Meet Our Doctors

Meet Dr. Shital Patel

Ever since my days as a tutor in high school and college, I have had a passion for education and for helping children. I began my path to pediatric dentistry in college at the University of Buffalo, where I worked as a volunteer dental assistant until my graduation in 2002. While assisting dental students with patients, I found I loved engaging the children in the pediatric practice. Even today, I find nothing more gratifying than providing comfort and smiles to children.

There is no greater honor than being able to bring happiness and comfort to a child. I am fortunate to find a profession that allows me to express my artistic talents every day, and at the same time, enjoy the wonderful and silly things our children say and do. Children absorb everything around them. Being able to educate them and watch them grow in front of my eyes is truly a special gift. In pediatric dentistry, I have found a vocation that lets me help our children grow in a meaningful way.

I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine and completed my general practice residency from Stony Brook University Medical Center, where I was able to work with children and patients with special needs. Through my education and training, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue multiple outreach opportunities. Providing dental care to the underprivileged of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean Islands has molded my understanding of the need to build trust with children and how to allay their fears and worries.

In my passion for dentistry, I wanted to focus specifically on providing children and teens with high-quality dental care in an atmosphere of trust and compassion. To that end, I completed an Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry from New York University College of Dentistry. I am honored to be Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. My unique combination of education and experience enables me to provide outstanding care for infants, children, and adolescents in a family-friendly environment.

Currently, I work for Bon Secours Virginia Health System at Bon Secours Pediatric Dental Associates as a Pediatric Dental Attending: Associate Clinical Attending. I have the privilege of providing both clinical and didactic to 8 residents and I have privileges to see patients at St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.

I am currently an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and Richmond Dental Society.

I am a lucky mother of three children, whom I am raising in beautiful Richmond, Virginia. I love living in the Richmond area, with its appreciation for great food, beautiful parks, and museums, and for its gorgeous weather. In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer with my two rambunctious boys, drawing and painting with my creative daughter, baking treats for family and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants and watching movies with my supportive husband.