Dr. Dina J Giesler, Dentist and Women’s Advocate
Dr. Dina J Giesler’s dedication to dentistry and community has left an indelible mark on Atlanta. As the esteemed founder of Atlanta Smiles and a cosmetic and general dentist, Dr. Giesler’s impact extends far beyond the confines of her practice. With over a quarter-century of residency in Atlanta, she embodies resilience and compassion in equal measure.
How do you use your passion to give back to others?
I am passionate about making sure everyone can have a smile they are proud of. I want to help others, especially women, and in this vein started a domestic violence foundation in 2006. We help those in need by restoring smiles and a patient’s dignity.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
I have had to make a lot of sacrifices. Anyone who is an entrepreneur knows that it’s 24/7 when you own your own company. I’ve learned to stay away from the takers and the users and embrace those who have stood by me over the years.
Who are your role models in their 60s and 70s?
I admire women who are smart and professional and have served as my mentors. I have so many women in my life who are true warriors—and they are pioneers in their fields and continue to work well into their 70s. I’ve learned from them. Being a professional woman is hard. We are all so busy, owning our companies and raising children, we often don’t have the capacity to spend time together. Now that many of our children are grown and out of the house, I am enjoying finally getting to spend that time with them.
How does your wellness routine look different today than it did in your 20s and 30s?
I have been a vegetarian since I was a little girl. I never liked red meat. As I get older, I am trying to eat more protein, but it’s always a challenge. I grew up dancing and running, and exercise and nutrition have always been my passion. My workouts have changed, as my body has. It’s all about not injuring yourself, and building strength is extremely important. I love Pilates and truly believe your body is the temple of the Lord, and it’s a challenge every day to respect, nurture and take care of it.