Communicating as an Advocate for Children’s Oral Health

Dr. Brianna Muñoz joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on her path into pediatric dentistry – her lifelong career goal – and the pivotal role an interest in public health played in developing her ethos. In this episode, Dr. Muñoz shares how merging many of her unique interests, including biology, chemistry, and dance, along with a commitment to interprofessional care shaped her as a communicator and advocate for children. She also discusses her experiences as an AAPD Harris Fellow and Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, and how they allowed her opportunities to positively impact the optimal oral health of all kids. Guest Bio: Dr. Brianna Muñoz is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Avon, Conn. She recently started her own business, Twinkle Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, and was recognized nationally by the ADA as a recipient of the 2024 10 Under 10 Award. Dr. Muñoz obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2016 from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine at which time she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Muñoz then completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) while concurrently attaining her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree along with a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. She received the 2018 AAPD Resident Recognition Award and was proud to complete the Samuel D. Harris Research and Policy Fellowship. As the AAPD Public Policy Advocate (PPA) for the state of Connecticut, Dr. Muñoz travels to Washington, DC each year where she lobbies at the federal level to strengthen oral health policy and trains residents on a wide array of legislative issues. Dr. Muñoz also serves as Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI), a nonprofit organization that promotes access, quality, and equity of oral healthcare at the state level. In honor of these achievements, she was presented with the 2020 COHI Oral Health Champion Award as well as the 2023 Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) Rising Star Award. Outside of work, Dr. Muñoz likes to dance, try new restaurants, and take part in Harry Potter marathons. On social media, you can find Dr. Muñoz teaching her staff the latest dance trends. She also enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams as an avid fan and former New England Patriots Cheerleader for the 2011 and 2021 seasons!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.