Most middle schoolers dream of being pop stars or presidents, but not young Sheh Vahid. At age 12, she saw a clear vision of her future in dentistry mapped out in front of her. With an orthodontist mother and pediatric dentist father, she had the rare opportunity to be immersed in the industry at a young age. During high school summers, she worked chairside, assisting with sterilization and x-rays. She fell more in love with dentistry every day.
After finishing dental school, Dr. Sheh spent 10 years working at various private practices. Though she enjoyed them all, she felt connected to every part of her patient's dental experiences, from checking in to their time in the chair to their last interaction. So, when an old Pilates studio in East Cobb's Papermill Village closed in 2022, she built her vision from scratch and established a new standard in pediatric dentistry.
Woodland Pediatric Dentistry doesn't just treat kids; it was built from the ground up with them in mind. From the vibrant waiting room to the TVs mounted above each chair to the photo wall stocked with fun props to a growing selection of after-visit prizes, little touches everywhere serve as a reminder that kids are welcome here. The well-trained office staff are prepared to accommodate all personalities, whether cautious, curious or excited, and Dr. Sheh herself sets aside time to educate and build relationships with all of her patients.
"My team and I make the children's visits educational. It is not just about cleaning teeth and fixing cavities. We show them their own X-rays, and we explain teeth anatomy to them in simple terms. We review hygiene instructions and educate them about what they drink and eat and how it can affect their overall health," says Dr. Sheh.
When prepping for a visit, as a first-timer or a regular, parents should ensure their child's oral hygiene and expectations are in check. Diet and hygiene play the biggest roles in preventing cavities and must be monitored between visits. Sugary or acidic food and drink should be limited or prevented if possible. Regarding brushing, Dr. Sheh implements a little-known rule for all of her patients: up the brushing to three times a day during weekends and school breaks for extra cavity prevention. And don't forget to floss!
As far as expectations, Woodland Pediatric Dentistry knows there's a stigma around dentist visits. But Dr. Sheh urges parents not to worry about their worrier. In fact, it's her expertise. She has established a repertoire of open discussions with all her nervous patients. After holding and learning the purpose of Dr. Sheh's tools, even the most cautious patients are put at ease. However, it's best to leave dental talk to the experts. Preconceived notions about the dentist can create a sense of distrust in children, making it harder to rewire anxious thoughts.
Because of Dr. Sheh's unique approach, parents and children have her undivided attention throughout the appointment, and that's intentional. The relationships she builds with her patients and their parents are important to patient success. Her biggest passion lies in guiding her patients as they grow up and grow into their pearly whites.
"My favorite thing is seeing a very anxious young child for the first time, and throughout the years, they become my best and most cooperative patient in the practice," shares Dr. Sheh "That's when I know I did something right!"
"My favorite thing is seeing a very anxious young child for the first time, and throughout the years, they become my best and most cooperative patient in the practice. That's when I know I did something right!"
