A couple of weeks ago we told you about a new child-friendly dentist concept in London, called Happy Kids Dental. Last weekend, Lara and I went along to one of their open days to find out more about how different the practice is, and to join in the fun for ourselves. Yep, dentist and fun in the same sentence, who knew!
Even before you arrive, this jolly giraffe with his pearly white gnashers sets the tone. The reception and waiting area is bright, jolly, welcoming and fun. With more giant chums welcoming children of all ages to this brand new, children-only dental practice in London's Marylebone.
The practice is the brainchild of dentists whose own child found laying back in the dreaded chair a stressful experience, something many adults will be all too familiar with! Wanting to provide a friendlier, more relaxed environment, the practice is equipped with everything to entertain and welcome children aged 0 to 18. With a toddler play area for the littlest ones and plenty of tablets with a multitude of games for the older children and teens, this is a million miles away from the threadbare sofas and dog-eared magazines most of us are familiar with.
With TV and modern coffee machines, complimentary water and plenty of space, there is plenty of room for kids and parents to kick back whilst waiting for their appointment.
Behind the scenes, a team of highly-qualified dentists and hygienists, with specific training in working with children, will provide expert, knowledgeable clinical care and advice for parents. With the number of children under four being hospitalised for tooth decay treatment rising by 24% over the past ten years, children's oral health is a growing concern in medical circles.
With Happy Kids Dental's bright, friendly treatment rooms and specialised hygienist areas, all continuing the fun, animal theme from reception, children need not feel nervous or worried by the prospect of having their teeth checked or treated.
Scrupulous hygiene practices and state-of-the-art equipment are a key element, allaying parents' fears and meaning treatment can be completely pain-free. The machine below administers pain-free anaesthesia for treatment by utilising a pen format attached to a computer which continually monitors and adjusts the dosage. No scary needles here.
Despite free NHS check-ups and treatment for under 18s being available, in 2015/16, 42% of children did not see a dentist, presumably because of the stress associated with visiting the dentist, and accompanying reluctance from both adults and children. Happy Kids Dental hopes to reverse that trend with its friendly, welcoming practice, extremely child-friendly environment and child-oriented staff.
In the hygienist area, children can learn to brush their teeth properly with the assistance of giant animal mouths and toothbrushes. After all, if you can brush a tiger's teeth, your own are going to be a cinch!
In the treatment rooms, loveable puppets have their own giant toothbrushes to encourage young children to learn good oral health practices from the youngest age.
And who could resist having a go on the grand one-arm-bandit prize tower? Crank the lever to receive a cute animal toy. Lara loved this!
We were really impressed with the atmosphere at Happy Kids Dental, the attentive staff, the child-friendly environment and special touches, such as entertainment and the fun ways to learn about good oral health practices. Lara loved playing on the tablets and trying out the Prize Tower!
Situated in Marylebone, Happy Kids Dental is a brand new fully private, children-only dental practice. It will be open 7 days a week from early December.
Even before you arrive, this jolly giraffe with his pearly white gnashers sets the tone. The reception and waiting area is bright, jolly, welcoming and fun. With more giant chums welcoming children of all ages to this brand new, children-only dental practice in London's Marylebone.
The practice is the brainchild of dentists whose own child found laying back in the dreaded chair a stressful experience, something many adults will be all too familiar with! Wanting to provide a friendlier, more relaxed environment, the practice is equipped with everything to entertain and welcome children aged 0 to 18. With a toddler play area for the littlest ones and plenty of tablets with a multitude of games for the older children and teens, this is a million miles away from the threadbare sofas and dog-eared magazines most of us are familiar with.
With TV and modern coffee machines, complimentary water and plenty of space, there is plenty of room for kids and parents to kick back whilst waiting for their appointment.
Behind the scenes, a team of highly-qualified dentists and hygienists, with specific training in working with children, will provide expert, knowledgeable clinical care and advice for parents. With the number of children under four being hospitalised for tooth decay treatment rising by 24% over the past ten years, children's oral health is a growing concern in medical circles.
With Happy Kids Dental's bright, friendly treatment rooms and specialised hygienist areas, all continuing the fun, animal theme from reception, children need not feel nervous or worried by the prospect of having their teeth checked or treated.
Scrupulous hygiene practices and state-of-the-art equipment are a key element, allaying parents' fears and meaning treatment can be completely pain-free. The machine below administers pain-free anaesthesia for treatment by utilising a pen format attached to a computer which continually monitors and adjusts the dosage. No scary needles here.
Despite free NHS check-ups and treatment for under 18s being available, in 2015/16, 42% of children did not see a dentist, presumably because of the stress associated with visiting the dentist, and accompanying reluctance from both adults and children. Happy Kids Dental hopes to reverse that trend with its friendly, welcoming practice, extremely child-friendly environment and child-oriented staff.
In the hygienist area, children can learn to brush their teeth properly with the assistance of giant animal mouths and toothbrushes. After all, if you can brush a tiger's teeth, your own are going to be a cinch!
In the treatment rooms, loveable puppets have their own giant toothbrushes to encourage young children to learn good oral health practices from the youngest age.
And who could resist having a go on the grand one-arm-bandit prize tower? Crank the lever to receive a cute animal toy. Lara loved this!
We were really impressed with the atmosphere at Happy Kids Dental, the attentive staff, the child-friendly environment and special touches, such as entertainment and the fun ways to learn about good oral health practices. Lara loved playing on the tablets and trying out the Prize Tower!
Situated in Marylebone, Happy Kids Dental is a brand new fully private, children-only dental practice. It will be open 7 days a week from early December.
Commissioned post