Photo Courtesy of Nisha Sundaragopal
Dental care is more than just a service—it contributes to a healthier, happier life, as a smile can change how someone feels about themselves and how they engage with the world.
This is an industry where Dr. Nisha Sundaragopal—also fondly known as Dr. Sun—makes a positive change. As the spearhead of Smile Rangers Dental in Katy, Texas, she has made it her mission to elevate the standards of geriatric dentistry.
“It’s about giving everyone a chance to smile again, no matter their age,” she says. This commitment has earned her a reputation as both a dedicated dentist and an advocate for comprehensive healthcare reform.
It is worth noting that the clinic is also a hub for aspiring dentists, whom Dr. Sundaragopal guides as a mentor. From her Global Recognition Award and honorary title of “Yellow Rose of Texas” awarded by Governor Greg Abbott to her ongoing research at the University of San Antonio, Dr. Sundaragopal is revamping dental care in America for the elderly while fostering the future generation of dentists.
Tooth Tales: Making Smiles Shine in Geriatric Dentistry
In a country where healthcare for the elderly is often limited or complicated, Dr. Sundaragopal is a leading advocate for change.
“Geriatric dentistry is not simply about fixing teeth,” Dr. Sundaragopal explains. It is about understanding the whole person—their health, their medications, their lifestyle—and creating a plan that will give them back their quality of life.” This holistic method has set her apart from many of her peers and has made Smile Rangers Dental a destination for patients seeking thoughtful, personalized care.
Dr. Sundaragopal’s practice goes beyond the everyday responsibilities of a dentist. She is actively involved in implant research with the University of San Antonio, pushing the boundaries of dental care innovation. “We are looking at ways to make dental implants more accessible to elderly patients,” she shares, noting the cost and complexity that often deter older adults from pursuing this option.
Her advocacy extends into the public sphere, where she is pursuing a PhD in Dental Health Sciences focusing on improving Medicare and Medicaid dental coverage. “One of my goals is to ensure that when people retire, they don’t have to choose between food, medicine, and a healthy smile,” she muses. It may be a daunting challenge, but Dr. Sundaragopal’s vision for a more inclusive healthcare system is a step in the right direction that makes the concept of “having it all” very much attainable.
A Mentor to the Next Generation
As covered, Dr. Nisha Sundaragopal contributes to shaping the next generation of dental professionals. As a PACE mentor through the Miller program for Katy ISD, she regularly trains pre-dental and pre-doctoral students, instilling the technical skills they will need and the compassion and drive to serve their communities.
“I tell my students that being a dentist is about so much more than just teeth,” Dr. Sundaragopal says, reflecting on her mentorship role. “It’s about listening, caring, and always doing what’s best for your patients, even when difficult.”
Her office is a place of learning where students are invited to observe procedures, engage in research, and learn firsthand what it means to balance clinical excellence with a patient-centered technique. It is one of the many reasons her practice has thrived for the past seven years, serving communities in Katy, Houston, Richmond, and beyond.
Always in Fashion: A Jane of All Trades, A Master of All
While Dr. Sundaragopal’s influence in dentistry is impressive, her ambitions stretch into fashion and film. She co-founded a fashion brand, Q Closet, with designer Priyanka Srivastava to empower women through heritage-inspired designs. Together, they received the Best Fashion Designer award from Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu in 2022. “Fashion is a way to communicate our values and heritage to the next generation,” Dr. Sundaragopal notes, describing the brand’s focus on blending traditional elements with modern designs.
Her newest venture is in filmmaking. She recently produced “Candy,” a short film she conceptualized highlighting issues close to her heart: child safety, human trafficking, and drug control. The film introduces the concept of “Katlyliwood,” featuring local talent, and symbolizes her belief in community-driven solutions for social change.
“We all can make the world a better place,” she says with a smile, “whether through our work, our passions, or our commitment to the people around us.”
Dr. Nisha Sundaragopal is transforming geriatric dental care and reimagining the future of healthcare and community leadership through her innovative practice, mentorship of young professionals, and ventures in fashion and film. Married to Mr. Madhav K Sadhu, a Software Engineer at Mens Wearhouse, for 20 years, they have built a family dedicated to excellence. Their son, Harshith Veer Sadhu, is in his second year studying computer science at UT Austin, while their daughter, Liya Sadhu, is a thriving fifth grader. Dr. Nisha’s mission is simple yet impactful: to bring smiles to people’s faces, in every sense of the word, across multiple industries.
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