6 minute read
Caring for Superheros, One Smile at a Time
Caring for SUPERHEROES,
One Smile at a Time
BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO PHOTOS BY WILLOW MERCANDO
Think of this vast world we live in and the many different cultures, yet we all share one common expression. Smiling is not only a universal means of communicating, it’s also cate families about the importance of oral care and timely check-ups. Greenville is home to ECU School of Dental Medicine and experienced dental professionals, many of them women, who help children a frequent way. Ron Gutman, founder and former CEO of HealthTap has stated that more than 30% of adults smile over 20 times a day. Those with the greatest superpowers are actually children, who smile as much as 400 times per day! That makes them superheroes to pediatric dentists.
A dentist knows the real investment of a healthy smile, which affects overall physical health and can greatly increase confidence.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that tooth decay is the most common chronic condition of childhood, so it’s important to eduand families have the best possible dental care. Two such female dentists that call Greenville home are Dr. Britt Causey and Dr. Meredith Perdue Davis, both pediatric dentists at Eastern Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry located at 1025 Johns Hopkins Drive. Causey, a specialist in pediatric dentistry, is originally from Ahoskie. She earned a bachelor of science in biology from Peace College in Raleigh. After receiving her doctorate of dental surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2005, Causey worked in private practice and public health for nine years as a general dentist before specializing
in pediatric dentistry.
Davis, also a specialist in pediatric dentistry, is a native of Greenville. She attended The Oakwood School and J.H. Rose High school before completing her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia. Davis received her DDS degree from the University of North Carolina. Afterward, she completed a three-year residency program in pediatric dentistry at UNC.
A choice to go into pediatric dentistry was born during Causey’s time working as a general dentist.
“My pediatric patients made dentistry fun and rewarding,” she said. “I enjoyed converting a nervous, hesitant patient into one that was excited about coming to dental appointments. I was able to complete a two-year postdoctoral pediatric dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, which allowed me to gain additional training in pediatric dental care.”
For Davis, the passion for pediatric dentistry began during her time in dental school, but she has always had a heart for patient care.
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in health care,” she said. “My parents are health care professionals, and I witnessed firsthand the fulfillment they both experienced in their work. I did not realize that dentistry was where I was headed until my fourth year of college, when I started to explore it as a career by shadowing in a local office. I loved how dentistry combines the skills of critical thinking, fine motor skills, and artistic creativity.”
The staff at Eastern Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry believes a lifetime of dental health and beautiful smiles begins in infancy with pediatric dental care, and later, with orthodontics and adolescent dental care. Team members pride themselves in creating a positive, pleasant experience for each patient in an office environment that is comfortable, attractive, and clean. Upon entering, families are welcomed by friendly staff and a colorful, fun environment that helps put children at ease. The providers at EOPD are proud of the relationship that this practice has established with the community over many decades and seek to maintain it through providing quality, compassionate and patient-centered care. They also understand that preventing dental disease is paramount to a positive health trajectory, and emphasize oral health education at every appointment. They strive to care for each patient as they would members of their own families and are dedicated to the cause of improving children’s oral health throughout eastern North Carolina.
Both Causey and Davis work with a team of five
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additional dentists, Dr. Jasper L. Lewis, Jr., Dr. Joseph Gondrez, Dr. W. Lee Lewis, Dr. Derek Steele, and Dr. Jorge Arriagada, in addition to a business, pediatric, and orthodontic staff that assists patients from toddlers to teenagers from their first teeth emerging, to braces and beyond.
The job of a pediatric dentist has many fun aspects for Causey, as she strives to help children overcome any fears they may have about dental care. “My goal is for them to be excited about coming to their dental appointments,” she said. “I enjoy interacting with my pediatric patients and asking them simple questions to get to know them better and to help them feel comfortable. I enjoy explaining dental procedures to them in simple ways that they can understand. If my patients understand what we are doing and why, it helps to eliminate their fears.” Davis shares that the children and their families she cares for bring her the greatest joy.
“When you work with kids in dentistry, you have to be prepared for anything; it’s challenging but always fun and entertaining!” she said. “Another highlight is the fantastic team at Eastern Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry who encourage and keep me laughing every day. I can’t imagine a better group of people to work with.”
After a long day examining, cleaning, and helping build better smiles in Greenville, Causey can be found spending time at Grace Church, where she is a member. Her Christian faith is very important to her, and helps her center her life and work.
“I am busy taking care of my family, my husband and two daughters. I am often found changing diapers on my 3-month-old baby girl, playing ‘Catch Me’ with my 2-year-old daughter (her favorite game), and cooking my husband’s favorite meals,” she said. “I love being a wife and mother, and I am thankful I can be a pediatric dentist too! I also enjoy reading, knitting and visiting the beach.”
Davis also values the time spent with her husband and son.
“We have enjoyed exploring all that Greenville has to offer—we especially like trying new restaurants and meeting friends at some of the fun local spots,” she said. “I very much enjoy being outside and working in our yard. My latest project has been establishing and maintaining a rose garden at our new home. It’s been a fun learning experience.”.
As they nurture their own families, these women are also helping grow strong smiles in our children and building beautiful tomorrows for future leaders, even superheroes. For more information on EOPD, call 252- 752-6188 or visit the website, www.eopd.org.
