In her captivating TEDx talk, “The Healing Power of Empathy,” Dr. Trishala Kasliwal, a dentist with nearly two decades of experience, explores the profound connection between oral health and emotional well-being. Dr. Kasliwal shares her unique perspective on dentistry, highlighting how many patients enter her clinic filled with shame and insecurity about their smiles. Instead of focusing on perfection, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and human connection in her practice. Through heartfelt anecdotes, she illustrates how restoring a patient’s smile is not merely a technical procedure but a transformative experience that allows individuals to reclaim their joy and confidence. She challenges the notion of what it means to heal, advocating for a world where empathy creates safe spaces for self-acceptance. Kasliwal’s message resonates universally: healing begins not with tools and techniques, but with compassion and understanding. She invites us all to partake in a “smile revolution,” demonstrating that the most significant change starts with being present for one another. Ultimately, Dr. Kasliwal encourages us to foster an environment where everyone feels worthy of smiling again, reinforcing the idea that true healing requires a heart-centered approach.
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Author Video Description
This talk is a heartfelt exploration of what it truly means to heal and to help others heal. It reminds us that healing begins with empathy, not expertise, and that every act of genuine care can ripple far beyond what we imagine. You don’t need a title, a degree, or authority to make a difference; sometimes, a smile can heal more than just a face.
Through simple yet profound reflections, the talk reveals how presence matters more than perfection, and how authentic compassion can transform pain into connection. It challenges the notion that caring belongs only to a profession, emphasizing instead that caring is an energy, a human force that transcends roles, credentials, and boundaries.
In a world that often values achievement over empathy, this talk is a reminder that healing begins when we choose to show up, not as experts, but as humans willing to care. Dr. Trishala Kasliwal is a globally trained, DHA-licensed aesthetic and general dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry, smile design, and laser-assisted procedures. With over 19 years of clinical experience across India and the UAE, she is the Founder and Director of MediSmile Dental Studio in Mumbai and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Holding a master’s in dental Lasers from the Medical University of Vienna, she is an Accredited Member of the Indian Academy of Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry and a sought-after educator in digital smile design and full-mouth rehabilitation. Dedicated to ethical and inclusive oral care, Dr. Kasliwal champions oral health as a cornerstone of confidence, dignity, and overall well-being. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “The Healing Power of Empathy | Dr. Trishala Kasliwal | TEDxATLAS University” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks