When children (and adults) walk into The Smile Den in Florham Park, they feel as if they’re entering a magical place instead of a clinical dental office. With its nature designs, calming colors, reading nooks, and play area, it’s a place where people of all ages can feel welcome and comfortable.
“One of our main goals is to have this feel like a home away from home for our patients,” says Dr. Amie (pronounced "uh-me") Shah, a board-certified pediatric dentist. As a child, she had a lot of issues with her teeth. “I was always so fearful, so I wanted to work in a field where I could make a difference for children.”
She and her sister, Dr. Purvy Shah, a board-certified orthodontist who treats both adults and children, founded the family practice last May. “I was always interested in healthcare, and I wanted an environment where I could make long-lasting relationships with patients,” says Dr. Purvy.
Although the aesthetics of the office are homey and fun, the treatments and equipment are all state of the art. There’s a dedicated consultation space with comfortable seating, and televisions in treatment rooms so children can watch Disney shows while undergoing procedures. There are also brushing stations for both children and adults to encourage oral hygiene.
Before children leave, they can visit the treasure tree and choose a prize for being good patients. “It’s a really positive experience where kids are leaving happy and want to come back,” says Dr. Amie.
Since children should start dental care and orthodontic care early in life, having a place that truly cares for them and their parents is critical. “I think a lot of adults have their own anxieties about going to the dentist, and they can sometimes unknowingly project these onto their kids,” says Dr. Purvy. “So, we focus on the whole family that walks through the door.”
It’s also really important for both sisters to help others less fortunate. “We started volunteering at a very early age - we were always geared towards giving back,” says Dr. Amie. “While I was in dental school, I had the opportunity to do a couple of mission trips where I were able to go to another country and do pro bono dental work. Dentistry in general is just a really rewarding profession.”
When not working, she and her husband Aman enjoy traveling. “I love to learn about other cultures and try different foods and cuisines and just learn about the world,” she says.
Dr. Purvy also enjoys exploring with her husband Shan and daughters, 5-year-old Maya and 3-year-old Diya. “We like finding different things to do together as a family such as trying new restaurants and traveling,” she says. “My sister and I also both love performing Indian dances at family functions too.”
To find out more about the doctors and The Smile Den, and to make an appointment, go to TheSmileDenNJ.com.
The Smile Den
Pediatric Dental services:
Cleanings & Exams
Digital X-Rays
Dental Sealants
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Special Needs
Oral Habits
Nutritional Counseling
Emergencies
Sedation
Pediatric and Adult Orthodontic services
Early Interceptive Orthodontics
Braces
Invisalign®