Practice Philosophy

Windsor Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing the latest and most advanced dental care for your child in an environment that is kid friendly and caring. Dr. Jill Shonka, Dr. Sarah Kate Lee and Dr. Macaira Leahy understand that every child is different and will apply behavioral and educational techniques unique to every child that visits. We have an open door policy and welcome parents into the treatment areas with their child. Our goal is for every child to have a wonderful dental experience from start to finish.

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different Than a General Dentist

Pediatric dentists receive an additional two years of training after dental school. This means that Dr. Jill Shonka, Dr. Sarah Kate Lee and Dr. Macaira Leahy are specially trained to provide oral health care and education to people from infancy up to the age of eighteen as well as children with special needs. Other areas where Dr. Jill Shonka and Dr. Sarah Kate Lee have received additional training includes trauma, behavior management, infant oral health, interceptive orthodontics, sedation dentistry and hospital dentistry.

Methods Used by Dr. Jill Shonka, Dr. Sarah Kate Lee and Dr. Macaira Leahy

Tell, Show, & Do: We will educate your child about a dental procedure, show them the process, and then perform it.

Imagery: Our dentists use simple terms to describe a dental experience to your child. Dental exams become “looking and counting teeth” while a dental cleaning becomes “brushing and tickling teeth.”

Distraction: A nervous child may benefit if their thoughts are distracted from dental care.

Positive Reinforcement: A praise or reward for a desired response can promote good behavior in children.

Voice Control: Our dentists communicate with your child by changing the volume, tone, and pace of their voices to influence and direct your child’s actions.

Restorative Related Procedures: Most restorative procedures will require the use of a drill. But we will introduce this dental handpiece to your child as a “tooth carwash”, “tooth tickler”, or using other non-threatening terminology. The rubber dam that isolates a tooth, protects soft tissues, and prevents unfamiliar tastes from entering your child’s mouth will be called a “rain coat.” As for a mouth prop that supports tired jaw muscle and prevents your child from biting down on the handpiece, for all intents and purposes it is a “tooth chair.”

Local Anesthesia: Many restorative procedures require a local anesthetic so your child can feel comfortable while receiving treatment. We avoid using the words “shot”, “needle”, or “injection” around children so they do not feel anxious about receiving anesthesia. A topical anesthetic will be applied first to numb the area, and then Dr. Jill Shonka, Dr. Sarah Kate Lee and Dr. Macaira Leahy will use distraction techniques when giving the injection. A dental assistant places their arm lightly over your child’s hands to prevent them from reaching up, grabbing the syringe and hurting themself.