Step Up to the Plate and Get to Know Dr. Thakore 

There's a new all-star on the Union Pediatric Dentistry team, and we couldn't be more excited to introduce him! 

We sat down with Dr. Chintan Thakore (Link to Dr. Page when up) to learn more about his journey into pediatric dentistry, what he loves most about working with children, and how he helps young patients feel comfortable and confident during dental visits.  

What inspired you to become a pediatric dentist? 

Dr. Thakore: 

I grew up in a dental family, so dentistry was always part of my life. My mom is a dentist, and seeing the impact she had on her patients inspired me from an early age. I knew I wanted to help people in a similar way, and pediatric dentistry felt like the perfect fit because I love working with children and families. 

Where did you complete your training? 

Dr. Thakore: 

I completed an accelerated program at the University of Pennsylvania, where I earned my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. After dental school, I completed my pediatric dentistry residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where I received specialized training in caring for children of all ages, including those with special healthcare needs. 

What is your approach to caring for children? 

Dr. Thakore: 

My goal is to make every visit positive, comfortable, and stress-free. I focus on building trust and helping children feel confident in the dental chair. Positive experiences early in life can make a big difference in a child's long-term oral health. 

How do you help children who feel nervous about visiting the dentist? 

Dr. Thakore: 

Every child is different, so I take the time to meet them where they are. We use gentle behavior guidance techniques, explain things in kid-friendly ways, and move at a pace that helps children feel comfortable. Sometimes a little patience and encouragement go a long way. 

What do you enjoy most about pediatric dentistry? 

Dr. Thakore: 

I enjoy building relationships with families and watching children grow over the years. It's rewarding to see kids become more comfortable and confident at each visit while developing healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. 

Are you board certified?

Dr. Thakore: 

I am currently working toward board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. 

What do you enjoy doing outside the office? 

Dr. Thakore: 

I enjoy playing tennis and pickleball, exploring new restaurants, and spending time discovering Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. And if ice cream is involved, even better, especially Graeter's raspberry chocolate chip! 

What would you like local families to know? 

Dr. Thakore: 

I'm excited to be part of the Union community and look forward to caring for local families. My goal is to make every child feel comfortable, supported, and proud of their smile. 

Ready to Meet Dr. Thakore? 

If you're looking for a pediatric dentist in Union, KY who combines advanced training with a caring, child-focused approach, we'd love for you to meet Dr. Thakore. 

Schedule an appointment with Union Pediatric Dentistry today and discover why so many families trust us to help their children achieve Grand Slam Smiles. 

A Grand Slam Addition to Our Team

The roster just got even stronger at Union Pediatric Dentistry!

We're excited to welcome Dr. Chintan Thakore, our newest pediatric dentist serving families in Union, KY and throughout Northern Kentucky. With advanced training, a gentle approach, and a genuine passion for helping children feel comfortable at the dentist, Dr. Thakore is ready to help young patients achieve home runs smiles. 

Inspired by a Family Tradition

For Dr. Thakore, dentistry has always felt like home.

Growing up in New Jersey, he watched his mother build meaningful relationships with patients and make a positive difference in their lives every day. Seeing the trust families placed in her inspired him to follow in her path.

Today, that same passion drives him to create positive dental experiences for children and help families feel confident about their child's oral health journey.

A Strong Educational Lineup

Dr. Thakore completed an accelerated 7-year undergraduate and dental program at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

During dental school, he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, a distinction that recognizes outstanding academic achievement and dedication to the dental profession.

He then completed his pediatric dentistry residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, one of the nation's leading children's hospitals. 

Specialized Training for Growing Smiles

As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Thakore has received advanced training in caring for children at every stage of development, including:

• Infant and toddler dental care
• Preventive dentistry
• Behavior guidance techniques
• Special healthcare needs dentistry
• Growth and development monitoring

His goal is simple: help children feel safe, supported, and successful during every visit.

Making Dental Visits Fun, Comfortable & Positive

At Union Pediatric Dentistry, we know that a child's early dental experiences can shape the way they feel about oral health for years to come.

That's why Dr. Thakore focuses on building trust, encouraging confidence, and helping every child feel like an MVP. Whether it's a first dental visit or routine preventive care, he takes the time to connect with both children and parents to create a positive experience from start to finish.

Committed to Providing Exceptional Care

Dr. Thakore is currently pursuing board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and providing the highest level of pediatric dental care. 

Now Welcoming New Patients in Union, KY

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Thakore to Union Pediatric Dentistry's All-Star lineup alongside Dr. Jennison and Dr. Britt. Together, our team is committed to helping every child enjoy a positive dental experience and a healthy smile.

Whether your child is due for a checkup, their first dental visit, or ongoing preventive care, our All-Star Team is ready to help them achieve a Grand Slam Smile.

Ready to meet Dr. Thakore? 

Contact us today or click here to schedule an appointment online.

A Heartwarming New Story to Help Kids Feel Confident at the Dentist

We’re thrilled to announce the release of Lizzie’s Big Day, a brand-new children’s book written by our very own Dr. Kaitlin Jennison! This uplifting story helps kids build confidence during their dental visit while learning what to expect at their first dental visit.

If your child ever feels nervous about going to the dentist, this book can help turn uncertainty into excitement.

What Lizzie’s Big Day Is All About

Follow Lizzie, a determined little girl preparing for her big dental appointment. Like many kids, she feels a little unsure, but with courage, curiosity, and encouragement, she discovers that she’s braver than she thinks.

Kids will learn:

• Fun and surprising tooth facts
• Healthy brushing habits and tips
• That it’s okay to be nervous, and that courage grows when we try new things
• That dental visits can be a positive and confidence-boosting experience

Lizzie’s Big Day turns the dentist into an adventure that inspires bravery and pride.

About the Author — Dr. J, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

The book is written by Dr. Kaitlin Jennison, a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to making dental visits fun, educational, and stress-free for families.

This is her second children’s book, following A Sugar Bugs Delight, a creative approach to teaching kids about cavities and oral health.

Why We Love This Book at Union Pediatric Dentistry

At Union Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in empowering children through education and encouragement, and that’s exactly what Lizzie’s Big Day is all about.

Lizzie’s Big Day helps:

• Kids feel more prepared before a dental visit
• Reduce anxiety and uncertainty about dental appointments
• Build healthy lifelong smile habits
• Make learning about teeth fun and relatable

Bring Home Lizzie’s Big Day

Lizzie’s Big Day is perfect for:

• Bedtime reading
• School classrooms
• Dental-visit preparation
• Gift-giving for young readers

You can stop by the office to pick up your very own copy of Lizzie’s Big Day children’s book, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram  to stay in the know about upcoming book-signing and story-time events with Dr. J! If your school or daycare would like a special reading of Lizzie’s Big Day, click here to request a visit—we’d love to make it happen!

Is Thumb Sucking Bad?

Sucking is a natural reflex. Infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security during difficult periods. Since thumb-sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.

Most thumb-sucking that persists for long periods of time can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Sometimes, peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop.  Children should try to stop thumb-sucking by about age three to prevent flaring of their permanent teeth.

Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb-sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, consult with your pediatric dentist.

A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:

• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb-sucking.
• Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.
• Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.
• Consider using a sticker chart, or one of our coloring sheets to help encourage cessation of the habit.
• If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Sometimes, your pediatric dentist may recommend the use of a mouth appliance.

Visit our blog for more tips on how to help your child beat thumb-sucking and pacifiers.