For Drs. Amie Shah and Purvy Shah, dentistry isn’t just a profession—it’s a shared calling, a family mission and a passion that began long before they opened the doors of The Smile Den in Florham Park. Though only a year and a half apart, both sisters knew early on that healthcare was their path. Dr. Amie began working for her orthodontist at age 16, drawn to the opportunity to help people, particularly children, while Dr. Purvy initially pursued pre-med but quickly realized dentistry offered the perfect combination of patient care, relationship building and engineering precision. Their shared dedication to improving lives and creating positive experiences would become the foundation of their practice.
“Pediatric dentistry was a natural choice for me,” Dr. Amie says. “I was always so fearful of dentists as a kid that I wanted to give back in a field where I could help shape positive experiences for future generations. Being around kids all the time and creating a place where they can feel comfortable and excited about coming to the dentist was key. We wanted children to look forward to their visits instead of feeling nervous or anxious.”
Dr. Purvy adds, “I love that dentistry allows me to see patients regularly over time and get to know their families. I also enjoy the technical aspects—how teeth and bites come together. It’s problem-solving in a very tangible way. You get to see the results of your work in a way that really impacts someone’s life, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
The Smile Den is thoughtfully designed to reflect their philosophy. Every element, from treatment rooms to play areas, was created with families in mind. TVs on the ceiling, fun toys and a warm, modern aesthetic aim to make visits enjoyable rather than intimidating. “We wanted the decor to have a timeless feel so kids can grow with the practice and always feel comfortable while also appealing to parents,” Dr. Amie says. “Kids now walk in excited, while teaching them early habits in a fun, approachable way. It’s about creating a positive, lasting impression that encourages good oral health for life.”
Technology is another cornerstone of The Smile Den. “We’ve embraced digital dentistry,” Dr. Purvy explains. “Digital scanners allow us to convert scans into appliances quickly and accurately, streamline our processes and stay fully organized without paper charts. It ultimately allows us to deliver better care to our patients and spend more time focused on their needs rather than administrative tasks.” Dr. Amie highlights how these tools empower patients: “We can show kids and parents scans of their teeth today and what the final result will look like. It’s exciting and educational. Children and parents both appreciate seeing the progress and understanding what we’re doing and why—it makes them active participants in their own care.”
The Smile Den offers a comprehensive range of services, focusing on early orthodontic intervention and age-appropriate care. “We emphasize getting kids in the door by age 7,” Dr. Purvy says. “That’s when first orthodontic evaluations should happen. Addressing issues early makes treatment easier and more effective. For teens, we provide metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign options, guided by American Association of Orthodontists recommendations. We aim to make sure every patient gets the treatment best suited for their specific needs and goals.”
Working side by side has allowed the sisters to create a unique culture at The Smile Den. “Having a trustworthy family member to collaborate with is amazing,” Dr. Amie says. “We’ve always been close—best friends even—and now we get to combine our different strengths and specialties for the benefit of our patients. There’s a level of collaboration and mutual support that simply can’t be replicated.” Dr. Purvy agrees: “We trained in different programs, so it’s valuable to have someone with a different perspective. It helps us grow professionally and gives our patients more confident, well-rounded care. It’s also fun—we genuinely enjoy working together every day.”
Beyond treatment, The Smile Den emphasizes patient education and partnership. Dr. Amie describes their approach: “We’ve built a boutique-style practice where we spend time with each patient, share tips on what to eat and reinforce good habits through follow-ups and social media engagement. It’s about creating a supportive environment that goes beyond the exam chair.” Dr. Purvy adds, “We treat oral health as a family journey. By working together with patients and their parents, we ensure the best results. It’s truly a team effort, and we want every patient and family to feel like they’re part of that team.”
Every decision at The Smile Den, from the office layout to the digital workflows, reflects the sisters’ dedication to creating a space that grows with their patients and supports long-term oral health. By combining cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design and a family-centered approach, Dr. Amie and Dr. Purvy Shah are not just fixing teeth—they’re shaping confident smiles, instilling lifelong healthy habits, and making the dental experience something families genuinely look forward to. Visit www.thesmiledennj.com
"We aim to make sure every patient gets the treatment best suited for their specific needs.”