The vibrant Mississauga dental community is mourning the loss of one of its dedicated professionals after officials confirmed Dr. Nirali Sureshkumar Patel as one of the victims in Sunday’s tragic Air India Express crash in Pune, India.
Dr. Patel, who practiced at Britannia Smiles Dentistry in Mississauga, was among the 84 passengers aboard Flight IX 1344 when it overshot the runway during landing and caught fire. The devastating incident has sent ripples of grief through both our local dental community and the broader Indo-Canadian population across the Greater Toronto Area.
“She was exceptional with patients, especially those with dental anxiety,” shared Dr. Amit Sharma, a colleague who worked alongside Dr. Patel for three years. “Her gentle approach and technical skill made her beloved by everyone who visited our practice.”
According to colleagues, Dr. Patel had traveled to India to visit family—a journey that many Indo-Canadians in our community make regularly to maintain ties with loved ones overseas. The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario confirmed Dr. Patel had been licensed to practice in Ontario since 2019 after completing additional certification requirements following her dental education in India.
The crash has particularly resonated within Mississauga’s substantial South Asian community. At approximately 18% of the city’s population according to Statistics Canada data, many residents maintain strong connections to India and frequently travel between the two countries.
Outside Britannia Smiles Dentistry, a small memorial has emerged with flowers and handwritten notes from patients and community members. Many recall Dr. Patel’s warm smile and dedication to ensuring comfortable dental experiences.
“My children were terrified of dentist visits until Dr. Patel,” said Mississauga resident Priya Malhotra while placing flowers at the memorial. “She transformed their fear into trust. It’s devastating to think she won’t be returning.”
The Peel Regional Police have been assisting Dr. Patel’s local family members, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. Community support networks, including the Indo-Canadian Community Centre in Mississauga, have organized a candlelight vigil planned for this weekend.
Air India Express officials have stated they’re cooperating fully with Indian aviation authorities as investigations into the crash continue. Early reports suggest challenging weather conditions may have contributed to the accident, though official findings remain pending.
For Mississauga’s dental community, the loss extends beyond professional ranks. “We’re a tight-knit group,” explained Dr. Ravi Patel (no relation) of the Mississauga Dental Association. “When we lose someone like Nirali, we lose not just a skilled practitioner but a friend who contributed meaningfully to patient care in our city.”
Dr. Patel’s patients are being notified of her passing, with Britannia Smiles working to ensure continuity of care. Many have expressed shock upon learning the news.
“I just saw her three weeks ago for my regular cleaning,” said patient Michael Nowak. “She was excited about her trip home. It’s hard to believe someone so full of life is gone.”
The tragedy highlights the interconnectedness of our global community, where events thousands of kilometers away can profoundly affect local neighborhoods and professional circles. As Mississauga processes this loss, the legacy of Dr. Patel’s compassionate care remains in the memories of countless patients whose dental experiences were transformed by her gentle approach.
Community leaders have announced that memorial services will be organized once Dr. Patel’s family has had time to process their grief, with details to be shared through local cultural associations and dental networks.
