🎙️ In this heartwarming episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we meet Dr. Ilona Gaball, a dedicated and compassionate dentist based in Southern California. Known for her specialized work in restorative dental care, Dr. Gaball has turned her practice into a sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking, helping them reclaim their smiles—and their lives.
The Transformative Power of a Smile
For Dr. Gaball, dentistry is more than a profession—it’s a pathway to healing and empowerment. She shares how restoring smiles can help survivors overcome trauma and regain their self-esteem. Many survivors carry visible reminders of their experiences, such as missing or damaged teeth, which can serve as daily triggers of their past. Through her expertise and empathetic approach, Dr. Gaball provides life-changing care, offering survivors a chance to see themselves in a new light.
She recalls one patient’s story: a woman who had endured severe abuse and suffered a fractured skull and lost teeth. After undergoing restorative dental work, the patient expressed that seeing her smile again broke the cycle of trauma and gave her a renewed sense of identity. “It’s more than just a smile,” Dr. Gaball explains. “It’s the ability to heal from the inside out.”
From Russia to Southern California: A Life Dedicated to Freedom
Dr. Gaball’s journey began in Russia, where she grew up before immigrating to the United States. Her upbringing in a non-free country deeply shaped her values and commitment to standing for freedom and dignity. As a mother of three daughters and the daughter of a father who was incarcerated during her childhood, she empathizes deeply with those who face adversity and vulnerability.
Her inspiration to help survivors of human trafficking was solidified during her participation in The Landmark Forum and Advanced Course. These experiences allowed her to step beyond considerations and doubts to create a future grounded in service and generosity. Her guiding principle became clear: “We will measure our success not by how much we get, but by how much we give.”
Building a Practice of Generosity and Grace
Dr. Gaball’s practice in Solana Beach reflects her commitment to providing elite care not just to her regular patients, but also to survivors who could never afford such services. She and her team dedicate one day each month to treating survivors, offering them not only dental care but also a high-level experience of dignity, love, and respect.
To support her work, she founded a nonprofit organization, allowing her to raise funds and enlist the help of other dental professionals. From hosting fundraising events to enrolling other dentists in her mission, Dr. Gaball demonstrates that making a difference is possible with creativity, faith, and a commitment to collaboration.
Love in Action
Dr. Gaball’s approach is grounded in her faith and a desire to embody what she calls “love in action.” Inspired by her favorite quote from Martin Luther King Jr., she strives to dispel hate and darkness through love and light. She believes her work is not just about dental care but about living her values and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
When asked how she wants to be remembered, Dr. Gaball said, “I want to be known for my love. I want to live a life where love is experienced in a real, active sense.”
✨ Want to hear Dr. Gaball’s full story? Listen to the episode now and be inspired by her commitment to restoring hope, one smile at a time.
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