"Children are our foundation for the future, so it is very important to create healthy environments for them to grow. Children learn from experience, so it is my duty to make every dental experience as wonderful as I can."
Dr. Torri Chatman was raised in Mogadore, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor of science in dental hygiene. Dr. Chatman continued to dental school at New York University, where she completed her pediatric dental residency.
Dr. Chatman continues to to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in her field by taking numerous postgraduate education courses in pediatric dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
In her free time, Dr. Chatman enjoys cooking, exercise and spending time with her family and friends.
Children are very precious. Every parent hopes that their child will go through life without having many of the problems that they suffered with. That certainly includes cavities and unpleasant associations with the dentist.
An early start including regular dental check-ups is a very important step. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin routine dental visits right around the time the first tooth erupts. This way any developing problems can be detected, treated early, or avoided all together. At this age a pediatric dentist can help you with suggestions about infant oral health care, how to decrease teething discomfort, prevention of dental decay, and many other child related topics.
A pediatric medical doctor is specially trained to care for your child's medical needs. In the same way, a pediatric dentist is specially trained for your child's dental needs. The pediatric dentist is a specialist who has received additional training, for two or more years, in the oral health care of children from infancy through adulthood. All children are different, and the pediatric dentist has been trained in dealing with all types of child behavior. In addition they are highly qualified in various approaches of guiding dental growth and development, to avoid future problems and also experts in the treatment of special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps. Because of this additional specialized training, many parents choose a pediatric dentist to treat their children.
Pleasant visits with the pediatric dentist help a child establish trust and confidence that will last a lifetime. No one should be afraid of his or her dentist. If a child fears their dentist, then they may avoid seeking dental care as an adult. Pediatric dentists along with their staffs have been specially trained to help apprehensive children get over their fears and become happy, willing patients. Also, as a pediatric dentist we will talk to you and your child with easily understood terms, pictures, and ideas, so that your child will be motivated to take proper care of his or her mouth.