Cherokee Children's Dentistry Do Your Kids Love the Dentist? Quality Care That Kids Love By Cyndi Braun Imagine your child walking into the waiting room of a dentists office only to discover an environment that looks more like an indoor playground, complete with a treehouse and wall murals depicting a mountain wilderness. Imagine dental hygienists quickly putting your child at ease, and a dentist who talks to your child one-on-one and never makes you feel rushed. Imagine the calm you feel knowing your child is in good hands. Since 2007, Cherokee Childrens Dentistry has provided this kind of service to families in the Canton area. A team of dentists and dental hygienists treat toddlers to teens, specializing in anxious kids and children with special needs. The family-owned practice is committed to providing quality care in an environment that feels more like home than a dental office. Families Treating Families Dentists Dr. Miles Mazzawi (Dr. Miles), Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi (Dr. Drew) and Dr. Nirali Procter treat young patients like they are family. We are families taking care of families. We are all moms and a dad, just like the parents of our patients, said Dr. Drew, a board-certified pediatric dentist. We know what parents are going through, and we understand. Owners Dr. Drew and Dr. Miles are married with twin daughters, and Dr. Procter has three young sons. As experienced dentists and parents, they know how to use childlike enthusiasm to put patients at ease. All three of us bring the same type of energy into the practice. We really care about our patients and their families, said Dr. Procter. I treat my patients like I would treat my sons, nieces and nephews. I make a point to let them know Im proud of them. Easing Fears while Fighting Sugar Bugs When new patients are anxious about going to the dentist, Cherokee Childrens Dentistry knows how to put them at ease. The dental staff first focuses on engaging the child, not conducting an exam. The dentist might even conduct the exam on a stuffed animal or doll before looking at the childs teeth. For a young child, we might talk about Elsa or Spiderman or whatever the child is into. I find an opportunity to connect with the child on their level before we even start to engage in dentistry, said Dr. Miles. We also tell the kids that its us against the sugar bugs. We are all on the same team. We are all part of the process. The team approach helps children understand that dentists are not to be feared; instead, dentists are part of a team, with the child, fighting sugar bugs. Weve been doing this for a long time. We know how to talk to the kids and bring it down to their level. The kids will have a great experience, which puts the parents at ease. So often, when these anxious kids and their parents leave, the kids are hi-fiving us and the parents are happy, said Dr. Drew. Establishing a Dental Home Early One of the most important jobs for a pediatric dental practice is to teach children and their parents the importance of good oral health. With this in mind, parents should bring their children to the dentist by the time they are one year old. As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to impact the oral health of the lifetime of each of my patients, said Dr. Miles, adding that establishing a dental home early enables dentists to educate parents about oral hygiene. Some toddlers are predisposed to issues that put them at a higher risk for cavities. In those cases, a dentist can educate the parents to make dietary changes and improve oral hygiene in addition to encouraging check-ups every six months. What Makes a Pediatric Practice Special? Im a kid at heart. I like to sing Disney songs, watch cartoons and just be silly. I think working with children fits my personality best, said Dr. Procter. I love kids! As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to shape their impression of dentistry for the rest of their lives, said Dr. Drew. I enjoy getting to know the kids and talking to them about whats going on in their lives. When a child comes in, whether its for a routine check-up or dental work, and theyre fired up and excited and having a great experience, and they say they loved it, thats the best part of my job, said Dr. Miles. 205 Waleska Road, Suite 2-B, Canton770-479-1717CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com/
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