Pedodontics, PC

Establishing Good Dental Habits

By Linda Sutherland​

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Preventative dental care is essential for children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the ideal time to start professional dental care is by a child’s first birthday (or earlier, if teeth have already erupted). This may sound early, but the sooner you start establishing healthy dental habits, the easier it is to prevent tooth decay. Starting early also helps reduce children’s potential anxiety about visiting the dentist. 

 

Also important is the monitoring of proper dental development, which can prevent painful or costly issues in the future. Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be screened by an orthodontist by age seven to detect any issues that might affect the growth and health of permanent teeth? When issues with jaw growth or tooth alignment are detected promptly, a dentist or orthodontist can intervene early to address spacing or other orthodontic issues.

 

Emily Strunk, DDS, is part of Pedodontics, PC, a practice that is owned and operated entirely by women. Dentistry has always been a meaningful part of Dr. Emily’s life—her mother is a dentist and orthodontist, and her godmother is also a dentist—surrounding her with strong role models in the field from an early age.

 

Dr. Emily was born and raised in Omaha. She earned her DDS at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and continued with a general practice residency at UNMC. During her training, Dr. Emily was struck by the need for pediatric dental care in our community, especially for children of low economic means. She realized that her calling was to be a pediatric dentist. She continued her education at Texas A&M/Baylor in Dallas, Texas. She also worked in conjunction with the Children’s Medical Center and the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Eventually, she returned to Omaha to join her favorite dental practice.

 

When you walk in the door at Pedodontics, PC, you are immediately struck by how warm and welcoming it is. Taking it all in from a child’s perspective, I would think they would immediately feel like this is not a scary place at all. It even made me feel like I wanted to see one of their dentists! The offices are colorful and warm—clearly designed to make children feel at ease. There is even a playroom for kids to enjoy while they wait their turn to see the dentist, as well as fun-house mirrors to bring smiles and laughter. Patients and their parents are greeted heartily and kindly as they enter the office. You can just feel a comfortable energy in the waiting room. 

 

Speaking of energy, Dr. Emily is a spirited woman who lights up a room just by being in it. Her confident spirit instantly puts children and their parents at ease. You know that you are in good hands and that she genuinely is interested in her patients. She greets her patients by talking to them on their level, easing any apprehension. When it is time for the routine checkup, Dr. Emily pulls balloons from her pocket and turns them into animals, crowns, and other elaborate items. 

 

Her patients watch in wonder as she creates these works of art. If they were nervous about coming to the dentist, they forget! They laugh at Dr. Emily’s antics and are fascinated by her ability to create these amazing balloon creatures. What a gift to help children feel relaxed and not fearful at the dentist. Those of us who grew up with perhaps less inviting dental experiences could use a little of Dr. Emily’s energy at our own dental appointments!

 

Dr. Emily is completely focused during treatments and procedures and is extremely skilled at her chosen profession, but she never loses that bright energy that surrounds her and that makes her patients feel safe and secure. By the time the parents and child are ready to leave (with a fantastic balloon creation, of course), they are all smiles. 

 

Introducing your child to the dentist at an early age does so much to build a positive relationship with this important part of their lifelong health care. Dr. Emily is specially trained to work with children and to create that welcoming and friendly environment that they need. Dr. Emily and her fellow dental professionals will provide guidance on techniques for brushing and explain how important it is to maintain strong teeth and gums. Once children establish good oral hygiene habits, they are set up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and wholesome smiles. 

 

Pedodontics, PC, can be your child’s dental and orthodontic home from infancy to adulthood. The office is located at 2521 South 119th Street, in Omaha. For more information, call 402-330-5913 or visit them online at pedodonticspc.com. 

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