At the intersection of dental care and storytelling, there’s a practitioner who goes beyond the traditional role of a dentist, weaving together oral health and literacy to create a meaningful impact on young minds. Dr. Amira May Woodruff, co-owner of Caring Smiles Family Dentistry in West Bloomfield, Michigan, has recently stepped into the world of children’s literature with her debut book, “My Wiggly Smile: Olive’s Stubborn Little Tooth.” This book is not just a story for young readers; it’s a bridge connecting the world of dental care and literacy in a way that’s engaging and educational.
“My Wiggly Smile” follows the journey of Olive, a kindergartener waking up to her first loose tooth on the first day of school. While the narrative is aimed at children aged five to six, its educational themes and an enclosed coloring chart to track lost baby teeth make it a valuable read for individuals of all ages.
Dr. May recognizes the significance of early literacy in a child’s development, both socially and mentally. According to Children Rising and the Yale Study Center-Scholastic Collaborative for Child and Family Resilience, when parents engage in regular reading with their children, language development can improve by three to six months.
“I’ve been reading books every night to my daughter since she was just a few months old,” said Dr. Mays. “I thought it was just a fun way to bond with her in my lap and a great way to wind down before bed. Little did I know that she was absorbing everything. She started talking early and that’s how I found out she’d memorized all of her favorite books. She’ll be two years old this November, and books are by far her favorite thing.”
Although the correlation between oral health and reading might not be readily apparent, the National Library of Medicine highlights a crucial connection. Low-income children exhibit elevated rates of unmet oral health needs. Earlier research has indicated that subpar oral health is linked to diminished academic performance. Deteriorating oral health and unaddressed dental care needs pose risks to both diminished academic performance and compromised psychosocial well-being.
On one side, issues related to oral health can lead to experiences of pain, disturbances in sleep, inadequate nutrition, decreased engagement in play and physical activity, and a decline in psychosocial well-being due to adverse impacts on speech, smiling, and other social interactions. These alterations have the potential to subsequently diminish attention, hinder the learning process, and adversely affect overall school performance.
As a dentist and co-owner of Caring Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. May is not only dedicated to providing top-notch dental care but also to making the dental experience enjoyable for young patients. May’s approach goes beyond traditional dental practices, aiming to alleviate fears and enhance literacy in a manner easily comprehensible to the children under her care. By fostering a positive association between dentist visits and reading, she not only ensures children’s comfort in maintaining oral health but also instills a sense of joy in the world of books, embodying a unique and holistic approach to their well-being.
“I treat children who’ve either endured a bad experience before we’ve met or who’ve been influenced by others to believe that a trip to the dentist is undesirable. The best part about my job is that I have the opportunity to change their perception into a positive one and also explain to families how proper dental care contributes to overall health,” said Dr. May.
The book doesn’t just end on the pages; Dr. May encourages children to bring “My Wiggly Smile” with them to their dental appointments. This approach aims to create a sense of familiarity and comfort, transforming the dental visit into a fun experience. Dr. May, with her husband Dr. Warren Woodruff, is now making “My Wiggly Smile” available for live readings, offering an interactive experience for young audiences. Through these readings, Dr. May hopes to inspire young minds, possibly igniting future career goals in the field of dentistry.
Reflecting on her own journey, Dr. May expressed, “I wish there was a book like ‘My Wiggly Smile’ when I was a child. It is my desire to provide more reading materials to inspire young people of all backgrounds to pursue a career in dentistry.”
In the vast landscape of healthcare, diversity is not just an aspirational goal but a critical necessity. Despite African Americans constituting 12.4% of the U.S. population, they only make up a mere 3.8% of the dental workforce, according to Delta Dental. This alarming statistic not only reflects a lack of representation but also raises concerns about equitable access to quality dental care. Dr. May’s mission is to show positive representation within the dental community to ensure that those statistics change, highlighting a more diverse future for dentistry.
Beyond her roles as a dentist and author, Dr. May is actively involved in various mentorship, volunteer, and outreach programs, showcasing her commitment to the community. For those interested in “My Wiggly Smile” and the dental practice of Dr. May Woodruff, more information can be found at www.MyWigglySmile.com and www.CaringSmilesFD.com.
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