For many, early experiences at the dentist shape lifelong
feelings and attitudes toward dental care. That’s why ensuring a positive
experience from day one is Dr. Ashlee Thomas Kato’s top priority as a pediatric
dentist and the owner of Suite Tooth Pediatrics in Stafford County.
“Sometimes, going to the
dentist can be scary, even as adults, so if you can shape a positive dental
experience from day one as a child, it will follow you throughout your life,”
said Dr. Kato.
With a true love of working with children and a family
history that includes a long line of dentists, pursing a career in pediatric
dentistry was a natural choice for Dr. Kato, who identified a need for more
pediatric dental practices in the area, leading her to open Suite Tooth
Pediatrics in December of 2024.
“I’ve seen how rewarding
it can be, getting to know your patients and seeing them grow over time,
changing someone’s self esteem through their smile and increasing their
confidence,” she said.
Aware that dental visits can spark anxiety for many children,
Dr. Kato has made it her mission to help every patient feel relaxed and
confident. At Suite Tooth Pediatrics, that comfort begins the moment families
walk in – with fewer patients scheduled at one time, a bright play area,
colorful chairs, themed rooms, refreshments for parents, and spaces designed to
give kids more privacy during visits.
Dr. Kato also ensures that each child feels in control of
their visit, from choosing what they want to watch on the television during
their appointment to having every part of the process explained and shown to
them beforehand.
She noted, “As adults, we often just tell children what to do
instead of asking for consent. I tell children what I’m going to do, show them
what’s going to happen, and ask them, ‘Are you okay if I do this?’ to make them
feel like they’re in control of their dental experience too.”
By giving dental tools playful names and sending patients
home with prizes and balloons, Dr. Kato strives to make each visit fun. And for
children who need more assistance or have additional sensitivities, Suite Tooth
Pediatrics offers “Happy Visits,” dedicated appointments with less stimulation,
private office tours, and personalized attention to ensure that children have a
positive experience.
Suite Tooth Pediatrics serves children from birth to 18 years
of age, with Dr. Kato echoing the recommendation of the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that all children see a dentist by the end of their
first year of life.
“Baby teeth are important, as they help your child eat and
develop and have adequate nutrition, and your baby teeth guide permanent teeth
into the correct place,” she said. “Baby teeth are just as important [as
permanent teeth], and we want to take care of them as well,” she continued.
Dr. Kato’s top tips for parents looking to support their
children’s dental health include brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,
introducing floss at an early age, and maintaining dental visits to ensure
continual preventative care.
As a mother of young children, she understands that dental
care at home can be tricky for many families. For those with children who
resist brushing their teeth, Dr. Kato recommends weaving it into the daily
routine and finding ways to make it enjoyable.
“Children are independent, so let them be independent and
brush their teeth first, and then follow up behind them. Electric brushes or
colorful brushes with their favorite characters can be fun. Timers or singing a
cool song are also helpful to make sure you’re brushing long enough. Find ways
to make it fun, and add it to their routine,” she said.
In addition to ensuring that children are active participants
in the dental process, Dr. Kato and her team at Suite Tooth Pediatrics strive
to impart lifelong healthy habits to their patients and the greater community
through their participation in local events and their partnerships with
schools.
“We’ve done a lot of oral hygiene outreach, where we bring
out our puppet and go over brushing techniques and give out information as a
resource to parents,” said Dr. Kato
Dr. Kato sees pediatric dental care as a team effort –
supporting not just the child, but the parent as well.
“I love how tight-knit
this community is, and I can really tell that the parents here care about their
children and are invested in their children’s futures. It makes me so happy to
be a part of this community.”
Learn more about how Suite Tooth Pediatrics is helping
children and families build lifelong healthy habits at https://www.suitetoothpediatrics.com/.
