Sam Asthana, DDS, FAGD
“I discovered that the world of dentistry was so much broader and more interesting than I knew, and I quickly made the commitment to dive into the field.”
Fig Tree Dental Studio, Houston, Texas (opening Spring 2025)
Sam Asthana, DDS, FAGD, took an unconventional path to dentistry, initially pursuing a music career. As a saxophonist, Asthana experienced jaw pain that eventually led him to dentistry.
“I discovered that the world of dentistry was much broader and more interesting than I knew, and I quickly made the commitment to dive into the field,” he said.
Asthana counts earning his AGD Fellowship as his most meaningful accomplishment so far.
“My Fellowship represents hours of study and learning how to be a better dentist, but it’s also the result of setting a goal and achieving it,” he said.
Texas AGD leader Partha Mukherji, DDS, FAGD, nominated Asthana to this year’s 10 Dentists to Watch list.
“Sam asks the questions and seeks guidance on how to succeed, not just professionally but also personally,” Mukherji said. “He’s already made his mark as president of the Houston AGD component, and he’s recently joined the Texas AGD board of directors.”
This year looks to be Asthana’s biggest year yet, as he plans to open his dental practice, Fig Tree Dental Studio, in the spring.
Asthana carefully considers the patient experience. Instead of telling patients what they need, he engages them in their own treatment process.
“I prefer to begin sitting side by side and reviewing data — such as a clear intraoral scan — along with my patient,” he said. “I ask my patients to show me what they notice and what they are concerned about. It has really changed the dynamic of my relationship with my patients.”
Asthana also enjoys showing his patients a bit of his personality, too.
“I’m naming the office after my dog, Fig,” Asthana said. “You better believe I’m going to send emails of my dog in a white coat saying, ‘Dr. Fig wants you to schedule your six-month checkup.’”