It happened again the other day. Following my daughter’s soccer game, a little girl from the other team came running up to me with a big smile, only to bear her first missing tooth. Her toothless grin was incredibly contagious, and her willingness to share this momentous occasion was a joyous reminder. Of course, we could not let the month of February go by without highlighting children …
Every year around this time, my office and I prepare for visits to our local elementary schools and day care programs. What a privilege it is to encourage and educate these youngsters about oral health, literally helping them set the stage for a lifetime of positive dental experiences. Whether a coloring page, brushing timer, or toothbrush are distributed; a dental video viewed; perhaps a DIAGNOdent display; or toothbrushing/flossing demonstration - these children become our focus.
Women dentists are uniquely positioned to not only nurture our young patients, but to provide non-threatening experiences. Our subtle nature and approach impart the caring and understanding needed for these tender-hearted tots. Use your gifts as a practice builder because once little “Johnny” does okay, the next sibling schedules a visit, then mom calls for herself, and finally dad makes time. These building blocks will frame your practice, form your community commitment, and concrete the many memories.
This WDJ issue shares several successful pediatric practices, their treatment methods, and yielding ideas to implement into your practice. You will certainly feel the “fountain of youth” energy when you read about our cover dentists - Dr. Mary Hayes and Dr. Joanne Oppenheim. Their impact has generational repercussions.
Rounding out this issue we explore patient anxiety and numerous coping strategies, a variety of bonus systems and how to implement them, and the trans-formation that exer-cise can create.
Looking to the new year, as I travel around the country, it is with great anticipation that I meet you and learn what you are doing. Please come up and introduce yourself. Let’s make this the year that more women dentists will be connected, practices will be featured and stories will be told. What a fun time to be a woman dentist!
Looking forward to meeting you! May your smiles be contagious...
Dr. Trost is the managing editor of Woman Dentist Journal. She can be contacted by email at [email protected].
