Our Doctors
Jay V. Patel DMD MS Orthodontist
“I am honored to be an orthodontist and endeavor to treat each patient like a family member – sharing in their concerns and goals throughout treatment. Orthodontics is a truly transformative process for people of all ages. I take immense pride in watching patients develop the confidence to express their happiness as beautiful smiles take shape.”
Originally from London, England, Dr. Jay V. Patel moved to Atlanta as a teen. After completing high school in Alpharetta, he harnessed his passion for art, science and happy people by completing the years of advanced training required to be a specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Dr. Patel is an orthodontist, which is different from a general dentist. After graduating from dental school, orthodontists go on for another 2-3 years of specialty education just in orthodontics at an ADA accredited orthodontic residency program.
An active member of several professional dental and orthodontic associations, Dr. Patel is committed to advancing the field of orthodontics and providing patients with the highest level of care possible.
Dr. Patel approaches his career as an orthodontist with the philosophy that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. When he is not in the office building beautiful smiles and relationships with patients, you will likely find him surrounded by family, friends, food and football (soccer!).
- Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics
Temple University School of Dentistry - Master of Science in Oral Biology
Temple University School of Dentistry - Doctorate of Dental Medicine
Temple University School of Dentistry - Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Georgia Institute of Technology
Justin Chong DMD Children’s (Pediatric) Dentist
“I chose to specialize in pediatric dentistry because I love working with children. I particularly enjoy having the opportunity to ensure they have healthy, beautiful smiles as children, while helping shape their future approach to healthy oral hygiene as an adult.”
Dr. Justin Chong is a true native Georgian with strong roots to this community. He was born in Atlanta and resided in Norcross and then Johns Creek, graduating from Chattahoochee High School. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and earned his engineering degree before he decided to pursue dentistry.
Moving to Augusta, Dr. Chong attended the Medical College of Georgia and received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. He then went on to pursue his dream of working with children and was accepted into the Temple University Hospital – Episcopal Division program for Pediatric Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA. After two additional years of specialized training in treating children and earning the title of Chief Resident, Dr. Chong received his specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and returned home to Atlanta.
At his practice of Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Chong has found his niche as a pediatric dental specialist. He is able to serve the Atlanta community that he loves, especially building beautiful smiles in the young Georgians that are his patients, while staying close to his family and friends.
- Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
Temple University Hospital – Episcopal Division - Doctorate of Dental Medicine
The Medical College of Georgia - Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Shilpa Lala DMD Associate Dentist
“I have always enjoyed being around children and love how each child and their needs are so unique. I strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for children, treating them as my own family. I hope to promote lifelong habits to create beautiful healthy smiles in a positive and fun environment.”
Dr. Lala was born in South Africa and moved to Canada when she was 5 years old. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and, after completing two years of undergraduate studies, was accelerated into the College of Dentistry. After receiving several awards and recognitions throughout dental school, she graduated with distinction in 2006.
After getting married, she lived in Texas for 2 years and then moved to Atlanta, where her husband grew up. Dr. Lala has two young children and enjoys spending time with family and friends. It is her love for children that has led her to focus her career on treating children to develop healthy, beautiful smiles.
- Doctorate of Dental Medicine
College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan - Undergraduate Studies
College of Arts and Sciences, University of Saskatchewan
Milen Patel DMDPediatric Dentist
Dr. Milen Patel was born in London, England and moved to Alpharetta at the age of five. Growing up, he loved playing soccer, drawing, and hanging out with his friends. From an early age, Dr. Milen loved science, history, math, and art. He knew from the age of 6 that he wanted to be a dentist and never looked back from that goal. He attended Alpharetta High School and then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology at Georgia State University.
From there, Dr. Milen earned his DMD from the Dental College of Georgia where he served as a member of the admissions committee. It was here that Dr. Milen met his wife and soon after he proposed at the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” Disney World. Dr. Milen got accepted into pediatric dental residency at the Dental College of Georgia where he served as the chief resident.
Dr. Milen has a passion for serving the youth. In his free time, Dr. Milen enjoys teaching, hiking outdoors with his wife, visiting Disney World, and playing with his nieces and nephews.
- Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
Dental College of Georgia - Doctorate of Dental Medicine
Dental College of Georgia - Bachelor of Science in Biology
Georgia State University