A Passion for Patient Care
When Dr. Samantha Shuttleworth joined Fishers Dental Care this spring, it felt more like coming home than starting a new job.
Shuttleworth already shared a connection with the team. She studied under Dr. Kevin Ward, the father of Dr. Molly Dwenger, and developed a close professional relationship with Dwenger during her time at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
“I met Molly on day one,” Shuttleworth says. “She was my teaching assistant when I started dental school, and over the next four years, she became a mentor to me.”
That connection ultimately helped bring Shuttleworth to Fishers Dental Care, where she officially joined the practice in March. The timing was ideal. After the birth of her first child and the retirement of a previous colleague, Shuttleworth began exploring new opportunities and reached out to Dwenger for advice.
Instead, Dwenger had an opportunity of her own to offer.
“She said she had actually been thinking about adding another doctor,” Shuttleworth says. “It ended up being a great fit.”
As Fishers Dental Care continues to grow, the practice saw value in adding another doctor to provide even better patient care.
For Shuttleworth, the move also offered the chance to work alongside dentists who share her commitment to lifelong learning and comprehensive patient care.
Originally from outside Philadelphia, Shuttleworth earned a biology degree from the University of Dayton in 2014. Before dental school, she spent two years working as a dental and orthodontic assistant, confirming her desire to become a dentist.
Her interest in the profession began even earlier.
“I had some dental issues as a child,” she says. “I spent a lot of time at the dentist, the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. I got to see firsthand the difference dental care could make in my life, and I wanted to be able to do that for other people.”
Today, that patient-centered mindset remains at the core of her philosophy. Shuttleworth understands that many patients arrive at the dental office feeling anxious or nervous. Rather than rushing into treatment, she focuses on listening first.
“It’s important to really sit down and hear what patients have to say,” she says. “Sometimes people don’t immediately share their concerns or fears. Building that relationship and understanding their goals helps us create the best plan for them.”
Her goal is to ensure every patient feels comfortable, safe and heard.
“I never want someone to feel afraid to ask questions,” she says. “I want patients to know I’m here to help them. We’re working together to achieve their goals, and I want them to feel secure throughout the process.”
Shuttleworth is passionate about helping patients understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness, focusing on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.
That philosophy has been heavily influenced by advanced continuing education through the Pankey Institute, a nationally recognized dental education organization known for its comprehensive approach to patient care.
“It’s not just about fixing a broken tooth,” Shuttleworth says. “It’s about asking why it happened, how we got here and what we can do to prevent it from happening again.”
She has also developed a special interest in treating temporomandibular disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches and other facial pain symptoms. Last summer, she completed a mini-residency in orofacial pain at the University of Kentucky, further expanding her expertise in this area.
As part of that focus, Fishers Dental Care recently added Botox treatment services for therapeutic purposes. Shuttleworth and Dwenger completed specialized training to offer Botox as a treatment option for chronic migraines, jaw pain, teeth grinding and trigger-point therapy.
“It’s been exciting to bring another tool to help patients who may be struggling with those issues,” Shuttleworth says.
Beyond her clinical work, Shuttleworth has maintained a strong connection to dental education. Since graduating from dental school, she has continued teaching preclinical courses at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, working primarily with second-year students.
That dedication to learning is one of the qualities she believes aligns perfectly with the culture at Fishers Dental Care.
“I’m very passionate about continuing education,” she says. “I think it’s important that we continue learning throughout our careers. That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited to be here. Dr. Ward and Dr. Dwenger share that same passion.”
As she settles into her new role, Shuttleworth is looking forward to building lasting relationships with patients and becoming more involved in the Fishers community.
“We’re one of the few health care providers who see patients every six months,” she says. “You get to know their families, celebrate milestones with them and watch their lives evolve over the years. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of dentistry.”
For Fishers Dental Care patients, Shuttleworth hopes her message is simple: She’s here to listen, help and provide the best care possible.
“My biggest goal is helping patients achieve their goals,” she says. “I want them to feel comfortable, supported and confident that we’re working together to keep them healthy for years to come.”
For more information, visit fishersdentalcare.com.
