Dr. Milan Khakhria

Orthodontist | Founder of Jacaranda Smiles

Dr. Milan Khakhria was born and raised in Kenya and England, growing up in a family deeply rooted in medicine. Both of his parents were physicians, and their commitment to caring for others inspired him from an early age to pursue a healthcare profession. Dentistry—and ultimately orthodontics—became the perfect blend of his love for science and his appreciation for art, a passion influenced in part by his mother’s accomplishments as an artist.

Dr. Khakhria earned his dental degree from the University of Manchester in England before continuing his education in the United States. He completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated at the top of his class and was awarded the International Dentist of the Year Award. He then pursued his Master of Science (MSc) with a Certificate in Orthodontics at the University of Oklahoma Orthodontics Residency Program, further refining his expertise in growth management and dentofacial development in pediatric patients.

With 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Khakhria brings both depth and perspective to every case. His advanced training in orthodontics and management of growth and dental development allows him to carefully design treatment plans tailored to each child’s stage of development. He believes orthodontics is the art of guiding growth—using biology, timing, and precision mechanics to create stable, long-term results.

For Dr. Khakhria, orthodontics is deeply personal. He sees the children he treats not simply as patients, but as neighbors who often become lifelong friends. Watching a child gain confidence through their smile—and knowing that confidence will carry into adulthood—is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work. While aesthetic improvements are visible and celebrated, he also places strong emphasis on the long-term dental health benefits that orthodontic care provides.
When working with children, Dr. Khakhria focuses first on building friendship and trust. He takes time to find common ground and connect with each child so they feel comfortable and understood. As a parent himself, he understands the fears and goals parents have for their children. He reassures families that his first loyalty is always to the child’s well-being and that every recommendation is made with care and integrity.

Communication is central to his philosophy. Dr. Khakhria uses clear, relatable analogies and everyday language to explain orthodontic concepts. He believes parents should leave the consultation fully understanding not only what is recommended, but why. His goal is for families to feel confident enough to explain their decision to any other family member at home.
Dr. Khakhria and his wife founded Jacaranda Smiles in 2003 with a simple mission: to build a practice that is part of the community, not just located in it. Over the years, the practice has grown alongside the families it serves, supporting local schools, charities, and community initiatives. For Dr. Khakhria, Jacaranda Smiles is not just a practice—it is an extension of his family. His two sons grew up around the office, and even their doodle dog, Zeus, has become part of the Jacaranda story.

Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Khakhria enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle with his family. Soccer, diving, fishing, gardening, cooking, and traveling are all part of their lives in South Florida. He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, completed a solo skydiving jump (not tandem), attended boarding school, speaks Swahili, and enjoys watching documentaries. These experiences reflect his adventurous spirit and lifelong curiosity—qualities that also influence the way he approaches growth, learning, and leadership within his practice.