RELAXING KIDS WITH A FAIRY LIGHT TOUCH
DOCTOR Kirsten Miscamble is taking the anxiety out of dental visits for children by using a rather unique and magical approach.
The Dental Studio practitioner dresses up at the Tooth Fairy, complete with fairy wings, to put kids at ease during check-ups and visits.
The idea started back when Ms Miscamble was working as an orthodontic dental assistant after she left high school and wanted to promote oral health with the community.
“I used to go along to the local schools and day care centres and dress up as the tooth fairy and provide oral health promotion for the kids,” she said.
“I really enjoyed this side of dentistry and getting out of the office to do something different.
“So when I graduated as a general dentist five years ago, I immediately incorporated the tooth fairy into the treatment for kids and have found a very positive response that reduces their dental anxiety and gives their dental visit a fun interactive safe space.”
Thanks to the power of Instagram the tooth fairy has taken off and the number of children and families visiting the Clear Island Water dentist has been “very humbling”.
“I have found dressing up as the tooth fairy helps to put the kids at ease and generally puts them in positive attitude for their dental visit,” she said.
“If we see a young child booked in that we think will love a visit from the tooth fairy, we make magic happen.
“At my last job, my dental assistants and reception staff thought I was crazy but I didn’t care. If I was helping make a child’s dental appointment fun, then it was worth it.”
The tooth fairy also teaches children how to look after their teeth.