Show me a child or teenager who wants to go to the dentist! In the best scenario they may be reluctant, and at worst, fears and tears on the way there. Plus, children with additional needs might find traditional dental clinics just too challenging.
The founders of Happy Kids Dental to the rescue. In June they opened Happy Kids Hampstead at 201 Haverstock Hill, and with this, their fifth London venue, children can actually experience a fun time at the dentist.
In the words of CEO Dorina Vulpe, the aim is “to have cavity-free, fear-free kids who enjoy coming to the dentist.”
Children Love Them
Arriving to the first-floor clinic, the colourful, jungle-themed waiting area eviscerates any kid (or adult) stress. A giant giraffe hangs over the reception desk where children can get a coin to receive a toy from the tall prize tower guarded over by a lightweight sculpture of a friendly ostrich. At the teeth brushing station kids will find themselves in the mouth of a tiger.
Whilst parents or carers help themselves to coffee or tea, smaller kids can sit at little tables with paper, pens and small toys, or feel free to move around this large snazzy reception area, being vocal if they want.
As the clinic treats teenagers – there’s table football and Pacman arcade machines which are a bit of a temptation for parents too! TVs on the treatment room ceilings is a great idea, and young patients will find that their favourite programme is on, because parents can add this detail to the pre-visit online form.
Dorina explains, “When children are in the dentist chair, our paediatric dentists carefully lead them through whatever treatment they’re having.” They’ll also make sure that the kids don’t see any dental instruments which may unnerve them.
Every Happy Kids Dental dentist is highly experienced with children. And with about 15-20% of them having special needs, each child is treated personally.
Parents Trust Them
The Happy Kids founders Dr. Roksolana Mykhalus and Dr. Yevhen Hunyak were initially inspired as dentists and parents. As much as they aim to remove children’s fear of going to the dentist, so their intention is to also give parents the reassurance and safe environment they need.
As a mother, CEO Dorina Vulpe knows how new parents may be uncertain about how to manage their children’s oral health. “Often parents are only prompted to take small children to the dentist when there’s a problem and if there is a problem, they might unfairly blame themselves.”
Dorina continues, “At Happy Kids we believe in creating healthy habits as early as possible and to get children used to going to the dentist from a young age. The British Dental Association recommends that kids should have their first dental check-up before the age of one, even when a baby only has two teeth.”
Several times in conversation with Dorina, she emphasizes the importance of preventive dentistry and the long-term benefit of, where possible, anticipating any teething issues which may arise.
Happy Kids also encourages children to have their first orthodontic check-up before age 7. And for youngsters who need to wear clear aligners but are unmotivated, parents are helped by the Happy Kids reward programme where points mean prizes!
Dentists Rely on Their Expertise
Happy Kids offers a wide range of treatments – everything from hygiene appointments to the most complex cases. Because of its high standards, last year over 150 UK dentists made around 1200 referrals to the Happy Kids dental clinics which are also in Chelsea, Marylebone, Hammersmith and Wimbledon. And two more clinics are coming to Battersea and Dulwich.
Part of the Happy Kids success is due to their commitment to state-of-the-art technology, especially when there are innovative methods which are kinder to children.
Happy Kids Dental offers every type of anaesthesia, from inhalation sedation to IV sedation and general anaesthesia, all geared towards comfort. For basic procedures, the clinic uses The Wand instead of a traditional metal syringe to avoid heavy numbness. Every Happy Kids dentist is highly experienced with children.
It’s Not Fair! What About Happy Adults?
Dorina laughs when asked how come there’s no version of Happy Kids for adults. She laughs as too often parents ask her about this. The good news is that there is a clinic for adults. And at American Smile in Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea SW3, the soothing and relaxed atmosphere is created because the clinic is designed to be like a spa.
When booking an appointment at the Happy Kids Hampstead branch, mention “In The Square Belsize” to receive a free water bottle.
1st floor, 201 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, London NW3
www.Happykidsdental.co.uk
newpatient@happykidsdental.co.uk
020 7078 0822
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