Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaushal Shah.
Hi Kaushal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started back in India, where I earned my dental degree. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to take my passion for dentistry beyond borders and challenge myself on a global scale. Pursuing advanced education in the United States became my dream — but it wasn’t easy. I came from a modest background and had very limited funds. While most of my peers were applying to multiple schools, I could afford to apply to only one. I still remember sending in that single application with hope and faith, and when the acceptance letter arrived, it truly felt like a life-changing moment.
Before entering dental school, I spent nearly four years working relentlessly — volunteering, observing, and conducting research — to strengthen my foundation. Many days were 16 to 18 hours long, but I saw every challenge as a stepping stone. By the time I was accepted, I was already living in the U.S., juggling work, learning, and adapting to a new culture. I continued to grow through advanced continuing education courses in implantology, sedation, digital dentistry, and Invisalign, always striving to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Today, I serve as the Clinical Director at Citrus Smile Dental Studio in Texas, overseeing five locations and mentoring both dentists and staff. My journey from a single application to leading multiple clinics has taught me that persistence and purpose can transform limitations into opportunities.
None of this would have been possible without my incredible family — my parents who taught me humility and perseverance, my sister who’s been my constant support, and my wife who has stood by me through every high and low. Their belief in me has been my greatest strength.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — the road has been anything but smooth. When I first came to the U.S., I had very little — just a dream and enough savings to apply to one dental school. Most of my peers applied to ten, but I took a leap of faith with that one shot. I still remember telling myself, “If this is meant to be, it will happen.” And it did.
Those early years were tough. I worked 16 to 18 hours a day — volunteering, doing research, shadowing, anything that could bring me closer to my goal. There were times when I was completely exhausted, physically and mentally, but I never lost sight of why I started. I knew every long day was one step closer to where I wanted to be.
Adjusting to a new country, culture, and professional system was also challenging. I had to start from scratch, re-prove myself, and learn how to navigate everything on my own. But those challenges taught me resilience and discipline — lessons no classroom can offer.
Honestly, what kept me going were the people behind me. My parents taught me the value of hard work and humility, my sister constantly reminded me to believe in myself, and my wife stood by me through every high and low. She’s been my rock through it all.
Looking back now, I wouldn’t call it a smooth road — but it’s my road. Every struggle made the journey meaningful, and every setback shaped the person and professional I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m the Clinical Director at Citrus Smile Dental Studio, a growing network of dental offices across Texas built on one mission — to make quality dentistry comfortable, compassionate, and accessible to everyone. We currently have five locations with a team of seven highly skilled dentists, each specializing in areas such as implants, orthodontics, oral surgery, cosmetic and pediatric dentistry, and endodontics.
At Citrus Smile Dental Studio, we provide comprehensive care — from basic to advanced dental treatments, all under one roof. That includes everything from routine cleanings and fillings to wisdom teeth extractions, Invisalign, dental implants, and full-mouth reconstructions. Our offices are equipped with 3D CBCT imaging for precise diagnostics, iTero digital scanners for comfortable impressions, high-quality lasers for painless soft-tissue treatments, and advanced full-mouth implant systems for life-changing smile restorations.
We’re also known for our painless injection technique using STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia), as well as our oral and IV sedation options for patients who want a relaxed, anxiety-free dental experience. Whether it’s a child’s first dental visit or an adult undergoing complex implant surgery, we focus on comfort, trust, and clear communication.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to affordability and accessibility. We proudly work with most insurance plans, and we also offer our own in-house membership plan, which provides discounts often better than insurance coverage. Our pricing is transparent and reasonable because we believe great dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone. We take pride in serving patients of all ages — from kids to seniors — and building lifelong relationships based on trust and genuine care.
Beyond the technology and expertise, what makes Citrus Smile Dental Studio special is our heart. We’re a team driven by compassion, education, and community service — hosting free dental days, mentoring young dentists, and constantly improving the patient experience. At Citrus Smile Dental Studio, we’re not just treating teeth — we’re creating healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people smile, not just because of the work I do but because I know how much confidence and comfort a healthy smile can bring to someone’s life. When a patient who once feared the dentist walks out of my office relaxed, smiling, and saying, “That wasn’t bad at all,” it’s the best feeling in the world. That moment reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place.
I also find happiness in growth, both my own and that of my team. Watching young dentists and staff members develop their skills, gain confidence, and build meaningful connections with patients gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. I truly believe success feels richer when it is shared.
Outside of dentistry, my greatest happiness comes from my family, my wife, my daughter, and my loved ones who have been my strength through every phase of this journey. Whether it is a quiet evening at home or watching my little one laugh, those are the moments that recharge me and remind me what truly matters.
At the end of the day, happiness for me is about purpose, using my skills to help others, surrounding myself with people I love, and continuing to grow in both life and profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.citrussmiles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citrussmilesdentalstudio/
