Shaping Healthy Smiles Early

Q&A With the Doctors!

1. As both a pediatric dentist and a mom, how does your parenting experience influence your approach with young patients? Raising a baby and a toddler taught me how perceptive children truly are. I found through being a parent, that my toddler, as a baby, responded better when I explained things to him. This shifted the way I practice pediatric dentistry.  I much more aware of always introducing myself to the child, not just the parent, and explaining what I’m going to do, regardless of the child’s age. This simple step often helps toddlers feel calmer and more cooperative during their exams.
2. What’s your favorite way to help nervous children feel comfortable during their first dental visit? We take several steps to help nervous children feel at ease. We start by offering office tours to familiarize them with the environment. During their first exam, we introduce all our tools using our puppet, Mr. Dragon, and let children help clean his teeth with our oversized toothbrush and mirror. For dog lovers, Meyers, our gentle office dog, often stops by to say hello. Our “Tell-Show-Do” method — telling children what we’ll do, showing them, then doing it — is especially effective in easing anxiety.
3. What made you choose to specialize in pediatric dentistry? During a general practice residency in Hawaii that focused on trauma and medically complex patients, I found that I naturally connected with the pediatric patients — especially during emergencies. I could ease their fears simply by slowing down and explaining what I was doing. Their families were always so grateful. It was incredibly rewarding. My father is also a pediatric dentist, and although I initially resisted following in his footsteps, I eventually found that I genuinely love the specialty.
4. How do you explain dental procedures to children of different ages? As a pediatric dentist, I tailor explanations based on a child’s age, developmental level, and comfort. With younger children, I use simple, friendly language and visual aids. For example, I might call local anesthetic our “magic sleepy juice” or say we’re using a “tooth tickler” instead of a drill. We also demonstrate everything on our puppet, Mr. Dragon, before starting. With older children and teens, I use more detailed and age-appropriate explanations, often involving them in the process by answering questions and respecting their need for understanding and autonomy. No matter the age, the goal is always the same: reduce fear, build trust, and help the child feel safe and respected.
5. What’s one thing that makes Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry different from other dental practices? Our core values set us apart: 1) Compassionate Care, 2) Personalized and Inclusive Service, 3) Collaborative and Joyful Culture, and 4) Commitment to Growth. We treat every child and family with empathy, respect, and kindness. We tailor our care to each child’s unique needs and proudly serve families of all backgrounds throughout Portland and beyond. We also prioritize a positive team culture and continuous learning. While we are a business, our focus is on building lasting relationships and educating families for lifelong dental health.
6. How does having Meyers, your office dog, change the experience for children? Meyers is a favorite part of many visits! He’s calm and gentle, making him perfect for children who are new to dogs or a little hesitant. Many kids ask, “Is Meyers here today?” as soon as they walk in the door. His presence adds comfort and joy to the experience.
7. What’s your approach when working with children with special needs? We meet children where they are by:
   – Sharing a “social story” PDF before the visit
   – Answering questions and explaining every step
   – Allowing and planning for extra time to explore the space and get comfortable
   – Taking breaks as needed
   – Offering flexible seating options – I’ve done exams on the floor, on a regular chair, and standing up.  We can look at teeth wherever the child feels comfortable.
   – Letting them touch tools in advance or given them practice tools to take home and get comfortable with.
   – Collaborating with parents to understand each child’s unique needs
8. What’s the most rewarding part of being a pediatric dentist? Helping a nervous child not just get through their appointment, but actually enjoy it and say, “That was fun! I want to come back,” is the most rewarding part of my job.
9. How do you balance being both a mom and a pediatric dentist? Has it given you any special insights? Being a mom, a small business owner, and a pediatric dentist is definitely a juggling act—but it’s also deeply rewarding. I truly love what I do, and that makes the busy days feel worth it. Becoming a parent has made me a more empathetic and understanding provider. I’ve learned firsthand that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to raising kids, and I carry that mindset into every appointment. I understand how hard it can be to manage routines, picky eaters, and sleep-deprived nights. That insight helps me offer practical, judgment-free advice to families. I also stay current on parenting trends, baby gear, snacks, and habits—not just professionally, but because I’m living it myself. I think that shared experience allows me to connect with parents in a more authentic and supportive way.
10. What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving to parents most often? Diet matters! Many snacks like crackers, dried fruit, and pretzels seem harmless but are high risk for cavities. If it sticks in the back teeth, it’s risky. We recommend drinking water with snacks and sipping water afterward to help rinse teeth.
11. When parents ask about preparing their child for a dental visit, what do you tell them? First, go to a pediatric dentist.  We’re specially trained to make dental experiences child-friendly. Second, avoid over-preparing. Well-meaning parents often provide too much detail, which can increase anxiety. Let the dentist guide your child through the experience with age-appropriate, calming language.
12. What’s your philosophy on making dental visits a positive experience? We strive to make every visit positive by offering:

    1. A welcoming, child-focused environment
    2. Gentle anesthesia techniques
    3. Comfort options like weighted blankets and ceiling TVs
    4. Sedation options when needed
    5. Happy visits for non-treatment introductions
    6. Visits with our therapy dog, Meyers
13. What’s something you wish more parents knew about children’s dental health? Cavities in baby teeth can grow quickly due to their thinner enamel. It’s important not to wait, as what starts small can progress rapidly. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious issues.
14. How has being a mother changed the way you communicate with parents about their children’s dental care? Motherhood has given me deeper compassion. Parenting is hard, and every family is doing their best. I aim to support and collaborate — never judge. I want to be a trusted resource, not another source of stress.
15. What community events or initiatives is Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry involved with, and why are these important to you? We love giving back! Pine Tree participates in the Autism Awareness Walk, the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, and Smile Oregon events for children with craniofacial needs. We visit local preschools for dental education and host an annual patient appreciation night at a local ice cream shop. We also organize a yearly school supply drive and a holiday toy drive to support families in need.