For Laksha, caregiving wasn’t just a career—it was a calling. With over a decade of experience as a personal support worker (PSW), Laksha dedicated herself to supporting children with special needs and the elderly. But it was her time volunteering at the SAAAC Autism Centre that profoundly shaped her vision for inclusivity and inspired her to open Ithayam Clinic—a sensory-friendly dental space designed to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals.
Volunteering: A Foundation for Compassion
Laksha’s journey into inclusive healthcare began at SAAAC, where she worked directly with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Through this experience, she gained invaluable insight into the unique challenges they face and developed the skills of patience, adaptability, and listening—not just to words but also to nonverbal cues.
“Volunteering at SAAAC deepened my understanding of autism and helped me develop skills I use every day,” Laksha shared. “Small gestures can have a profound impact, and it reinforced the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels truly seen and valued.”
During her time at SAAAC, Laksha supported individuals as they navigated daily challenges, fostering connections with families and other volunteers. “Celebrating milestones and being present for their journeys showed me how care can go beyond the clinical,” she reflected. These experiences solidified her commitment to creating inclusive and compassionate spaces, both personally and professionally.
The Inspiration Behind Ithayam Clinic
The name “Ithayam,” which means “heart” in Tamil, is a tribute to Laksha’s late mother, Ithaya. An entrepreneur in her own right, Ithaya was a trailblazer who taught Laksha the importance of pursuing her dreams with resilience and determination.
“Naming the clinic after my mom holds deep significance for me,” Laksha said. “She was the heart of our family—caring, compassionate, and always at the center of my life. The name ‘Ithayam’ reflects her legacy and the values I strive to embody in my work.”
Laksha’s connection to SAAAC and the lessons she learned there also inspired her vision for Ithayam Clinic. The clinic, designed with sensory-friendly accommodations like dimmed lighting, noise-cancelling options, and flexible scheduling, embodies her commitment to making oral healthcare accessible and inclusive for all.
Educational Background and Career Path
Laksha’s journey into dental hygiene was shaped by her rich background as a PSW and her commitment to lifelong learning.
“I completed a fast-track program and became a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in 2020,” Laksha explained. “My education gave me the technical skills to work in clinical settings, while my experience as a PSW deepened my understanding of patient-centered care.”
Laksha began her career as a clinical hygienist, gradually transitioning to running her own mobile teeth-whitening service. From there, she opened Smile Lab, her first dental space, which eventually grew into a larger clinic offering a full range of dental hygiene services.
“Opening Ithayam Clinic felt like the culmination of my experiences,” Laksha said. “It allowed me to merge my clinical knowledge with my passion for supporting individuals with special needs.”
Journey to Opening Smile Lab
Laksha credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her mother, whose resilience and determination inspired her to take on the challenge of opening her own clinic.
“My mom was my inspiration. I wanted to be a leader, just like her,” Laksha shared. “The journey was difficult. Opening up a hygiene clinic is not just about cleaning teeth; there’s so much more to running a business than I had expected. I not only had to be a dental hygienist, but also had to be the accountant, the marketing team, the administrator, manage inventory and take care of all business aspects. Thankfully, I had a very supportive husband who guided me along the way.”
The milestones along her journey include launching Smile Lab, opening Ithayam Clinic, winning the 2024 Business Excellence Award from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, and providing dental hygiene services to Mark Holland, the Minister of Health. “Smile Lab and Ithayam Clinic reflect my commitment to compassionate care, inclusion, and building meaningful connections with clients,” Laksha said.
Lessons in Inclusivity
Laksha credits SAAAC for shaping her approach to care and reinforcing the importance of empathy and adaptability. “SAAAC taught me to listen deeply and celebrate individuality,” she said. “Those lessons are the foundation of Ithayam Clinic.”
Creating an inclusive clinic came with challenges, especially understanding the sensory needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. “It was a learning curve,” Laksha admitted. “But by seeking feedback from families, we created a space that truly meets their needs.”
Advice for Future Advocates
Laksha encourages students and young professionals to align their careers with their passions. “Whatever path you choose, make sure it excites and drives you. The journey is just as important as the destination,” she advised.
She also emphasizes the importance of curiosity and humility in working with neurodiverse populations. “Inclusivity doesn’t require big changes—sometimes it’s the small adjustments, like sensory accommodations, that make the biggest difference.”
A Personal and Professional Milestone
For Laksha, Ithayam Clinic represents more than just a dental practice—it’s a tribute to her mother’s legacy, a reflection of her own journey, and a beacon of inclusivity.
“My mom’s strength and love continue to guide me,” Laksha shared. “Through Ithayam Clinic, I hope to make oral healthcare not only accessible but also meaningful for everyone.”
With every patient she sees, Laksha is building on the lessons she learned at SAAAC and honoring the values her mother instilled in her. Through her clinics, she is redefining what it means to create inclusive care—one smile at a time.