Today we’d like to introduce you to Felix Wangsawihardja.
Hi Felix, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Indonesia. In 1988, due to political turmoil, my family made the difficult decision to pursue a new life in the United States. The transition wasn’t easy—I didn’t speak English at the time—but I embraced the change and remain grateful for the opportunities and blessings that followed.
I spent much of my life in the Midwest, completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before spending three years conducting research with the Stanford University Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. I went on to earn my dental degree from Midwestern University in Illinois and practiced in Madison, Wisconsin, before relocating to Dallas in 2022.
I was fortunate to take over a well-established dental practice from Dr. Steglich, who dedicated 30 years to caring for this community. It’s an honor to continue that legacy and serve our patients with the same commitment and compassion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but we’ve been blessed to find solutions to each challenge as it comes our way.
Some of the key hurdles we’ve faced include:
Marketing and Visibility
In today’s world, it’s essential to show potential patients who we are and how we can help them. The previous owner relied primarily on referrals and had very limited online presence, so building a strong digital footprint has been a major focus for our growth.
Aging Equipment and Technology
Like many long-established practices, we’ve needed to modernize by updating and replacing equipment to improve efficiency, comfort, and clinical outcomes. These investments are necessary, but they do take planning and resources.
Hiring, Staffing, and Leadership
Managing a team is far more complex when it impacts your livelihood and patient experience. Even with prior leadership experience, there’s an added level of responsibility in making the right decisions for the practice and our people.
Space Limitations
As we continue to grow, our space has become a constraint. While we’re fortunate to have a beautiful corner unit, that also means there’s only one direction available for physical expansion—which makes planning for the future more challenging.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Arbor Dental is a privately owned, relationship-focused dental practice in Dallas, Texas. We believe that exceptional dentistry happens when clinical excellence, patient comfort, and genuine human connection all come together. Our mission is to help our patients feel confident in their smiles while providing care that is personalized, honest, and built on trust.
We specialize in comprehensive, family-focused dentistry with advanced technology that enhances comfort and results. With tools like digital imaging and intraoral scanning, we’re able to deliver more precise treatment while minimizing discomfort and wait times. Whether it’s preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, or restorative solutions, we take the time to ensure every patient fully understands their options and feels empowered in their dental health.
We pay a great deal of attention to the experience. From the moment someone walks through our doors, we want them to feel welcomed, cared for, and valued — not rushed or treated like just another number. Our boutique model allows us to focus on quality over quantity, creating strong long-term relationships with the families we serve.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’ve built for honesty, transparency, and compassion. Nothing makes us prouder than hearing that they feel comfortable and understood. That trust is the foundation of our practice.
For readers who may not know us yet — Arbor Dental is a place where you can expect cutting-edge care with a personal touch. We’re growing with our community, continually investing in technology, education, and our team so that our patients receive the highest level of dentistry possible. We’re honored to continue the legacy of serving this neighborhood and look forward to helping more patients love their smiles for years to come.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Dallas is the energy and diversity of the community. People here are incredibly welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of pride in supporting local businesses and helping each other succeed. It’s a city full of opportunity — you can feel the growth happening all around you — yet it still manages to feel like a close-knit community in so many ways. I also love how family-friendly the city is, with great neighborhoods, schools, and endless things to do.
What I like least is probably the traffic — and I think most locals would agree with me on that! With how fast Dallas is growing, getting from point A to point B isn’t always the easiest or quickest. But even then, I think it’s a small price to pay for everything the city has to offer.
Overall, Dallas has been an amazing place to call home, build a business, and raise a family, and I feel very fortunate to be part of this community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arbordentaldallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arbordentaldallas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArborDentalTX
- Other: https://share.google/95OaI9sfZoehSPxJh
