Being an exceptional dentist isn’t just about practical skills or clinical knowledge; it’s also about putting yourself in the patient’s shoes and keeping their needs and best interests in mind.
In recognition of the critical importance that empathy and emotional intelligence play in the field of dentistry, the North American Dental Group (NADG) awards its prestigious Emotional Intelligence Award each year to a dental professional who goes above and beyond.
Dr. Sai Guduru’s ability to connect with his patients — even in the face of adversity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — recently earned him this prestigious recognition in celebration of his extraordinary ability to develop strong relationships with patients, colleagues, and his community through empathy, strong leadership, and a calming presence.
From managing patient emergencies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to mentoring the next generation of dental professionals, Dr. Guduru exemplifies the transformative power of emotional intelligence in healthcare.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions, and is a cornerstone of effective healthcare. In dentistry, nearly 50% of patients experience some level of fear or anxiety, which is why emotional intelligence is critical for building trust, alleviating fears, and fostering positive outcomes.
For Dr. Guduru, empathy is the foundation for successful and sustainable treatment, and the NADG specifically highlighted how he goes above and beyond to meet his patients where they are emotionally and mentally.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, medical professionals faced a range of significant challenges, with nearly 50% of health workers reporting burnout. In this taxing environment, Dr. Guduru remained composed, inspired his colleagues, and allayed the fears of worried patients.
Like many organizations, Eaves Family Dental — where Dr. Guduru serves as the dental director — had to make a lot of tough and uncomfortable decisions during the pandemic. Medical professionals had little room for error as they navigated an unprecedented situation.
During the pandemic, Dr. Guduru anticipated the worries and needs of his patients while also caring for his coworkers and staff. “He met every interaction with me and our patients with a calming presence and gratitude to be able to care for them in any manner he could,” says one of Dr. Guduru’s colleagues, recalling how he would even send him encouraging notes.
This colleague attributes the staff’s ability to excel and care for patients during this difficult time to Dr. Guduru’s caring demeanor and positivity, calling him a “true example of servant leadership and emotional intelligence.”
Given Dr. Guduru’s focus on caring for others, it’s probably not surprising that he humbly credits his success to the mutual respect he shares with those around him.
“It’s all of us as a team,” said Dr. Guduru upon receiving his ward from the NADG. “It’s what we are, how we function—values are important. Come with a good attitude […] and success follows.”
An Award-Winning Legacy Driven by Empathy
Growing up in India, Dr. Guduru was inspired by his parents’ emphasis on serving others, which is what motivated him to pursue a medical career in the first place. After moving to the United States and graduating with honors from Boston University, his commitment to making a difference earned him membership to the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.
Today, Dr. Guduru is a member of a wide range of organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Indian Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Seventh District Dental Society, and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce.
Now, as the Dental Director of Eaves Family Dental and Regional Director for the North American Dental Group, Dr. Guduru is dedicated to solving a critical issue in healthcare: the lack of access to dental services in rural and underserved areas.
Dr. Guduru is dedicated to overcoming these issues and making quality dental care accessible to all.
Over the past decade, he’s been recruiting dentists and staff to relocate to rural and underserved communities to help address the lack of dental care in these areas. His work includes expanding the reach of dental offices, implementing programs to train and empower local dental assistants, and mentoring young dentists to embrace the challenges and rewards of working in rural areas.
Through his efforts, Dr. Guduru has created lasting change in the communities he serves, proving that leadership is not about power, but empowering others. His philosophy is simple yet profound: “the role and the ultimate goal of a true leader is to develop a community where there is no need for leaders as everybody is already one. This has been my mantra all through the years and is what we use when I train new dentists, office managers, or any other team member across the board within the organization.”
Thanks to Dr. Guduru’s dedication and passion, these long underserved areas are getting dental care and treatments they otherwise would not be able to access.