32 | Education: McMaster University, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry | Company: Central Dentist
Dentist Sahil Sawnani isn’t just fixing smiles. He’s bringing joy to patients through a practice based on the principle of Radical Generosity and his dedication to uncovering the root cause of discomfort.
“Almost every day, we have a patient who finds extreme relief and gratitude for something we were able to address that has been (ailing) them for years,” Sawnani said. “That impact makes me very grateful for what I do.”
Central Dentist, where Sawnani is a surgical focused biological dentist, is dedicated to assisting those who may not be able to afford quality care. In the past year, it has hosted a Giving Day, where any dental needs were resolved without a fee. The practice dealt with wisdom teeth, crowns, airway support, fillings, and deep cleanings for more than 40 patients, donating a total of more than $25,000 in dental care.
Sawnani credits his boss and mentor, Dr. Jill Ombrello, for motivating him to become involved in the community. While he long aimed to become a dentist, he never imagined he would dedicate himself to surgical/holistic dentistry.
Sawnani focused his career on the surgical side of the field immediately after graduating with a doctorate in dentistry in 2021.
“I have completed over 400 hours of continuing education since that time, covering all aspects of dental surgery, sinus lifts, implantology in both ceramic and titanium, gum grafting, minimal prep veneers, ozone use, Invisalign, full mouth rehabilitation with implants, 3D printing, digital workflows PRF, and PRP use,” Sawnani said. “My passion is dentistry and being able to offer patients the best treatment modalities with a conservative, non-invasive, and personalized approach.”
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
Definitely my mentor and boss, Dr. Jill Ombrello. She is extremely passionate about whole-body care, and her guiding principle, motto, and philosophy that the practice is run on is Radical Generosity. We discuss it every day and how we can approach our patient care with that in mind. The whole team shares it, but she exudes that mantra, and it is very inspiring.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Not at all. From high school, I had a goal leading toward dentistry, but not in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be where I am in terms of surgical / holistic dentistry! I am excited at the thought of where my passion for dentistry and the field will take me in the next 10 years!
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was more of a corporate-style practice. I obtained a lot of resilience in terms of managing a high workload with high hours while maintaining standard of care. I would have days with my commute where I left home at 7 a.m. and got home at 9-10 p.m., five to six days a week. What I found was that in that style of dentistry, you’re giving access to a lot of care, but you are limited by your treatment modalities, and so the treatment conforms to traditional norms, and that can be limiting.
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
I had a personal health issue, where there was no cure or solution being provided from traditional healthcare, and I wasn’t satisfied with that. After looking at alternative care, and I personally moved (past) this health issue, feeling honestly better than before it opened my eyes. And slowly, I started looking at everything I do clinically in a different light.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I am proud of what I have achieved with ceramic dental implant therapy. It is not an easy switch, and takes a lot of time and dedication to understand the differences between titanium and ceramic for successful outcomes. Currently, only ~1% of dentists who place implants use ceramic. So building a community around that, and a network of professionals across the country and Europe, has been very rewarding.
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Initially, developing leaders out of my team members at every level. Sometimes the expectation when being hired is that you have a set of roles and duties. Breaking team members out of that mold to take ownership of patient care and decision making, where appropriate, so that everyone has the tools to take care of a patient in any situation.
What do you see is the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
There’s a network of holistic-focused providers, but there are no single comprehensive locations – that’s where you walk in, and you can receive whole body care from eyes to teeth, and assessment with a uniform root cause approach.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
Dallas: The spice must flow… “He who controls the spice, controls i75.” Maybe Timothée Chalamet
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
Me and my fiancé unanimously agree that our truly favorite restaurant in DFW is Bacari Tabu. The Cacio e Pepe always hits the spot. With the live jazz band at 7:30, it’s our local fave. Dallas needs more vibey spots like this!
What’s on your bucket list?
I would like to eventually complete an Ironman. This is my first year getting into running / obstacle races. I think an Ironman or a multi-day adventure race is an extreme challenge that I enjoy working toward! I also would love to spend some time doing some South American hikes, and a circuit around Iceland on the Golden Circle.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
I get to make a significant impact every day, and it feels like it. We see a lot of patients who have been neglected or passed around in the health care systems, and we approach their care from a root cause approach – are there problems that have been overlooked, hidden chronic infections, bite or sleep imbalances. Almost every day we have a patient who finds extreme relief and gratitude for something we were able to address that has ailed them for years. That impact makes me very grateful for what I do.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
The past few years have been a wild ride, and I couldn’t tell you what adventure professionally or personally I’ll be on. But I can tell you I am excited for it, the highs, the lows, I am grateful for everything.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
You can catch me at Sprouts or Central Market every Sunday, with a hot cup of coffee, reading the ingredient label on every single item. If you spot me, say hello!
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