Dr Darshini Shah, Shalby Hospitals Ahmedabad’s Director of Dental Cosmetics & Implantology, talks about what makes her centre a preferred centre for NRIs as well as foreign nationals. With an experience of 30 years, she is widely recognized by the dental fraternity as a towering figure in the field of dentistry in India. She has played a prominent role in the development of dental implantology and cosmetics in India.
Dr Darshini was awarded Diplomat by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) USA, which is the highest accreditation in Oral Implantology. She was the first woman dentist from Gujarat and second woman from India to have been awarded this. Equipped with world-class equipments and facilities, Shalby’s Dental Centre is among the best in India.
Q. Tell us briefly about your journey as a dentist
Dentistry was at an elementary stage when I began my practice in early 90s. In those days clinical hygiene was not a high priority in India, but when I started my practice in Ahmedabad I wanted to implement the strict sterilization processes, which are practiced in advanced countries like USA. Besides, it was my dream to make Shalby the best dental centre not only of Gujarat but of the whole of India.
Q. What are the major procedures NRIs and foreign nationals come to your centre for?
The major procedures NRIs and foreign nationals come to our centre are implants, dental cosmetics and dental laser surgery. Of course, besides that they come for root canal and other miscellaneous procedures too.
Q. Tell us briefly what are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium fixtures which are implanted to replace missing teeth. Since titanium is not treated as a foreign object by the body, the integration of titanium fixtures has become standard dental treatment.
Q. Patients from across the world have been pouring in at Shalby for more than twenty years now. What makes Shalby a preferred destination for NRIs as well as foreign nationals?
I think a feedback letter that I had received from a patient from London might be the perfect answer for this. The patient was a doctor himself. The letter says, “Having lived in London for over two decades, I appreciate the high level of sterility and standards of your practice. Not only are the instruments very well sterilized, the staff who handle them are also well trained. Your equipment is first rate and most up-to-date. Further and foremost, I appreciate your commitment to excellence, kindness and humane mannerism.”
Q. Your centre is renowned for Dental Cosmetics too. Tell us briefly what is a dental cosmetics procedure?
In simple terms it is a dental procedure that improves the appearance of teeth and gums, thus improving the overall appearance of the face. It is like an art combined with science, wherein the dentist enhances the look of a person.
Q. What are the major dental cosmetic procedures people come to you for?
Total makeover and smile design. Many actors and celebrities come to Shalby for these procedures.
Q. What is the USP of Shalby with regards to dental treatment?
We pamper adults with kid gloves, making them feel extremely comfortable during the treatment. Our aim is always to remove people’s phobia of dental treatment.
