Catering to little smiles
Keystone Pediatric Dentistry combines state-of-the-art technology with a kid-friendly approach to dental care
The staff at Keystone Pediatric Dentistry provides a complete spectrum of dental care to children and adolescents through the age of 18. Photo by MELISSA MARTIN
MEDINA – Cleaning teeth, filling cavities and helping children learn the proper techniques to ensure their smiles last a lifetime has been the cornerstone of Keystone Pediatric Dentistry since it opened its doors to the Medina community back in 1995.
For 22 years, the practice, which provides a complete spectrum of dental care to children and adolescents through the age of 18, including those with special needs, has always prioritized its role as an educator to both parents and children.
From the time they walk through the door for their first visit, which is generally recommended at one year of age, patients and their caregivers are coached in the prevention of oral and dental disease – from learning how to properly brush and floss to wearing mouth guards while participating in sporting events.
In recent years, however, Dr. Sally Lauterjung, who operates the practice with Dr. Julie Rudgers Croft, said a steadily increasing portion of her job these days is now geared toward educating parents on the role proper nutrition plays in maintaining good oral health.
“This is especially true when it comes to all the sugar our kids are eating and drinking these days,” Dr. Sally said. “Sports drinks are one of the biggest culprits and continue to be one of the biggest factors contributing to cavities. I remind the parents that come in that I know how easy it is to give into our kids’ demands, especially when we’re busy, but sometimes the best thing we can do for our children is tell them no.”
The parental touch
Dr. Sally and Dr. Julie say that being parents themselves helps them not only relate to the parents of their clients, but helps them to bring dentistry down to their patients’ level as well.
“Our practice is committed to total dental well-being,” Dr. Sally said. “But beyond that, our staff is dedicated to providing a caring and gentle atmosphere that goes a long way in easing our young patients’ concerns.”
From the moment they walk in through the office’s front door, patients are swept into an underwater-themed lobby, complete with sea-blue walls, fish decals, toys to play with and even an illuminated, neon pink bubble sculpture.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. The office staff carries that same child-friendly environment back to the exam rooms where sea life is again the theme and making the entire experience a positive one is the goal.
“When they sit in the chair, they get to wear sunglasses. Most of the kids love that,” Dr. Sally said, noting that the glasses help to shield their patients’ eyes from the bright lights that are used during the dental procedures.
Once their visit is complete, patients are sent home with everything from toothbrushes and toothpaste to stickers, pencils and other small prizes. The harder patients have to work during their procedures, the better the prizes get.
“If they have to get a tooth removed or a cavity filled, they get to pick something to take home out of a special prize drawer,” Dr. Sally said, noting that the office also provides colorful timers at the front desk that parents can purchase that demonstrate to children just how long they need to brush their teeth. “The primary teeth form the basis of adult dentition Accordingly, we will strive to preserve their integrity. Our practice is committed to total dental well-being, but beyond that, our staff is dedicated to providing a caring and gentle atmosphere that will go a long way in easing our young patients’ concerns.”
Parents are invited to accompany their young children during the initial examination.
“During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience,” Dr. Sally said. “We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's confidence and overcome apprehension.”
However, if parents choose, she said, they are more than welcome to accompany their child to the treatment room.
During their visit, the staff walks their young patients and their parents through every part of the procedure, explaining what is going to happen before taking any action.
“Tell, show, do is the way we do things here,” Dr. Sally said. “And if either the parent or the child has any questions, we make sure to answer them right then and there.”
Overall, the staff’s attention to detail eases their young patients’ minds tremendously during their appointments.
“We have so many of our patients tell us when they turn 18 that they don’t want to move up to an adult dentist,” she said. “But I tell them that if they’re old enough to sign their own consent forms for their services, it’s time to move on.”
In many cases, those patients don’t stay gone for long, however.
“We’re starting to see our former patients return with children of their own,” Dr. Sally said. “And that is probably the best referral we could ever receive.”
Specialized treatment
No matter how child-like the atmosphere might feel, Dr. Sally said parents of her clients can be assured that the practice is a specialized one and the staff has received highly specific additional training and board certifications in the field of pediatric dentistry.
“Our patients can be assured of the highest competency in their treatment,” she said. “Our doctors and the staff attend on-going educational programs and seminars for training in the latest dental techniques and technology. These techniques and diagnostic procedures are used and in conjunction with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing us to bring our patients the finest in dental care available.”
The practice offers a complete spectrum of dental care, from fluoride treatments and sealants to hygienic treatments and crowns and everything in between. Also available to all patients are digital x-rays, which reduce radiation exposure and provide the staff with a top-notch diagnostics tool.
Keystone Pediatric Dentistry is located at 3591 Reserve Common Drive, Suite 200, in Medina. For more information call, 330-723-7566 or visit www.keystonepd.com.
For 22 years, the practice, which provides a complete spectrum of dental care to children and adolescents through the age of 18, including those with special needs, has always prioritized its role as an educator to both parents and children.
From the time they walk through the door for their first visit, which is generally recommended at one year of age, patients and their caregivers are coached in the prevention of oral and dental disease – from learning how to properly brush and floss to wearing mouth guards while participating in sporting events.
In recent years, however, Dr. Sally Lauterjung, who operates the practice with Dr. Julie Rudgers Croft, said a steadily increasing portion of her job these days is now geared toward educating parents on the role proper nutrition plays in maintaining good oral health.
“This is especially true when it comes to all the sugar our kids are eating and drinking these days,” Dr. Sally said. “Sports drinks are one of the biggest culprits and continue to be one of the biggest factors contributing to cavities. I remind the parents that come in that I know how easy it is to give into our kids’ demands, especially when we’re busy, but sometimes the best thing we can do for our children is tell them no.”
The parental touch
Dr. Sally and Dr. Julie say that being parents themselves helps them not only relate to the parents of their clients, but helps them to bring dentistry down to their patients’ level as well.
“Our practice is committed to total dental well-being,” Dr. Sally said. “But beyond that, our staff is dedicated to providing a caring and gentle atmosphere that goes a long way in easing our young patients’ concerns.”
From the moment they walk in through the office’s front door, patients are swept into an underwater-themed lobby, complete with sea-blue walls, fish decals, toys to play with and even an illuminated, neon pink bubble sculpture.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. The office staff carries that same child-friendly environment back to the exam rooms where sea life is again the theme and making the entire experience a positive one is the goal.
“When they sit in the chair, they get to wear sunglasses. Most of the kids love that,” Dr. Sally said, noting that the glasses help to shield their patients’ eyes from the bright lights that are used during the dental procedures.
Once their visit is complete, patients are sent home with everything from toothbrushes and toothpaste to stickers, pencils and other small prizes. The harder patients have to work during their procedures, the better the prizes get.
“If they have to get a tooth removed or a cavity filled, they get to pick something to take home out of a special prize drawer,” Dr. Sally said, noting that the office also provides colorful timers at the front desk that parents can purchase that demonstrate to children just how long they need to brush their teeth. “The primary teeth form the basis of adult dentition Accordingly, we will strive to preserve their integrity. Our practice is committed to total dental well-being, but beyond that, our staff is dedicated to providing a caring and gentle atmosphere that will go a long way in easing our young patients’ concerns.”
Parents are invited to accompany their young children during the initial examination.
“During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience,” Dr. Sally said. “We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's confidence and overcome apprehension.”
However, if parents choose, she said, they are more than welcome to accompany their child to the treatment room.
During their visit, the staff walks their young patients and their parents through every part of the procedure, explaining what is going to happen before taking any action.
“Tell, show, do is the way we do things here,” Dr. Sally said. “And if either the parent or the child has any questions, we make sure to answer them right then and there.”
Overall, the staff’s attention to detail eases their young patients’ minds tremendously during their appointments.
“We have so many of our patients tell us when they turn 18 that they don’t want to move up to an adult dentist,” she said. “But I tell them that if they’re old enough to sign their own consent forms for their services, it’s time to move on.”
In many cases, those patients don’t stay gone for long, however.
“We’re starting to see our former patients return with children of their own,” Dr. Sally said. “And that is probably the best referral we could ever receive.”
Specialized treatment
No matter how child-like the atmosphere might feel, Dr. Sally said parents of her clients can be assured that the practice is a specialized one and the staff has received highly specific additional training and board certifications in the field of pediatric dentistry.
“Our patients can be assured of the highest competency in their treatment,” she said. “Our doctors and the staff attend on-going educational programs and seminars for training in the latest dental techniques and technology. These techniques and diagnostic procedures are used and in conjunction with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing us to bring our patients the finest in dental care available.”
The practice offers a complete spectrum of dental care, from fluoride treatments and sealants to hygienic treatments and crowns and everything in between. Also available to all patients are digital x-rays, which reduce radiation exposure and provide the staff with a top-notch diagnostics tool.
Keystone Pediatric Dentistry is located at 3591 Reserve Common Drive, Suite 200, in Medina. For more information call, 330-723-7566 or visit www.keystonepd.com.