Episode 22 – USING INNOVATION TO EASE DENTAL FEARS IN YOUNG PATIENTS

Send us a review. In this episode, Dr. Shweta Thackeray, a VCU School of Dentistry educator, inventor, and children’s author, discusses pediatric dental care and strategies to reduce children’s dental anxiety and improve family experiences. She explains how observing fearful children and stressed parents in pediatric clinics led her to focus on anxiety-free care and move away from obsolete aversive methods.  HOST: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his young daughters.GUEST: Dr. Shweta Ujaoney Thackeray is a compassionate dentist who believes healthy smiles begin with trust and positive early experiences. She is dedicated to helping children and families feel comfortable, heard, and confident in the dental chair, with a special focus on reducing dental anxiety through gentle, preventive care. An innovator at heart, Dr. Thackeray is the inventor of a camouflage syringe, the first of its kind, designed to make injections less intimidating for children, helping transform one of dentistry’s biggest fears into a calmer experience. She has also been recognized with multiple academic awards and scholarships throughout her training, reflecting her commitment to excellence and continued growth in her field. Her mission is simple: to combine kindness, innovation, and education to build lifelong healthy habits and confident smiles.Instagram: @shwetathackerayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/shwetaujaoneyMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:A Caterpillar at the DentistBy: Dr. Shweta Ujaoney  EPISODE CREDITSProducer: Paul LoganHost: Paul LoganGuests: Dr. Shweta ThackerayPost-Production/Editor: Shannon JacobsSubscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected] information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound