For Dr. Molly Dwenger, dentistry has always been more than a career, it’s been a lifelong calling, one that began within the walls of her father’s Fishers-based practice. Today, she works side by side with her father, Dr. Kevin Ward, at Fishers Dental Care, blending tradition with innovation in a way that keeps the practice both profoundly personal and forward-thinking.
“I basically grew up in this office,” Dr. Dwenger says. “When my brothers were at hockey practice, my mom would drop me here. I started out organizing patient charts when everything was still on paper, then worked in sterilization, eventually assisted, and ultimately, I became a dentist. It feels like I’ve come full circle.”
Yet despite her roots in the practice, Dr. Dwenger didn’t immediately commit to joining her father after dental school.
“I didn’t decide until my last year,” she says. “Family is so important to me, and working together changes the dynamic. I wanted to be absolutely sure it would strengthen, not strain, our relationship. Thankfully, it’s been wonderful. We practice very similarly, which means patients receive the same consistent care whether they see my dad or me.”
Dr. Ward founded the practice more than three decades ago and built it from the ground up. Over the years, he has developed a philosophy that strikes a balance between skill and compassion.
“My dad always taught me you really have three families in your life, your home family, your team and your patients,” Dr. Dwenger says. “He’s instilled that value into the culture of this office, and I think that’s what makes it such a special place.”
That family-focused culture has enabled Fishers Dental Care to thrive in an era when larger corporate networks have acquired many dental practices.
“In private practice, we can focus on relationships, not quotas,” Dr. Dwenger says. “We know our patients. We’ve seen people grow up, get married, and now we’re treating their kids. That’s the most rewarding part.”
While Dr. Ward provides decades of experience, Dr. Dwenger has introduced a wave of modern technology to expand the practice’s offerings. After graduating in 2020, she completed a hospital-based residency in Michigan, where she gained experience with advanced techniques and collaborated with physicians. That training shaped her approach to integrating technology into everyday care.
“Dentistry is always evolving,” she says. “Since I’ve joined, we’ve invested in same-day crown technology, 3D imaging and scanning, a panoramic radiograph machine, and even a 3D printer. We’ve also added Invisalign, which patients love. Each year, we try to add something new to make treatment easier and more comfortable.”
These upgrades have not only streamlined procedures but also reduced anxiety for patients.
“Instead of messy impressions, we can scan your teeth digitally,” Dr. Dwenger says.
Running a small family-owned dental practice comes with its own unique set of rewards and hurdles.
“The best part is the long-term relationships,” Dr. Dwenger says. “I’ve had patients come in to tell me they’re engaged, or expecting a baby, and then later, I’m getting to see their children. That sense of continuity and trust is irreplaceable.”
However, like many small health care providers, insurance issues continue to be a challenge.
“It’s no secret that navigating insurance is tough for both patients and providers,” she says. “There’s also competition with larger, corporate-owned practices. However, at the end of the day, our focus is on demonstrating to patients that we genuinely care about them and treat them like family. That makes all the difference.”
Both Drs. Ward and Dwenger believe that dentistry extends far beyond the walls of their office. Community involvement has always been central to their mission, and Dr. Dwenger is determined to continue that legacy.
She initiated the office’s annual canned food drive and frequently participates in local events, such as the math and science fair at New Britton Elementary, where she helps children learn about oral hygiene in fun and engaging ways. Outside the practice, Dr. Dwenger serves as co-chair of the Membership Committee for the Indianapolis District Dental Society, sits on the Peer Review Committee and is a member of the Rotary Club of Fishers.
“It’s important to give back,” she says. “I’ve been lucky to step into leadership roles, and I want to keep building those connections in the community. That’s something my dad has always modeled for me.”
As a young mother with a two-year-old and an infant, Dr. Dwenger understands the challenges of balancing work and family life.
“It really does take a village,” she says. “My husband Zack has been amazing, and I couldn’t do it without the support of our office team and, of course, my dad. When I took maternity leave, everything continued to run smoothly thanks to them. That kind of support is invaluable.”
Her approach to motherhood and business reflects the philosophy of Fishers Dental Care, which emphasizes that success begins with teamwork, trust and shared commitment.
As Fishers Dental Care looks toward the future, Dr. Dwenger is excited to keep growing while holding firm to the values her father has instilled.
“We’ll keep adding technology and finding new ways to serve our patients,” she says. “But the heart of this practice will always be family — our families, our team and our patients.”
For more information, visit fishersdentalcare.com.
