Writer: Lynda Hedberg Thies
Photographer: Jamie Sangar
From the outside, Hoosier Pediatric Dental Group’s Fishers office on Olio Road looks like any other office space, but one look inside and you will immediately be convinced otherwise. The bright and colorful playhouse campground theme includes life-size games and game systems, the décor that will help preoccupy small children will associate their dental visits with a fun, positive environment.
That is exactly what owner and Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Ajay Joshi had in mind — to put his young patients at ease in a fun, kid-friendly environment. The practice offers normal preventative care, restorative care, oral surgery, sedation and hospital dentistry, but it is how these services are provided that make all the difference in the experience.
With the opening of the practice at the end of March, the response to Hoosier Pediatric has been positive. Because of the unique environment and Dr. Joshi’s dedication to treating his young patients with compassion, children that once were fearful not only enjoy their visits, they want to come back.
“Good oral health for a lifetime is established when children are young,” Dr. Joshi says. “Because one bad experience can literally alter the future of children’s dental health.”
Born and raised in Marian, Indiana, Dr. Joshi was influenced by watching his father, who worked in the medical field, as he served his community. He observed the relationship he had with his patients and knew at a young age that he would one day work in healthcare. Dr. Joshi also has a sister with Down Syndrome, which he says played a role in becoming passionate about pediatric care.
“Pediatric Dentistry is not my job, it is my calling,” he says. “You could even say it is my hobby because that is how much I love what I do.”
He vividly remembers watching his mother travel out of their community just to find organizations that would provide medical care because no one offered patient care for children or adults with special needs. He is exceptionally patient and aware of the impact that healthcare providers can have on children with special needs. As a result, he participates in many outreach programs.
This even had an impact on where he chose to continue his studies in pediatric dentistry. He attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he not only got his Master’s Degree in Pediatric Dentistry but spent extensive time at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital and learned from some of the best pediatric healthcare professionals in the world.
A resident of Fishers, Dr. Joshi is currently an adjunct faculty and an assistant clinical professor in the Pediatric Dentistry department at Indiana University School of Dentistry as well.
Dr. Joshi has gone to great lengths to create a fun and inviting environment for his patients. There is a life-size light bright on the wall, television with kids programming, gaming and a gumball machine that dispenses toys for free to reward a good visit.
Hoosier Pediatric Dental Group is located at 11876 Olio Road in front of Kroger. You can also schedule a consultation with them by calling 317-516-5184 or visit them online at hoosierpediatricdental.com.
