Founding and building three pediatric practices in Orange County is no easy feat with two young children of one’s own. Through her marriage to orthodontist Hideki Ikeda, she has consolidated her success with his and forged an ortho-pediatric empire of sorts.

“I love being able to build relationships with children and their families and be part of kids’ positive dental experience. I’m living my dream.”

Learning to delegate. “I realized I’m not Superwoman and that if I take time to hire and train the right people, that allows me to be the best mom, pediatric dentist and boss I can be.”

Be the reason someone smiles today. “No matter what language you speak, a smile is universal.”

Silver diamine fluoride. “It’s exciting because it’s a treatment of early cavities without having to drill the cavity from the tooth.”

Be positive. “There’s always someone who would love to have your life right now.”

Dr. Pham used to be a celebrity manicurist. Among those whose digits she dazzled: Penelope Cruz, Hayden Panettiere, Jennifer Hudson and Teri Hatcher.