Creating Smiles in Our Tiniest Patients

Owner Dentist Christine Marcelo Aquino, DDS, of My Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics (Office 7012) in Norco, Calif., began visiting a local daycare to teach preschoolers about bad bacteria (or “sugar bugs”) and the good habits they can practice to prevent sugar bugs from creating “sugar holes.”

“My team and I dress up in color-coordinated tutus, fairy wings and Smile Generation T-shirts and bring in a large stuffed dog to be our ‘patient’ to present a mock visit to our office. The kids get to experience meeting the front office, receiving X-rays, an exam and cleaning, and end it by welcoming the kids to the “No Cavity Club.” The kids really enjoy our games and songs complete with choreography. We look forward to seeing them in our practice as future patients.”

Nailah Tillman-Mukoro, DDS, MS, a pediatric dentist with Oak Forest Dental Group and Orthodontics (Office 647) in Houston, Texas, sponsors a global fitness challenge organized by the Houston chapter of GiGi’s Playhouse’s, a non-profit looking to change the way the world views Down Syndrome by sending a global message of acceptance.

“Working with patients with special needs is a passion of mine and we are fortunate to have multiple families who are involved in organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse that welcome us to partner with them,” explained Dr. Tillman-Mukoro. “As a pediatric and public health dentist, I strive to forge community partnerships that advocate for increasing access to care for children and families with special health care needs. My team and I do this by holding workshops for families to discuss any dental care concerns their children may have experienced and provide resources to address their children’s oral health needs.”

Dr. Tillman-Mukoro and her team also visit local daycares and elementary schools and provide oral hygiene supplies to educate children on the importance of maintaining proper oral health habits.

“We often dress up in costumes and find fun ways to engage our patients in office as we strive to increase access to care for all patients including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory sensitivities , and various other special healthcare needs,” Dr. Tillman-Mukoro added.

Drs. Marcelo Aquino and Tillman-Mukoro are just two of many examples of pediatric dentists impacting the next generation of oral health through education and a little bit of fairy dust.