You may have noticed a new sign emerge on Maryland just west of 7th St. that reads Popat Orthodontics. If that name sounds familiar it is because owner, Rishi Popat, grew up in North Central and attended Madison Simis Elementary, which is part of the Madison School District here in Phoenix, AZ. In addition, Rishi’s parents, Bipin and Anila Popat are also long-time North Central residents and own the Tony’s Cleaners & Tailors around the corner on 7th St.
Popat graduated from Harvard Medical School with a certificate in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics in 2014 and is currently the only Harvard-trained orthodontist in the state of Arizona. Rather than accept an offer to work in Hollywood after graduation, Rishi had a strong desire to head back to Phoenix to fulfill his dream of opening a unique community-centric family dental practice with his wife, and fellow Harvard Business graduate, Bansi Popat.
While speaking with local teachers and principals from the Madison School District, Rishi learned that approximately 30 students miss school every day for orthodontic work and it was then that he knew he wanted to open his practice in North Central and offer a flexible appointment schedule that would not interfere with his patient’s school, work or religious services and events. “Being available so that my patients can attend school uninterrupted is very important to me, so we offer appointments both before and after school, as well as Saturday and Sunday, said Popat.”
In addition to his practice, Rishi and his wife, Bansi, have a strong desire to give back to their community. Popat Orthodontics recently partnered with Stephanie K Dentistry to custom fit over 60 mouth guards for North Central’s Pop Warner Football program.
“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the Madison School District, the local community, great mentors and supportive parents, so I want to pay it forward as much as I can,” Popat said. Rishi is also making his office available to North Central residents for ongoing community and educational classes – some of which include instructor-led cursive writing seminars for local students, and our personal favorite — teaching children how to tie his signature pink bow tie.
Popat is an incredible addition to the North Central Phoenix Community and we hope you’ll join us in welcoming him back to Arizona. We wish him all the best in his new business.
If you would like more information about Popat Orthodontics or to set up a consultation, please visit their website at Popat Orthodontics.
Erik Jensen, REALTOR®
The Caniglia Group
*Pictured from left to right, Erik Jensen, Rishi Popat, Steve Caniglia
