When Noura Shoukry and her husband, Mahmoud Ahmed, who met at dental school, brought their children to watch the Kiama New Year’s Eve fireworks nine years ago, they turned to each other and said, “I think this is the place.” Within a year, they had relocated from Sydney and, five years ago, opened Dentocalm Dentist on Manning Street. 

Describing herself as a ‘cheerful dentist’, Shoukry is on a mission to make dental care a more positive experience for children, breaking the cycle of dental anxiety experienced by one in seven adults. 

A new report, commissioned by the Senate, has found that tooth decay and gum disease have increased across Australia, with a lack of care during the pandemic leading to ‘covid cavities.’

Around 40 percent of Australians avoid or delay visiting a dentist, and around 23 percent forgo recommended treatment – and this fear can trickle down to our children.

“As a mum of five, I noticed that, in all the kids cartoons or movies, the dentist is always portrayed as really scary,” says Shoukry. “This ideology of making kids scared of the dentist, even in a comical way, needs to change.”

Instead, she focuses on building trust and sharing information in a way that is relatable. With teenagers, she talks to them about the link between dental hygiene and bad breath; with younger kids, she is calm but always honest.

“You have to treat children like little grownups and never lie to them,” says Shoukry. “If you explain everything to kids, they will accept it and surprise you. Lying to kids makes them lose trust in you.” 

With one anxious adult, Shoukry met him first on the beach, then at the park, then the coffee shop opposite the clinic, then finally in the chair. Now, he’s so relaxed, he sometimes falls asleep during appointments. “I didn’t think that was possible, until I saw it,” she exclaims.

If a child doesn’t like the sounds of the surgery, they provide headphones. Netflix plays on a screen attached to the ceiling, also offering a ready distraction. 

For parents, it’s important to be positive before an appointment, especially if it’s your child’s first time. 

“Tell them it’s fun,” says Shoukry. “The dentist will count your teeth and make sure everything is fine. A first appointment can just be an ice-breaker.”

If any dental work is needed, Shoukry is passionate about eliminating ‘mum guilt’. 

“I’m a multitasking mum too and I’m here to tell you: don’t you ever feel guilty,” she says. “Teeth are fixable. Habits are fixable. Your victory will be when you find a problem and solve it. I’d never make any fellow mum or dad feel guilty. We are trying our best; we learn from our mistakes and try again.” 

Photo Credit : Dentocalm