Sneha Parikh, Dentist
Joined Fenway in 2008
Education:University of Pittsburgh
What brought you to Fenway Health?
Initially I was introduced to Fenway Health due to its proximity to my home. I lived just around the corner and enjoyed the commute to work (this was in 2009), however I later left Fenway to join a private practice in Pennsylvania before coming back –this time due to the public health environment, the mission, and the quality of care that is provided to patients here. After many years here, I can now attest to what a great place Fenway is to work!
Are there any developments or advancements in the field that you’re particularly excited about?
I am excited about the advances that have been made in material science. Every day (it seems) there is a new, more bio-compatible and stronger material being introduced, leading to less patient sensitivity for a longer and more fulfilling quality of life, with less potential side effects. The newer materials are also much more user friendly–makes my job easier!
When you have time off, what do you get up to?
In the years that I was away from Fenway, I spent a full calendar year traveling the country in a 19 foot travel trailer with my boyfriend and my dog. It was an amazing experience and I hope to do a lot more traveling and spending time communing with nature–there is still so much more to see even in this vast country of ours.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Allaying patient anxiety is probably the most challenging part of the job. If a patient has just one bad experience prior to meeting me, there is a preconceived idea that I too will give them a similar experience. It is also the most rewarding part of my job to create a dental convert after a series of good experiences.
What do you like most about being a Dentist?
I like being in healthcare and bettering a patient’s quality of life with the treatment I give. I like that I have a unique skill that can help the members of my community smile more confidently and live more comfortably.