When my peers discover that I treat mostly children, they usually react with amazement, pity, or, at times, incredible gratitude that I "do what I do." I find it amusing that most of my peers imagine me wrestling busy little critters from 8 am to 5pm.
This however is not true.... not at all! For me pediatric dentistry is all about fun, fantasy and tinysmiles (pun intended)! In truth, my days are filled with tales of superheroes, dinosaurs and unicorns. In my opinion nothing can be more rewarding than gaining the trust and friendship of a little patient.
So why paediatric dentistry?
I have always loved working with kids, probably because in my heart I’m still a kid myself.
Growing up in a small town in the countryside and in a medical family (both my parents were medical professionals), my peers assumed that I somehow had magical healing powers. And so,
I became the go-to for all kinds of ailments. I would then raid my parent’s surgery for creams and bandages. I’d then “treat” any friend who was willing (or perhaps brave enough) to endure my efforts. I was always finding (or being given) injured animals to care for as well. Thus, it was only natural that I would pursue a career in the health sciences.
My dad suggested dentistry and arranged that I could shadow our family dentist for a few days.
What I found most satisfying was that a dentist was able to treat (and fix) most problems right there and then, unlike the doctor who would prescribe something and wait for the medicine to work. I was sold.
After qualifying as a dentist, I joined a busy family practice in Johannesburg where I was exposed to every aspect of dentistry. I soon realized however, that I had the most fun when working with children. By nature, I am a very energetic bubbly person and love the energy and creativity children provide. My colleagues at the time(older male dentists) were only too happy to refer all the pediatric patients in the practice to me. I guess that was where my love for and interest in paediatric dentistry started. Although, it is true that working with kids can be difficult at times and a little taxing, it is most rewarding when a happy kid walks out of the practice.
In 2016, I relocated to Pretoria where I had the opportunity to join Wiggly Teeth, a kids only dental practice and brainchild of a friend and colleague Dr Meena Iyer. At Wiggly Teeth I was able to focus almost exclusively on pediatric dentistry. This afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills in treating and managing paediatric patients.
My desire to practice paediatric dentistry at the highest level led me to enroll for and successfully complete my post graduate diploma in paediatric dentistry at the University of Pretoria.
I am happy to announce that I will be launching TinySmile, a dental practice designed specifically for kids. At TinySmile we use up to date knowledge, technology and techniques to create the best dental experience possible. After all.... who said going to the dentist can’t be fun?
See you on the TinySmile playground!
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