New Pediatric Dentistry Business in Milford Serving Up Big Smiles

MILFORD, CT — As children and families walk toward the front door at Big Smiles, the first object they see is a 3-D dolphin wearing sun glasses and a bright Caribbean shirt.

They walk into the office under a bright colored sign and a scent reminiscent of the beach permeates through the air. Animated objects of Disneyesque quality greet them in the waiting room.

This is not a tour of a children’s museum, nor is it the beach. The goal of Big Smiles pediatric dentistry, which recently opened at 321 Boston Post Road, is to make children feel comfortable in a place where they often do not.

Everything in the office is aimed toward that goal: The playful atmosphere, the casual demeanor of the specialized doctors and team, and even the complimentary feel good food - sugar free, of course.

“We created this to be a fun, caring, comfortable dental home where you and your family will want to come back time after time, year after year,” said Dr. Jay Dworkin, a Milford resident and partner in the dental practice.

Dental fear is a frequent problem in pediatric dentistry, according to the American Dental Association. It is a problem Dr. Dworkin has seen in more than two decades as a successful dentist with practices in Ansonia and Southbury.

Dr. Dworkin decided a new approach was necessary to reach children at a young age because he realized that the type of dental experience people receive as children can affect how open they are to receiving oral care as adults. He also wanted to open this unique practice in Milford, where he has a deep rooted connection to the community which he calls home.

“Our team has two certified, veteran pediatric dentists who have studied voraciously and are specialized on how to make children feel comfortable in the dental setting,” he said. “As pediatric dental specialists, we treat each child uniquely. Each child’s personality, developmental age, special needs, and past dental experiences are always taken into consideration during their dental treatment. Our goal is to provide the most pleasant experience for you and your child, while also providing you high quality dentistry.”

The experience at Big Smiles is noticeably different than it is at a traditional dental office. At Big Smiles, the team looks to create experiences that engage all five senses. Children see the 3-D images with fun characters like the dolphin, which will be the mascot for the office and which children and local families will name through a contest within the next few months. They also hear upbeat music throughout the practice from the moment they walk through the door.

Children also smell the fresh ocean and can feel and play with animated characters on a touch screen. And they can taste sugar free food that shows them there are healthy alternatives for snack time.

“We offer movies, games and toys, as well as a totally cool and fun environment to help keep your child engaged and/or distracted during dental procedures,” Dr. Dworkin said.

Rosa Silva Holler, a Milford resident who has three children, said the experience she and her sons had last week at Big Smiles was like nothing she has ever seen at a dental office.

“I wish I had a dentist like this when I was a child,” she said. “My son had a lot of fun. I highly recommend that moms in the Milford area check this place out.”

For more information about Big Smiles please visit their website here.

Contributed photos and information submitted by Big Smiles as part of Patch's ongoing small business spotlight. If you have a new small business you'd like to promote on Patch please email me at brian.mccready@patch.com