Pune's most recommended dentist during COVID-19_Small

Sweet Smiles Dental Clinic
Spreading Smiles with your Safety in Mind
his pandemic has shown us the true meaning of the
TVUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and
Ambiguous) times. Navigating through different
difficult situations with proper care is something that is
going to keep the businesses running. Among other
healthcare avenues, the dental fraternity is also not exempt
from the flames and fumes of the novel coronavirus
outbreak.
Yet, one of the premier dental care givers in Pune, Sweet
Smiles Dental Clinic is leading the way in hygienic oral
care with optimum safety to its patients. Let’s find out how
Dr. Shilpa Rao – Principal Dentist of the clinic has
managed to do that in the following exclusive interview that
we had with her:
1) Kindly brief us about your journey as a dental
practitioner and your clinic.
Since my dad was in the medical corps of the army, I, as a
child was always surrounded by doctors. I was quite
enamored by their super power to heal people. That’s how
the entire idea of becoming a doctor got instilled within me!
I was okay with everything about being a doctor except the
night shifts. Also, I liked being artistic and there was no
way in which I could combine Art and Medicine except
dentistry! That’s how I began my journey of getting into
one of the most prestigious colleges in India, Government
Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai in the year 1997.
Those 5 years of being in that amazing college taught me a
lot and made me what I am today! After completing my
graduation, I joined Vivekanand Mission Hospital,
Lucknow where I used to manage a daily OPD of 70-80
patients. The experience was just outstanding. I dealt with
every possible case and it gave me a lot of confidence. The
love of the patients I got there is something which I will
never forget.
In 2003, Sweet Smiles Dental Clinic and Implant Centre
was born. This is how the story begins, A young girl dreams
of having a clinic with an aim to create smiles, more smiles
every day! Along the way, she crossed paths with so many
beautiful patients who gave her a chance to touch their lives
and trusted her with the ability to relieve them of pain and
more than anything else became a part of her ever so
growing family. From 1 person when we started our family
now is more than 10000 members big.
Wow, could, we have asked for more?
2) Please give an overview of the services you offer.
We specialize in smile makeovers, aesthetic fillings, root
canal treatments, minor surgeries, gum treatment, implants,
bleaching, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, pediatric
dentistry, and general well-being of teeth and gums!
Our core team comprises of me, Dr Shilpa Rao, who is the
Principal Dentist, and specializes mostly in root canal
treatments and aesthetic dentistry. Dr Vinita Sharma, who is
the Associate Dentist, has 10+ years of experience and is
just wonderful with kids and also takes care of your gum
problems. Pooja is the Senior Dental Assistant cum
Manager. She takes care of the patient management and
makes sure that all the sterilization protocols are followed
to the teeth. She makes sure that the coordination between
the visiting consultants and the patients is as smooth as
possible. Rutika and Deepa are Junior Dental Assistants.
They work as the chair side assistants and make work easier
for us as dentists and also make patients feel comfortable.
3) What is your opinion on the adoption of novel
technologies in dental science?
For decades, going to the dentist was considered an
undesirable experience. It involved sitting under a bright
light and having your mouth invaded with a variety of tools.
Even though dental health is very important to your overall
health and for having a nice smile, among other benefits,
many people chose to steer clear of dental visits because of
how uncomfortable it was for them.
Fortunately, new technological advancements are making
trips to the dentist quicker, easier, less painful and more
reliable. Due to these advancements, the dental industry is
26 | October 2020 |