Shipli Joshi, DMD, Massachusetts Dental Society Guest Board Member. “Treat every patient as if they were a member of your own family” is the piece of advice that has guided Shilpi Joshi, DMD, throughout her career. “While technical skills are essential,” she said, “compassion, empathy, and genuine human connection are what patients remember most.” That philosophy continues a family tradition of caring for others, inspired by her grandfather, a physician, and her father, an eye surgeon, who both served patients in underserved and rural communities with compassion and commitment.
Dr. Joshi has been practicing general dentistry for 14 years after graduating from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. She has a special interest in community health, geriatric dentistry, implant-supported prosthodontics, and caring for medically complex patients. One thing that has surprised her most about dentistry is how much the profession extends beyond clinical procedures. “Every day involves teaching, mentoring, problem-solving, advocacy, and building trust with patients,” she said. “Those are roles I never imagined I would take on when I entered dental school.”
Outside the office, Dr. Joshi enjoys gardening, meditating, and spending time with her family. If she could trade places with anyone—or anything—for a day, she would choose to soar above mountains, oceans, and forests as a bird to experience the world from a different perspective. Whether she’s caring for patients, supporting friends and family, or simply lending a helping hand, making a positive difference in the lives of others is what she finds most rewarding. “I genuinely enjoy being there for others and making a positive difference whenever I can,” she said.