February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a national moment dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early oral health.
But behind every statistic is something more personal. A story. A moment. A reason this work became meaningful.
On a recent call, several of our pediatric dentists shared how they found their way into children’s dentistry and what continues to make it so rewarding.
Here’s what they shared.
Dr. Jeremy Hodge: From “Never Again” to “Best Kept Secret”
Dr. Hodge did not plan on becoming a pediatric dentist.
In dental school, he had what he describes as a horrific pediatric rotation. He left convinced he never wanted to see another child in his chair.
Then real practice began.
Working with kids changed everything. He saw how rewarding it was to help a child have a positive experience. He also realized how many adults carry dental fear that began in childhood, often from negative experiences.
If we get childhood dentistry right, we change a lifetime.
Today, he calls pediatric dentistry the best kept secret in dentistry. When done well, it is purposeful, efficient, and deeply rewarding. Serving lower income Medicaid communities only amplifies that impact.
Dr. Pushpa Patel: Decades of Commitment
Dr. Patel has been treating children full time for 23 years. Her longevity speaks volumes.
Her message was simple. Pediatric dentistry is fulfilling enough to build a career on. She continues to be a resource for colleagues who want to grow in this space and is always willing to share insight and experience.
There is something powerful about hearing from someone who has chosen this path year after year and still believes in it.
Dr. Brendan Hay: The Education Connection
Dr. Hay never expected to work with kids. Once immersed in the system, something clicked.
He described pediatric dentistry as an ecosystem with clear parameters and efficient systems. What truly resonated with him was the education component.
With family members in education, he found that teaching and guiding children toward healthier habits felt natural. Pediatric dentistry is not just procedures. It is communication, coaching, and building lifelong health literacy.
For him, it became the perfect intersection of dentistry and education.
Dr. Jeremy Bondurant: Kids Are the Easy Part
Dr. Bondurant’s interest was sparked during outreach rotations in dental school. Working in pediatric clinics exposed him to the pace and energy of treating children.
After graduation, he tried working with adults and quickly realized it was not for him.
The kids are the easy part. The hard part is the adults.
Behind the humor is truth. Pediatric dentistry requires clinical skill and strong communication with parents. Building trust and managing expectations are part of the craft.
After years in practice, he continues to choose kids.
Dr. Jose Garcia: Mentorship and Momentum
Dr. Garcia’s path climbed every rung of dentistry. He worked as a dental assistant, then a hygienist, then a general dentist before completing a pediatric residency.
He did not initially plan to specialize in kids. Early mentorship changed his trajectory. Supportive leaders encouraged him to explore pediatric dentistry.
What keeps him passionate is the opportunity to create a positive experience that a child can carry for a lifetime.
Serving one of our busiest and highest need communities makes that impact even more meaningful. Each appointment is more than treatment. It is memory shaping.
Dr. Thomas Bingham: Choosing Kids and Staying
Dr. Bingham began in adult dentistry before gradually incorporating pediatric care. The more he worked with kids, the more he realized it was where he belonged.
After years serving Medicaid populations in Texas, he brought that same commitment to his current community, where pediatric options are limited.
In communities with few providers, showing up consistently matters. For some families, there are only one or two choices. Being one of them carries responsibility and opportunity.
A Month to Celebrate and Say Thank You
Children’s Dental Health Month gives us a national opportunity to shine a light on something our teams prioritize every single day.
Behind every healthy smile is a doctor who chose patience over pressure.
Behind every positive visit is a clinician who chose connection over convenience.
Behind every growing practice in an underserved community is a provider who chose access over avoidance.
Our pediatric dentists carry a unique responsibility. They shape first experiences. They influence lifelong habits. They often serve families who have limited options and high need.
This month, we pause to say thank you.
Thank you to the doctors who make children’s oral health a priority not just in February, but in every operatory, every day.
And thank you to the teams who support that mission and make it possible.
Children’s Dental Health Month is a celebration of smiles. More importantly, it is a celebration of the people who protect them.