Dr. Shah is a dual degreed (MD, DDS),  board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As such, his practice focuses on core disciplines within this specialty: namely, temporomandibular joint pathology, dentofacial deformities and airway pathology. The reality is that these diagnoses are often intimately related and share common etiologies. The end result of this type of pathology, left untreated, can be chronic pain, facial imbalance, malocclusions, functional deficits and obstructive sleep apnea. 

To organize and simplify diagnosis and treatment planning, Dr. Shah developed the Face First philosophy (to be used in conjunction with the DC/TMD and AAOMS decision trees). Face First is an algorithm utilized for all patients to address their pathology. Though Dr. Shah’s approach to patients with TM joint pathology may be somewhat unique in that it is “holistic”, it is well supported by the medical and dental literature. As an active member in The American Society of TMJ Surgeons, Dr. Shah respects and learns from other surgeons and strives to contribute to the collective knowledge of the profession.

Because the practice is low volume, it allows for individualized custom care. Patients will spend an entire day at the practice during their initial consultation. If they require surgery, they will spend up to 14 days in St. Petersburg allowing for close follow up. After a patient is discharged home, Dr. Shah will have them return at regular intervals to assess their progress, answer questions and guide further care with other doctors such as the patient’s dentist. This boutique approach helps prevent patients from “falling through the cracks”.