile Dental Center, take a moment to look at the mural.
You can also see it right from Farrington Highway, so you're welcome to stop by any time, whether you have an appointment or not.
Maybe you'll recognize the face.
Maybe you'll see something of your own family in the story.
Or maybe it will simply make you smile.
Either way, we hope it reminds you that Smile Dental Center is more than a dental office. It's a family practice that has grown alongside the Waipahu community.
If you're looking for a family dentist in Waipahu, Hawaii, we'd be honored to welcome you into the Smile Dental Center family.
You can text us, call us at (808) 515-4222, or send us a message any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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