Rate My Professor Simmi Patel

Dr. Simmi Patel is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Dental Public Health Sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and holds the prestigious designation of Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD), with induction occurring in October 2024. Over the course of more than 18 years, Dr. Patel has focused her professional career on delivering dental care to individuals from vulnerable and at-risk communities. These include residents of shelters throughout the Dallas metroplex, homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, survivors of sexual trafficking, individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction, and inmates within correctional facilities. Her dedication to these groups highlights her expertise in dental public health and service to underserved populations.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Patel plays a vital role in dental education by instructing third- and fourth-year dental students at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry as well as in extramural settings such as the Agape Clinic and North Dallas Shared Ministries. She currently serves as the Dental Director of Now-Forward, contributing to community-based health efforts. Dr. Patel developed a unique aging simulation program to build empathy in dental students, involving a custom-designed 'aging suit' that simulates physical limitations associated with aging, thereby improving students' comprehension of elderly patients' challenges during dental visits. This initiative formed the basis for her co-authored peer-reviewed article, 'The impact of an aging simulation program for dental students: a qualitative study,' published in the Journal of Dental Education in 2024. In November 2025, she advanced to Clinical Associate Professor from her prior role as Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Patel's impactful work earned her the Texas A&M Faculty Member Award from the Texas Dental Association in 2025, recognizing her excellence in faculty service and education. She received the Interprofessional Education Award from Texas A&M Health in 2022 for her contributions to collaborative learning.