The east coast of United States is a region that houses some of the finest Indian brains in the world. Dr Asha Samant is that perfect example who has excelled beyond expectations and has perched at the very top of her profession. She came to United States for her higher education from India and has finally made USA her second mother land.

Asha was born in a rural village of Punjab and grew up in a village characterized by dry sand and dust indicates a harsh, arid environment where water is scarce, and agriculture is challenging. Asha’s morning routine involves helping her grandmother with essential tasks like milking buffalo and cow, as well as cleaning cow dung and making dung cakes. She was in a close-knit family structure where generations collaborate and support each other in daily tasks. These shared experiences not only strengthen family bonds but also contribute to the social cohesion of the village community.

Asha’s father was a freedom fighter, and she thus got the opportunity to join many protests at the age of 16–18 years. Later the family moved to Amritsar. City life was fun, standing outside the front door watching cars, cycles Horse Tangas was amazing for her. Many assets of her mother were donated for the cause and cost of the freedom fighting. She had a very simple life, not being able to afford expensive meals. Asha completed her school where education was free and learnt to lead a simple life which was for her the best learning.

General Mohan Singh was a key figure in the Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, during the Indian independence movement. Asha Samant as a young photographer accompanied General Sahib going around many conventional facilities. She was fortunate to meet late PM Jawahar Lal Nehru and her sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. In a natural response, she was captivated by the physical appearance, attractiveness grace and elegance of Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit which exude confidence and charisma that inspired her in a certain way.

Asha admired her father greatly for his dedication and activism to the noble cause for freedom. She preferred to be with him, wearing Khadi clothes and going from one village to other marching to convey the messages and values of Freedom rather than sitting in a classroom. This interest for active involvement led her to work with Congress Party and Lion Chief Minister Pratap Singh Kairon, who advised and pushed her to go back to continue education. She was driven by the desire to push the boundaries of dental science and that’s where Dr Asha Samant embarked on a journey of higher education. She got admission to medical college where she specialized in the field of dentistry. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue further qualifications solidifying her expertise and establishing her as a leading authority in the dental community. Finally, Dr Asha Samant received her undergraduate and postgraduate degree from Government Dental College, Amritsar, Punjab (India). She always had in vision to become devoted leader of the country like other role models she met earlier in life.

During her Dental professional Career her motto was “Oral health and General health are Linked. Oral cavity is the entry Door to the Human Body.” Through her clinical practice, research endeavors, and academic pursuits, she has made significant strides in advancing dental care. Her innovative approaches to treatment, coupled with her compassionate demeanor, have earned her the respect and admiration of both colleagues and patients alike. Her commitment was to treat everyone who needed care. She provided everyone the Oral health care from common person to several dignitaries of India. Her highlight was treating and providing dental care to late Sh. Jay Prakash Narain BJP leader, who was detained within the four walls by PM Indira Gandhi. It was unique scary situation and under strict security to take care of him. Dr Asha Samant also treated the 7th President of India, late Giani Zail Singh, whom she knew since long time as MLA to Chief Minister of Punjab. She also provided care to the late BJP leader, Chander Shekhar whom she met later in New York during his medical treatment.

Dr Asha Samant completed the Graduate Certificate Program in Prosthodontics from NYU School of Dentistry, where she also served as a teaching fellow. She completed the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at UMDNJ — New Jersey Dental School (NJDS) and in 1981 joined its faculty, where she is now a tenured associate professor. Dr Samant is a fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International (FADI) and International College of Dentists (FICD) and been recognized for her extensive involvement in the dental community service.

Through her tireless efforts, she has worked to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the latest advancements in dental science are accessible to all. In the United States, she was a tenure associate professor in Rutgers State University Dental School for 41 years. She gave lectures to undergraduate and post graduate clinical Dentistry in various fields. She did more than 16 research funded projects. Her summer students won awards and she has presented research work locally and at international level as well. She was invited as speaker in over 16 countries worldwide to present lectures and served conference several sessions. She chaired several working committees of the school and nationally to advocate for positive change and champion the cause of oral health awareness.

Dr Asha Samant has spoken on several occasions on issues of Violence Against Women. She was elected twice as President of Academic Assembly of the school. She also served Faculty Senator on Rutgers University as representative of the Dental School. Rutgers Senator elected her to serve on Board of Trustees of Rutgers University. She was the founding Director of Indian Dental Association New Jersey and the founding Advisor of the Indian Student Dental Association. She was elected by Governor of New Jersey to serve member New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. She was Examiner of Dentistry Examination CDCA WERB CITA.

Dr Asha Samant has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, honoring her outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication to the profession. Her peers and colleagues continue to laud her for her exemplary work and tireless commitment to excellence. Few of her achievements and community service works are listed below:

  • Received five times Excellent Teaching Award voted by the students.
  • Won the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Master’s Guild Award
  • Received Lifetime Achievement Award of International college of Dentists.
  • Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years’ service commitment as Prosthodontist.
  • Received Key of the Town for my community services.
  • Awarded GOPIO Service Award Annual Convention New York 2010
  • Served as Chair of Livingston Committee of Diversity and Inclusion.
  • Speaker on Shaheed Diwas in Indian Consulate New York
  • Guest lectures at the Indian Consulate of New York on Covid Vaccine and on Diaspora Health.
  • Chair of the Gandhian Society of New Jersey. I am part of founding member of Gandhian Unique Digital Museum in Atlantic city with Birla’s called Eternal Gandhian Peace Center and Museum in Atlantic city.
  • Donated Ambulance to India during Covid pandemics.
  • Presented lectures on Women and Health Issues, Medical health of Diaspora, Oral Health of women in London, Berlin, Bangalore, Varanasi New York, Bahrain and India.
  • Life Member and International Coordinator of GOPIO.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr Asha Samant serves as an inspiration to aspiring dental professionals around the globe. Through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and motivational speaking engagements, she imparts her wisdom and expertise to the next generation of dentists, instilling in them the values of integrity, compassion, and lifelong learning.

In Dr Asha Samant, we find not only a successful achiever but also a visionary leader, a compassionate caregiver, and a tireless advocate for oral health. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. As she continues to push the boundaries of dental science and inspire others along the way, Dr Samant’s legacy will undoubtedly endure as a shining example of excellence in dentistry.

Dedicated to my family members, who remained with me always.