Outstanding Women of 2026: Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki: Transforming Smiles and Championing Hindu Civic Leadership

BOSTON — “A smile is powerful. It changes how you see yourself, and it changes how the world responds to you.” For Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, that belief is not simply about orthodontics — it is about identity, confidence and transformation.

An orthodontist, educator, researcher and community leader, Dr. Thalanki has spent more than 25 years helping patients across Massachusetts rediscover their confidence. As President and Owner of Family Orthodontics of Cambridge and Hudson, she has built a practice grounded in ethical care, clinical excellence and deep personal connection.

“At its heart, my work involves transformation,” she says. “Yes, there is an external change — straighter teeth and improved facial harmony. But what truly moves me is the internal transformation that follows.”

Over the years, she has seen children who once hesitated to smile become more self-assured, and adults who avoided photographs begin to laugh freely. “When someone tells me, ‘I smile all the time now,’ that means everything to me,” she says.

Dr. Thalanki’s professional journey reflects both academic distinction and bold leadership. After earning her dental degree in India, she pursued advanced studies at Boston University, graduating with high honors before completing her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. She later served as Associate Professor at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, mentoring students and advancing research that earned her international recognition, including the Hatton Award from the International Association for Dental Research.

Her work has extended beyond clinical practice and academia. She helped establish a collaborative oral cancer research initiative between the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and research centers in India, strengthening global scientific partnerships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed a medical device designed to mitigate aerosol exposure during dental procedures and intubation, contributing to the safety of healthcare providers and patients. For her volunteer service during that time, she received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Deeply engaged in civic and cultural life, Dr. Thalanki serves as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of Americans4Hindus and President of the New England Chapter of Global Indian Scientists and Technocrats (GIST USA). Through these roles and other volunteer efforts, she works to promote civic awareness, cultural dialogue and community empowerment.

In recognition of her leadership in healthcare, research and community engagement, Dr. Thalanki has been named one of INDIA New England News’ Outstanding Women of 2026. She will be honored at the 23rd Annual Women of the Year Awards Gala on March 14 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.

At her core, she says, her work is guided by integrity, dharma and a deep sense of responsibility. “Success, for me, is alignment — when professional work, personal values and community contributions all move in the same direction,” she reflects.

In a Q&A with INDIA New England News, Dr. Thalanki reflects on transformation, resilience, service and the principles that guide her life.

INDIA New England News: How would you describe the work you do in your own words — and what part of it gives you the greatest sense of meaning or joy?

Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki: At its heart, my work involves transformation. As an orthodontist, I don’t just align teeth; I help restore confidence, health and self-esteem. There is an external transformation — straighter teeth and a balanced smile — but what truly moves me is the internal transformation that follows.

I’ve seen patients who once covered their mouths while speaking begin to smile naturally and confidently. People start to see them as warm and approachable, but that warmth was always there. The smile simply allowed the world to see it. When patients return and say, “I smile all the time now,” that is deeply meaningful to me.

INE: Is there a cause or initiative close to your heart? What drew you to it, and how are you personally involved?

Dr. Thalanki: Healthcare access and prevention are very close to my heart. I firmly believe quality healthcare should never be a privilege — it must be accessible, ethical and compassionate. Prevention is one of our most powerful tools for reducing long-term healthcare burdens.

I also believe in integrative approaches to well-being, combining modern science with practices such as nutrition, yoga and mindfulness. During COVID, I volunteered extensively to support healthcare providers and vulnerable communities, which was both humbling and transformative.

Additionally, I am deeply involved in civic and community leadership, serving as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of Americans4Hindus and President of the New England Chapter of GIST USA. Through these roles, I aim to foster dialogue, awareness and constructive civic participation.

INE: Outside of your professional life, what activities or interests help you recharge and stay grounded?

Dr. Thalanki: Nature and the arts keep me grounded. I love hiking across New England and traveling with family and friends. Being outdoors restores perspective and clarity.

Classical arts are also a deep passion. I perform Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, which connect me to my heritage and cultivate discipline and humility. I also study Hindu scriptures, and the concept of performing one’s duty without attachment to the outcome helps me remain centered in both success and challenge.

INE: Looking back, what impact are you most proud of making?

Dr. Thalanki: I am most proud of the confidence I see in my patients after treatment. A smile may seem small, but it can profoundly transform how someone presents themselves to the world.

I am also proud of mentoring students during my academic career and helping establish collaborative oral cancer research initiatives that bridged institutions across countries. On a deeper level, I am proud that I have practiced my profession with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.

INE: What is a strength people may not immediately associate with you, but one that has shaped your journey?

Dr. Thalanki: Many people see the clinical and community sides of my work, but my research and innovation mindset has shaped me deeply. I was honored early in my career with the Hatton Award, which reinforced my commitment to scientific rigor and evidence-based practice.

Resilience has also been a defining strength. Building a career across two countries required adaptability and perseverance. Behind every visible achievement are years of discipline and quiet determination.

INE: Is there a book or teaching that has influenced how you think and lead?

Dr. Thalanki: The Bhagavad Gita has profoundly shaped my thinking, especially the principle of performing one’s duty without attachment to outcomes. It reminds me to focus on effort, integrity and intention rather than external validation.

I am also inspired by modern leadership principles such as “begin with the end in mind,” which guide how I approach both professional and personal decisions.

INE: Who has inspired you most in your life?

Dr. Thalanki: My children inspire me every day. They give me strength and purpose. My father, whom I lost when I was very young, has also been a guiding presence in my life. The stories of his dedication to family and community continue to motivate me.

My grandmother introduced me to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, laying the foundation for my lifelong interest in introspection and growth.

INE: What core value do you consciously try to live by?

Dr. Thalanki: Integrity and trustworthiness. Whether in clinical care, research or leadership, trust is built through consistent ethical conduct over time. I strive to ensure that professional success never comes at the cost of my values.

INE: What advice would you offer young women aspiring to make a difference?

Dr. Thalanki: Do not wait for permission to lead. Invest in your education and master your craft. Choose mentors wisely and stay rooted in your values. Use challenges to build resilience, and lift others as you rise.

True leadership is not just about personal achievement — it is about creating opportunity and transformation for others.

For Dr. Thalanki, transformation begins with a smile — but it ultimately becomes something far greater: confidence, character and a commitment to serve with purpose.