Pediatric dentistry adapts to the care and needs of children. Working in a pediatric setting, I experienced an environment created just for children. The dental staff makes dental visits an adventure that children look forward to. Kids are rewarded with the right tools they need for home care, receive fun prizes, and strive to be part of a cavity-free community. The reward for the staff is maintaining children’s oral health in the fight against one of the leading diseases of children in the US – tooth decay.
I created a series of children’s books to make being a dentist fun and informative for young readers. Peter’s trip to the Dentist illustrates what to expect at a routine dental visit. Readers follow six-year-old Peter as he travels with his family to the dentist. This book covers dental cleaning, taking x-rays and checking. Home care instructions are given to maintain good oral health. This enjoyable experience helps children look forward to their next visit.
In Charlotte gets braces, when Charlotte loses the last of her primary teeth, she’s excited to finally see an orthodontist to see if she’s a good candidate for braces. As summer draws to a close, she wonders if she will get her wish of going to school in braces. In this book, young readers learn that getting braces can be exciting, what getting braces involves, and that the result is a beautiful, healthy smile.
No one looks forward to having a cavity filled, especially for the first time. In Mimi is filling teeth, Mimi bites down on something hard and feels pain in one of her teeth. Discomfort when chewing leads to a trip to the dentist. Dr. Jason, the town’s pediatric dentist, discovers a cavity in one of Mimi’s back teeth. Removes decay and places a filling with ease and comfort. Young readers learn all about fillings.
Oral health is important for people of all ages. Establish a good foundation at a young age that will encourage a positive relationship between child and dentist. My children’s books tell readers that pediatric dentists guide parents and children to develop healthy dental habits early on that will lead to healthy permanent teeth. I hope my books help children find comfort and excitement in dental hygiene, dentistry and good nutrition.
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My creative process
I envisioned the many children who have visited pediatric clinics. I thought about my time in a pediatric dental office and what dental professionals do during our days. I remembered why I became a dental hygienist! Peter was a figment of my imagination. I could picture him standing in front of his bathroom mirror getting ready for his dental appointment. From there I gathered the words and the words became history. By the time I finished, I had written my first children’s dental book.
My education, training and clinical practice skills shaped me as a dental hygienist. My continuing education keeps me abreast of the evolving profession. My knowledge enables me to write my books. Now I can reach a large population of families, schools and pediatric dental offices. During Children’s Dental Health Month in February, I tour schools to educate children about their oral health and have a read-aloud session with them. I have officially made my brand!
Latia Smith, RDH, is a UNC Chapel Hill dental hygiene graduate who developed a passion for writing children’s dental books to share common scenarios that occur at the dentist. Her books create a fun-filled atmosphere where the dentist and staff provide comfort and meet the needs of children. Her books educate readers and build confidence in children to receive dental treatment. Latia supports oral health by educating her community with oral hygiene guidelines, nutritional advice and ways to prevent oral disease.
