For many kids, going back to school isn’t their favorite time of year. But you never know when returning to the classroom might ignite that certain spark that leads to a lifelong career.
That’s how it was for Drs. Samantha Kelly and Blerta Selden, co-owners of Pearl Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Mount Juliet.
Dr. Sam, the dentist, and Dr. Blerta, the orthodontist, both were inspired by experiences they had in school.
“I knew I wanted to be a dentist when I was in middle school,” says Dr. Sam. “My dentist and orthodontist were awesome and let me shadow them. I was always interested in science, and this gave me an opportunity to connect what I was learning in school to something I could do for a career. The dental office seemed like a fun and positive environment. And I liked the idea of being able to fix something right away.”
Dr. Blerta’s seminal moment came while attending high school in her native Albania. There she found herself gravitating to classes that inspired her interest in medicine.
“I knew then that I was going to pursue a career in healthcare. The only question was whether it would be medical or dental,” she says. “l chose orthodontics because you’re able to help people have a beautiful smile which leads to self-confidence.”
Both doctors emphasize that proper pediatric dental care is essential to a healthy lifestyle and that back-to-school time is a great time to get back into the habit of routine visits.
“Studies have shown that kids with good oral hygiene do better in school,” says Dr. Sam. “That’s because they don’t experience pain as frequently as kids who do not practice proper oral hygiene. So, they eat better, they sleep better, and they’re better prepared for school.”
Dr. Blerta says that certain skeletal issues are more easily resolved at a young age.
“The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist at the age of seven,” she says. “Not necessarily for braces but to address conditions such as crossbite and narrow jaws which are much easier to fix at seven or eight than at 14.
“What’s nice about our office is that kids can see Dr. Sam, then come see me on the same day. That makes things easier on the kids and more convenient for parents.”
Dr. Sam and Dr. Blerta have worked together for several years and became best friends. Not long ago they decided to open Pearl Dentistry and began seeing patients there earlier this year.
They and their patients have been smiling ever since.
“What’s nice about our office is that kids can see Dr. Sam, then come see me on the same day. That makes things easier on the kids and more convenient for parents.” - Dr. Blerta Selden