At first glance, you might mistake the Department of Pediatric Dentistry; as the "fun" wing of the school. Between the laughter in the halls and the residents’ colorful hobbies, there is an undeniable energy of joy. But beneath the lighthearted atmosphere lies an incredible hardworking team at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD). From grueling overnight on-call rotations to the delicate art of calming a frightened parent or young patient, this department stays on its toes 24/7.
How does the team handle the pressure of pediatric emergencies and trauma? For many, the answer lies in creative outlets. The department’s hobby list is as diverse as its staff: several residents unwind with "grandma hobbies" like knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Dr. Peng hits her "reset button" by gaming on her PS5, while Dr. Chen is the group’s go-to boba aficionado. Others, like Effrin and Nora, find peace in the dirt through vegetable gardening, while Effrin also spends some weekends as a DJ. Grace loves to craft and is always excited to try something new that brings joy to her and those around her.
For the faculty and staff, pediatric dentistry is more than a clinical specialty; it is a calling. Dr. Chen, often described as the "mom" of the group, ensures every resident and staff member feels supported and successful. This "family-first" philosophy extends to their patients, some of whom represent two and three generations of care.
"It is a great honor and feels like a ministry to work here," the team shares. "We aren't just treating teeth; we are helping the next generation grow up with confidence and healthy smiles."
The department is a powerhouse of multidisciplinary care. They manage complex cases that many clinics aren't equipped for, including:
- Special Needs Care: Treating patients ranging from infants to adults with conditions such as dwarfism.
- PNAM & Cleft Care: Mondays are dedicated to Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding (PNAM), and the team is frequently at LLU Children’s Hospital providing consults for cleft palate patients and emergent trauma.
- Mission-Driven Outreach: The team stays true to LLUSD’s mission by participating in the annual LLU Children’s Day, ADA’s Give Kids a Smile initiative, and international School mission trips.
The support staff plays a pivotal role that goes far beyond chairside assistance. They are mentors, teaching students the nuances of behavior management, parent communication, and assessment skills. Because the program is so demanding, the residents work in rotating teams, ensuring whoever is on call has support. This helps build a cohesive, collaborative bond that allows them to face any challenge with patience and, most importantly, joy.
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry at LLUSD reflects the idea that the best medicine is often delivered with a smile. By blending high-level clinical expertise with a genuine, family-oriented atmosphere, they are doing more than just filling cavities they are building a foundation of trust with their young patients. Whether they are in the clinic, the operating room, or out in the community, this team’s commitment to "service with joy" ensures that the future of pediatric dental care at LLUSD remains as bright as the smiles they create.