Superhero's at Love the Dentist Chester
Our practice was transformed into a little superhero headquarters, with masks, games, plenty of smiles and one very important mission. We wanted to help children see the dentist differently.
Not as somewhere to be worried about.
Not as somewhere that feels strange or scary.
But as somewhere they can feel safe, listened to and even have a bit of fun.
It was never really about teeth
Of course, we talked about teeth and sugar attacks and why some of the things we eat and drink can cause problems for our smiles.
We used egg shells to show just how delicate tooth enamel can be and gave the children the chance to get involved rather than simply sitting and listening.
But the real purpose of the afternoon was much bigger than teaching children how to look after their teeth.
It was about creating a positive memory.
For some children, visiting the dentist can feel like a big deal. A new environment, unfamiliar sounds and someone looking inside their mouth can understandably feel a little daunting.
So we wanted to change that experience.
We wanted children to walk through our doors and think, this is actually quite fun.
From superhero games to the dental chair
Once everyone had settled in, Dr Deepa Ramachandrappa invited the children to take a look at the dental chair.
For some, that might sound like a small thing.
For a nervous child, it can be a really big step.
Each child was encouraged to take things at their own pace, ask questions and explore what happens during a dental visit. Deepa was able to look at their teeth and apply a protective fluoride treatment, turning what could have been an unfamiliar experience into something positive and relaxed.
Some of the children also had the chance to see their teeth through digital scanning technology.
Seeing your own teeth on a screen is quite different from simply being told to brush them twice a day.
Suddenly, those teeth at the very back that are so difficult to see in the mirror were right there on the screen.
For the children, it was fascinating.
For us, it was lovely to see their curiosity.
The reaction from parents meant so much to us
One of our favourite moments came from a parent who told us:
“I’ve never known my child to be so eager in learning about food and teeth. It’s a joy to see them so interested in something that is usually disregarded as boring.”
That is exactly why we wanted to hold the event.
We know that dental care can sometimes be something children would rather avoid. We also know that the way children experience healthcare when they are young can stay with them as they grow.
If we can help make that experience a positive one, then we have achieved something far more important than simply checking a few teeth.
We have helped build confidence.
Behind every superhero is another superhero
The afternoon was organised by our Chester Practice Manager, Clare McDermott, who took on her own superhero identity for the day.
Wonder Woman.
Clare wanted to create an event that would give parents a chance to introduce their children to dentistry in a completely different way.
She said:
“With negative narratives surrounding the dental industry at present, we want to shine a light on the amazing work our dental professionals do, and how they are helping the next generation to see the dentist as a happy and safe space.”
And that really sums up what Love the Dentist is about.
Yes, we care about healthy teeth.
Yes, we care about exceptional dentistry.
But we care just as much about how people feel when they walk through our doors.
Our aim has always been to help people love coming to the dentist, and that starts from a very young age.
We hope this is just the beginning
Seeing the children laughing, asking questions and confidently getting into the dental chair reminded us why days like this matter.
Dentistry does not have to be frightening.
A dental appointment does not have to be something a child dreads.
Sometimes it starts with a game.
Sometimes it starts with a superhero mask.
Sometimes it starts with simply letting a child ask as many questions as they want.
And sometimes, it starts with giving them a really good first experience.
A huge thank you to every child and parent who joined us, and to our amazing Chester team for putting so much care and energy into making the afternoon special.
We may have worn superhero masks for the day, but the real superheroes were the children who walked through our doors, tried something new and left with a little more confidence than when they arrived.
And honestly, we could not be prouder of them.
Here’s to helping the next generation love coming to the dentist. ❤️
