Why He Was Nominated:

A Southern California native, Dr. Shah began his career giving back to the community by treating the underserved at Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County. He then pursued his dream of owning his own practice, and he now capitalizes on his love of design and technology. He teaches and mentors pediatric-dental residents at the University of Southern California’s Division of Pediatric Dentistry and the Western University College of Dental Medicine.

Why He Became a Dentist:

“I like using my hands, being creative and making children and parents feel comfortable in an environment that can be stressful. It’s awesome that so many kids ask their parents to come back to my office so soon.”

Tool He Can’t Live Without:

“DryShield, nitrous oxide and TVs on the ceiling. Outside of clinical materials and tools, the extensive development of different software for dental practices, from submitting claims to communicating with patients, even from our phones, makes everything more efficient.”

Sage Advice:

“The hard work never ends; it just changes. You will always be learning—and five or 10 years out, you’ll be impressed by where you are from where you started.”