Meet the Docs

Waz up! I’m Dr. Tushar Shah (my friends call me Tu), and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share a bit about myself.

First and foremost, I’m a proud husband and father to four amazing kids who keep life exciting and full of joy. Outside the office, I love staying active through working out, playing sports, and dancing — yes, dancing! It’s a passion of mine that keeps me grounded and connected to the lighter side of life.

My journey to orthodontics wasn’t straightforward. I began my academic career in engineering, but my desire to blend science with hands-on patient care led me to pursue dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). While at UIC, I discovered my true calling: orthodontics. I was fascinated by the transformative power of a confident smile and decided to specialize, completing my residency in orthodontics at New York University (NYU).

After years of building and managing successful practices in highly competitive neighborhoods in the Western suburbs, I made the difficult decision to sell them all. I wanted to spend quality time with my family and reflect on what truly mattered to me. It was during this time off that I realized how much I missed the connection with patients, their families, and our team.

I also recognized a challenge in my profession: the high cost of orthodontic care. Too often, a beautiful smile seemed like a privilege reserved only for the wealthy. I became passionate about changing that narrative. My goal is to make orthodontic treatment more accessible and affordable for everyone, without compromising on service. So…. I’m excited to be back, doing what I love.

This next chapter is especially meaningful because I’m partnering with my family (Dr. Nisha) to honor my parents’ wishes to give back to the community. Together, we’ve launched VaSu Smiles, named after my mom, Vasanti, and dad, Surendra Shah. Our mission is simple: to provide exceptional, affordable orthodontic care while spreading joy and positivity. Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult considering treatment for yourself, I look forward to being a part of your smile transformation.

Let’s make the world a better place, one smile at a time!