Dentistry is often viewed as a clinical science, but for Dr. Shefali Pednecar, it is also an art and a vocation that transforms lives. What began as a fascination with how restoring a single tooth could change a person’s confidence has evolved into a career dedicated to both oral health and emotional well-being. For Dr. Pednecar, dentistry represents the perfect blend of science, precision, and creativity, with the power to make a lasting impact.

The Journey into Dentistry

Initially, Dr. Pednecar entered the field seeking a structured profession with minimal emergencies, without realising the depth and dynamism dentistry truly offered. Her early practice focused primarily on treating individual problem teeth, but her philosophy has since grown into something more holistic.

Areas of Specialisation

A specialist in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dr. Pednecar focuses on root canal treatments, aesthetic composite restorations, dental fillings, and trauma management, especially fractured teeth. As a consulting endodontist, she often treats patients who arrive in pain or with swelling, feeling anxious and uncertain.

The most rewarding aspect of her practice, she shares, is watching these same patients leave smiling and pain-free. Particularly in trauma cases, restoring the fractured front teeth of young patients and seeing their confidence return brings her immense joy.

Staying Current with Advancements

Dentistry today is constantly evolving, and Dr. Pednecar believes in staying updated with the latest techniques and technologies. She actively participates in Continuing Dental Education (CDE) programs, national conferences, and conventions to gain valuable insights.

Hands-on workshops allow her to refine her skills practically before applying them in real cases. Post-pandemic, she has also embraced webinars by national and international experts, which provide easy access to new knowledge from home.

Addressing Challenges in Modern Dentistry

In today’s digital era, patients often walk in with preconceived notions after reading online content. Dr. Pednecar views this as an opportunity to educate. She carefully explains diagnoses, treatment steps, and outcomes, particularly in root canal cases, which helps build confidence.

Balancing modern technology and high-quality care while keeping treatments affordable is another challenge she tackles by designing effective yet realistic treatment plans tailored to each patient.

Dental anxiety remains a significant barrier for many patients. To address this, she creates a calm and reassuring environment, often using soothing music to ease nerves. By explaining each step slowly, giving breaks during procedures, and encouraging open communication, she ensures that even the most anxious patients feel cared for and supported.

Patient-Centred Approach

For Dr. Pednecar, patient care begins with building trust. She spends time understanding concerns, explaining procedures, and ensuring that patients feel comfortable and fully informed. Her consultations include a thorough medical history, clinical and radiographic examinations, and detailed discussions about findings and treatment options. This approach empowers patients to make informed decisions while easing their anxiety.

Oral Health Guidance

Education is a crucial part of her practice. She advises every patient on the importance of brushing twice daily with the correct technique and recommends customised oral hygiene aids such as floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers based on individual needs.

Aesthetic and Multidisciplinary Care

Dr. Pednecar also emphasises the role of cosmetic dentistry in boosting self-esteem. She designs treatment plans that harmonise aesthetics with functionality, focusing on bite alignment, durable materials, and long-term stability. For cases requiring a multidisciplinary approach—such as surgery or periodontics— she collaborates with colleagues to ensure comprehensive and seamless treatment.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

A common misconception she addresses is the belief that extraction is better than saving a tooth. She advocates for root canal treatments as they preserve natural function, prevent bone loss, and maintain better conditions for future replacements if required.

Even when prognosis is fair, retaining a tooth for several years is often far more beneficial than premature removal. Other myths she encounters include the idea that dental treatment is unsafe during monsoons, or that check-ups are only necessary when pain arises. She emphasises the importance of preventive visits every six months for early detection and care.

Throughout her career, several cases have left a lasting impression. During her postgraduate days, she treated a patient who had fractured all his upper front teeth in an accident. After completing root canal treatments and restoring his smile with ceramic crowns, he regained his confidence—an experience that reaffirmed her calling. Another case involved a young patient with severe pain and swelling, whose discomfort was relieved within two days of root canal therapy and antibiotics. The gratitude expressed in such moments, she says, is what makes her work most fulfilling.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Pednecar’s long-term vision is clear: to save as many teeth as possible while continuously upgrading to modern technology and evidence based practices.