Dr. Joshua Ishal
The Dentist Who Explains Everything
Dr. Joshua Ishal is the founder of Luna Dental in Astoria, NY — a practice built on the belief that patients deserve to understand what's happening in their own mouths.
Before dental school, Dr. Ishal started in electrical engineering at The Cooper Union, then transferred to Yeshiva University where he completed his degree in chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University. He completed his residency in advanced education in general dentistry at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn, where he received advanced training in dental implants, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics.
That unusual path — engineering, science, then dentistry — shaped how he practices today. He's methodical, evidence-based, and always willing to walk you through the why behind every recommendation. He's the dentist who draws diagrams, shows you the X-ray, and won't move forward until your questions are answered.
What He Does
Dr. Ishal provides comprehensive care ranging from routine cleanings and restorations to complex treatments including dental implants, full-arch rehabilitation (All-on-X), and Invisalign orthodontics. He places and restores implants in-house using CBCT 3D imaging and guided surgical placement — meaning you get one doctor, one office, and one plan from start to finish.
He stays current with advances in digital dentistry and biomaterials — not to chase trends, but because better tools mean better outcomes. He regularly attends continuing education courses and has collaborated with dental technology teams to provide real-world feedback on emerging tools.
In 2024, Dr. Ishal received the Rising Stars Award for emerging leaders in dentistry.
How He Practices
Since opening Luna Dental three years ago, Dr. Ishal has built the practice from the ground up into one of Astoria's trusted dental homes. The reputation he's earned isn't for flashy marketing — it's for thoroughness, transparency, and genuine patient education.
Patients consistently describe the same experience: he takes his time, he explains things clearly, and he doesn't push treatment you don't need. Sixty-six patient reviews mention his office manager Pooja by name — which tells you something about the kind of environment they've built together.
Dr. Ishal speaks English, Hebrew, and Farsi, and serves Astoria's culturally diverse community.
Outside the Office
Dr. Ishal lives on Long Island with his wife Esther and their four children. He's an avid tinkerer — as comfortable debugging a home automation system as he is placing an implant — and brings that same curiosity and problem-solving mindset to every case that walks through the door. He's also a devoted Mets fan, an espresso perfectionist, and a saltwater fisherman when time allows.
He volunteers his time providing pro bono dental care for community members in need.