City officials and community members of the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Diamond Smiles Dentistry earlier this month.
While new bars and restaurants often receive a majority of the media spotlight, a new neighborhood dentist has the potential for greater impact. Diamond Smiles becomes only the second dental practice in the 48215 zip code, says Pierre Batton, interim vice president for Small Business Services of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
Detroit native Aisha Akpabio, D.D.S., opens the business on Jefferson Avenue after practicing in Los Angeles and New York City.
"I’m committed to providing the highest quality dental care by making patients my number one priority," Akpabio says.
"Having the opportunity to do what I love in my hometown has always been a dream of mine. It is a blessing to serve my community."
Diamond Smiles is a full-service dentistry, offering dental examinations, root canals, implants, and more.
Officials from Motor City Match were also on hand at the ribbon-cutting. In Round 13, Akpabio won a Motor City Match space award, helping her secure her building. In Round 14, Akpabio won a $65,000 cash grant from MCM, leading to the purchase of state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
"Having someone like Aisha return to her hometown to help create a healthier Detroit showcases the type of investments Motor City Match is built to support," says Mayor Mike Duggan.
"All small businesses are important to building neighborhood stability and employment. Aisha’s dental practice is especially critical in that it helps residents grow roots and develop long-term relationships with medical providers they can sustain for a lifetime. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Aisha back to Detroit."
Diamond Smiles Dentistry is located at 13334 E. Jefferson Ave. in Jefferson Chalmers.
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