Saumya Prajapati, DDS, PhD, MSD, has built a successful career as a periodontist, currently serving at Schuler Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, a dental practice in the Pacific Northwest that specializes in dental implants and periodontal therapy, since its establishment in 2021. In this role, she integrates cutting-edge technologies into her practice and remains at the forefront of research, particularly in peri-implantitis. Prior to this, she practiced as a general dentist in India for one year, refining her skills and developing a passion for dental surgery.
Dr. Prajapati’s professional journey began with an internship at KLE’s VK Institute of Dental Sciences from 2010 to 2011, followed by a role as a student mentor at the University of Southern California from 2012 to 2016. Her dedication to the field has been further demonstrated by her membership in the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research since 2013 and the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Prajapati’s contributions to periodontology have been recognized with the prestigious Young Researcher Award from the American Academy of Periodontology, an honor bestowed upon only four individuals out of more than 200 applicants.
Dr. Prajapati’s academic achievements have laid a strong foundation for her continued success. She earned a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from KLE’s VK Institute of Dental Sciences in India in 2011, followed by a Master of Science in dentistry in periodontics from the University of Washington. Dr. Prajapati obtained a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Southern California in 2016, completed her residency at the University of Washington in 2018, and is a board-certified periodontist.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Prajapati is committed to community service. She volunteered at A&A Dental as a clinical volunteer from 2012 to 2013 and served as a research volunteer at the University of Southern California in 2012. She has also made significant scholarly contributions, with numerous publications, including “Risk Factors and Longitudinal Regenerative Outcomes of Sinus Membrane Perforation During Lateral Window Sinus Floor Elevation: A Retrospective Analysis Up to 9 Years,” published in the Journal of Periodontology in 2023, and “Control of calcium phosphate nucleation and transformation through interactions of enamelin and amelogenin exhibits the ‘goldilocks effect,’” published in Crystal Growth and Design.
Dr. Prajapati believes that her holistic approach to patient care sets her apart in the field. She prioritizes understanding each patient’s individual needs and how their issues impact their overall well-being. This broader perspective allows her to provide better care and make continuous improvements in treatment outcomes. Dr. Prajapati takes pride in her ability to operate independently, run her own practice, and achieve success early in her professional journey, something she considers a significant accomplishment.
Dr. Prajapati attributes her success to perseverance, resilience, and the influence of her father, an eye surgeon who inspired her early interest in the medical field. She believes in continuous learning and keeping an open mind, understanding that each patient requires customized treatment. Over time, she has grown more confident in her abilities and remains dedicated to lifelong improvement.
Outside her professional commitments, Dr. Prajapati values spending time with her family, including her two children. She enjoys reading and dancing and is trained in Indian classical dance. Looking to the future, she plans to expand her practice by opening additional locations and engaging more deeply in research. She also aspires to return to teaching, which she finds deeply fulfilling, and hopes to integrate it into her future endeavors. In both her personal and professional life, Dr. Prajapati embodies the philosophy that one must first deserve before one desires, a principle that guides her continuous pursuit of excellence.