Today we’d like to introduce you to Vishala Patel.
Hi Vishala, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small village in India, where access to healthcare was limited and opportunities were something you had to work toward intentionally. From an early age, I learned the value of discipline, education, and perseverance, not as abstract ideas, but as necessities. My family placed a strong emphasis on learning, and that foundation shaped the trajectory of my life.
I went on to attend dental school in India, where I developed a deep respect for the science of dentistry and the responsibility that comes with caring for others. Those years were demanding, but they taught me resilience and adaptability, skills that would later become essential. After completing my training, I moved to the United States, fully aware that it would mean starting over in many ways.
As a foreign-trained dentist in America, the journey was humbling. I had to navigate a new system, a new culture, and the uncertainty that comes with rebuilding my professional identity. That process ultimately led me to the University of Michigan, where I furthered my dental education and refined my clinical skills, while also deepening my understanding of patient-centered care. The experience reinforced my belief that dentistry is most impactful when it combines technical excellence with empathy and clear communication.
Becoming a practicing dentist in the U.S. was a milestone, but ownership brought a deeper sense of purpose. Edge Dental Designs was created as an extension of my values and lived experiences. I wanted to build a practice that felt welcoming, honest, and respectful, especially for patients who may feel anxious, unheard, or uncertain about their care. Having experienced what it means to start from the ground up, I approach both patients and team members with the same mindset. I listen first, act with integrity, and never lose sight of the person, their fears, hopes, and trust, behind every decision.
Today, as the owner of Edge Dental Designs, I’m proud of how far the journey has come, from a small village girl in India to serving a diverse, fast-paced, and ever-evolving community in Dallas. Every step has shaped how I lead, how I practice, and how I give back. My goal moving forward is to continue building a practice that reflects trust, compassion, and excellence, while staying rooted in the values that brought me here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many small business owners, we learned quickly that progress comes in waves, not straight lines. In the early stages, the biggest challenge was not growth itself, but building the foundation that would allow the practice to function consistently.
Staffing, training, and building reliable systems became the crux of the business. Early on, we realized that without clear systems in place, even small issues could ripple through the day and impact both the team and the patient experience. That phase required hands-on learning and the humility to learn through mistakes, all while maintaining the highest standard of care.
Once those systems were in place, day-to-day operations became far more predictable. As a result, many of the other challenges became easier to navigate. The process forced us to slow down, be more intentional, and think long term, which ultimately helped us build a stronger team culture and a clearer vision for where we want the practice to go.
We’ve been impressed with EDGE DENTAL DESIGNS, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Edge Dental Designs is a modern, patient-centered dental practice built around trust, clarity, and long-term care. At its core, we provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry, including preventive care, restorative treatments, Invisalign, and aesthetic dentistry, but what we are really known for is how we make patients feel throughout their experience with us.
Dentistry can be intimidating for a lot of people, so from the very beginning, our focus has been on creating an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and fully informed. We take the time to explain treatment options clearly, without pressure, and we encourage patients to be active participants in their care. That transparency and education-first approach is something our patients consistently tell us sets us apart.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the culture we have built. Edge Dental Designs is not just about delivering strong clinical outcomes, but about consistency, reliability, and a culture of excellence that ensures every patient experience is smooth and intentional. From how our front desk communicates, to how treatment plans are presented, to how follow-ups are handled, every detail is thoughtfully designed. Once those systems were in place, day-to-day operations became far more predictable, which allowed us to focus even more on quality and patient relationships.
We also place a strong emphasis on aesthetics and detail, not only in the dentistry we provide, but in the overall feel of the practice. From the design of the office to the way we communicate our brand, we want patients to feel they are in a space that values precision, personalization, and professionalism.
What I want readers to know is that Edge Dental Designs was built with longevity in mind. We are not a high-volume, rushed office, and we are not focused on quick fixes. Our goal is to build long-term relationships with patients by delivering honest dentistry, modern solutions, and a consistently positive experience. When patients choose us, they are choosing a practice that genuinely cares about their health, comfort, and confidence—not just today, but for years to come.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Build the parachute as you fall.
You don’t need to know everything about running a business, leadership, or entrepreneurship before you start. Learning never stops, and that’s part of the journey. You’ll constantly be adapting to new technology, new rules, new people, and new challenges, and the key is staying curious and open-minded. When the time feels right, take the leap, grow into the role you’ve chosen, and don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, family, partners, or professionals along the way. And if you truly believe you’re ready, trust that instinct, no one else gets to decide that for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edgedentaldesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgedentaldesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgedentaldesigns/
