At Delta Dental of Arizona, our dentists do more than care for teeth—they inspire healthy habits and bright smiles! We sat down with Dr. Hiba Denkha of Denkha Dentistry in Glendale, Arizona to learn more about her approach to oral health, her favorite dental tips and more. A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry with honors, Dr. Denkha is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association.
Do you brush and floss as much as you recommend?
Yes, I sure do!
What is your favorite flavor floss?
I prefer Glide floss. I don’t care too much about the flavor—it’s about the shape. I like the ones you can find at Costco in bulk!
Electric or manual toothbrush?
Personally, I use a manual toothbrush because I’m always on the go. But for my patients, I recommend an electric toothbrush. It helps kids brush better and is especially useful for those prone to decay. For adults, it’s really about what makes you feel like you’ve done a good job cleaning.
Which celebrity has the best smile?
I don’t really pay attention to celebrities’ smiles! Honestly, they all have pretty great ones.
If you could tell patients to stop doing one thing, what would it be?
Smoking—any kind of tobacco, including vaping. It’s so harmful to oral health.
What is the best dental advice you’ve ever received?
It’s a bit of a joke, but I love this one: ‘Floss the teeth you want to keep.’ It’s simple, and it sticks!
What is the best thing about being a Delta Dental dentist?
I love having someone just a phone call away to help with insurance questions or claims. Delta Dental of Arizona makes things so easy, and they’re always supportive. It’s like having a personal trainer to navigate the insurance world!
Any funny stories from the dental chair?
Oh, so many! One I’ll never forget involved a little boy whose grandma brought him in. We had to remove a baby tooth to make room for a permanent tooth that wasn’t in the right position. Afterward, he shouted, ‘She pulled the wrong tooth!’ Everyone in the office stopped and stared. His grandma, a former dental assistant, was in tears laughing. Moments like that make this job memorable.
How would you describe oral health’s impact on your patients’ overall health and well-being?
Oral health is closely tied to overall health, especially for patients with systemic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Gum disease is an inflammatory process, and it can affect the entire body. Educating patients about this connection is really important.
February is Children’s Dental Health Month. What is the most important thing you want parents to know about caring for their child’s teeth?
Supervise your kids’ brushing and flossing, even as they get older. My son is in high school, and I still floss his teeth! Regular visits to an orthodontist by second or third grade are also key to ensuring everything is growing correctly.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
A hat, sunscreen and water!
