Your Cedar Park Orthodontist
Meet Akash “Doc Ak” Pandya, DDS MS
Unlike Spider-Man's Doc Ock, I'm Doc Ak, SmileOn Orthodontics' very own snaggle-tooth fighting good guy! Smile-enhancer, physics nerd, puzzle solver, and game changer: Some of the many hats that my profession enables me to wear on a daily basis.
Witnessing Transformations
The transformation that I am privileged to witness in my patients is absolutely incredible: from their first visit, where we get to talk about all their smile-related “what-ifs”, through each visit, where I get to view their confidence grow, to the day when the braces come off, and I get to see my patients look at their new smiles in the mirror for the first time, often with tears in their eyes.
And, I get to do that each and every single day, multiple times a day. Lucky doesn’t begin to describe what I feel.
Building Trust & Relationships
It means a whole lot to me that my patients trust me with their smiles, and I take great pride in offering the highest quality of care using cutting-edge techniques while building strong, personal relationships.
It’s a responsibility I take very seriously.
Balancing Professionalism & Compassion
It’s where the dedicated, hardworking professional in me meets the kind, caring, down-to-earth, all-around do-gooder.
It’s where I am my best and the happiest. And, it’s why I wake up every morning feeling honored and privileged to have the opportunity to help create a beautiful smile for each of my patients.
How I Became an Orthodontist
It was a long and hard process. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Early Introduction
My first experience with orthodontics was at the age of 11 when I started treatment with Dr. Stewart in Bowie, MD, who would later become my first boss out of graduate school.
That’s right! I became an orthodontist in the very practice where I got my braces! How cool is that?
Educational Journey
But, before that happened, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology and Physiology at the University of Maryland in 1998.
While in college, I was an orthodontic assistant, and that experience solidified my decision to go to dental school and then specialize in orthodontics.
Professional Qualifications
I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland in 2003 and continued my post-doctorate dental education there with an additional three-year residency in the Department of Orthodontics.
I earned a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics in 2006, graduating at the top of my class. My momma was proud!
- University of Maryland - Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology
- University of Maryland - Doctorate of Dental Surgery
- University of Maryland - Master of Science degree in Orthodontics
Experience & Affiliations
Between 2006 and today, I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people and the honor of helping thousands of people in Maryland, Virginia, California, and Texas obtain their dream smiles.
Being an affiliate of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Southwest Society of Orthodontics, and the Texas Dental Association, I am regularly in contact with some of the greatest living minds of orthodontics and dentistry.
- American Association of Orthodontics - Member
- American Dental Association - Member
- Capital Area Dental Society - Member
- Southwest Society of Orthodontics - Member
- Texas Dental Association - Member
Continuous Learning
Several times a year, our team, the SmileOntourage, and I attend national orthodontic meetings and continuing education courses to hear the top speakers teach the latest technologies, treatment methods, and ways to improve each patient’s experience.
When you win, we win! When you smile, we smile!
Outside of the Office
When I am not enhancing smiles, nerding over physics, solving teeth puzzles or changing the game for my patients, I’m a husband to my love, Sej, and a daddy to my super fun kids—Shehnai, Jahaan, and Aum—and our dog, Marley.
On occasion, you might bump into me in 1890 Ranch or HEB running errands with my family, jogging on one of Cedar Park’s gorgeous trails, hiking off of FM620, eating an Independent taco at Torchy’s, or perhaps paddleboarding near Zilker. We love being out and about and we love meeting new people!
