In 1983, two years removed from dental school and freshly trained and certified in the specialty of pediatric dentistry, I realized that most pediatric dentists, while possessing excellent technical skills had little understanding of the emotional needs unique to the child patient. Too often the child became a unit of time for a procedure and little concern was given to his emotional requirements.
Out of this concern, "The Greatest Smiles on Earth" was established. I was determined to create a pediatric dental practice where it was possible to deliver the highest quality of dentistry to the very young or anxious child patient in a holistic manner devoid of mood altering drugs or deep sedation. "Dentistry should and would be fun!"
I began by creating a calm and tranquil environment, hence the tropical fish tanks in the reception area and the soft background music. The toys are basic and creative. We recognize that while certain music and video games may seem hip and entertaining, they only increasingly excite and agitate an already anxious child.
Your child's first visit is carefully designed and orchestrated to allow us to evaluate their needs both dentally and emotionally and to slowly integrate them into this new and sometimes frightening and overwhelming environment. Lack of time afforded the child patient is probably the biggest and most common mistake exhibited by dentists. Some children just require more time to acquire a level of comfort and understanding in the dental office. We work hard to develop a genuine friendship and rapport with each child outside the nuts and bolts of dental procedures.
Your child is our primary and only concern when in our office. Our treatment area is limited in order to maintain an intimacy with each patient. A staff member is always present to address any patient needs. Large multi-chair offices can only dilute the doctor/patient interaction and usually result in unmet patient needs. Again your child is afforded the personal time necessary to complete the procedure while optimizing the experience. It is not fair to the child for us to unnecessarily rush procedures only to accommodate a schedule or to enhance office efficiency.
Likewise, the overall length of appointments and actual appointment times for certain procedures are carefully designed to avoid unnecessary stress due to patient fatigue or interference with normal nap times.
Unfortunately dental decay affects children of all ages regardless of their anxiety or maturity level and only worsens with time. Unlike the general dentist who frequently ignores dental disease in very young or immature children, if your child exhibits dental disease (decay), no treatment is not an option. Dental decay never cures itself, and as a professional to ignore its presence is negligent.
It is because of this consistent and uncompromising care and our unique ability to recognize and respond to individual variances in personalities, that we are able to successfully and comfortably perform almost all dental procedures on the most anxious or apprehensive patient without mood altering drugs or deep sedation.