Westwood Dentist Understands Parents' Concerns

Westwood's newest pediatric dentist, brings a combination of experience, both from years practicing in the city and from raising her 3-year-old son.

Dr. Grace Chin said she hopes her ability to relate to the concerns of other parents will help her new Westwood-based practice, , become an integrated part of the community. Even the name, taken from the popular lullaby, relates to Chin's expertise in dealing with children. Singing the song twice, Chin said, is just the right amount of time for brushing a child's teeth. Reciting the ABC's twice also works, she said. Chin uses these techniques for her own son and can help other new parents with those or similar tricks for teaching children dental hygene.

"It's nice to be at this age range with my child because it also helps me connect with parents of children at this same age," Chin said. "They ask me a lot of questions."

Chin is holding a in her office Saturday, May 5 from noon to 3 p.m.

While her office in Westwood is new, Chin has years of experience both practicing and teaching dentistry at the New York University College of Dentistry and Montefiore Medical Center, where she is the clinical site director for pediatric dentistry.

Chin and her family moved to Westwood because they wanted to become part of a close-knit neighborhood where they could raise their son.

"It's a beautiful community," Chin said.

The practice, located at 259 Kinderkamack Road, features children's books, TVs, games and cartoon characters on the wall to create a child-friendly atmosphere. Themed rooms include the 'safari room" and the "under the sea room." The office is outfitted with modern digital equipment that reduces patients' exposure to radiation during x-rays and saves time processing them.

Besides having her own child, Chin has worked with kids as a Sunday school teacher, daycare teacher and tutor.

"Everything has led me toward children," Chin said. "I've always had an affinity with working with them."