> Emerging Group Spotlight
Changing How People Feel About the Dentist Swish Dental Founder Dr. Viraj Desai is reimaging what it means to deliver a first-class experience for patients, and the dentists who care for them. BY GRAHAM GARRISON
When Dr. Viraj Desai, DMD, first started practicing dentistry, she was a little surprised with how the style of everyday offices closely resembled that of an emergency room. There was an emphasis on optimization, quick clinical diagnosis – but not an environment that catered towards personalization. “While most patients were familiar with medical doctor visits, I found that a number of patients had rarely been to a dentist, and were anxious about the unknown,” she said. “Along with getting a quick diagnosis, they were looking for a personal connection to help guide them through their concerns.” Dr. Desai personally faced uncertainty while navigating her own career journey. Who could she ask for advice for turning a solo practice into a group practice while cultivating a workplace culture that fostered growth and opportunity, especially for women in dentistry?
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MARCH/APRIL 2022 • DENTIST ENTREPRENEUR ORGANIZATION
“I think in this case, both the patients/doctors wanted the same thing; an environment that was supportive to all needs.” This led Dr. Desai to create her own dental group practice in 2017, Swish Dental, by reimagining the experience for both patient, and provider.
New and fresh spaces For Dr. Desai, the first big step for Swish involved creating spaces
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