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!

Picking The Perfect Dental Home for Your Child

We know that selecting the right primary doctor or dentist for your child can be a difficult and a very complicated process. So, how do you know who to choose, or how to go about selecting the right dentist for your children? Keep reading below for a few reasons why the best choice is to find a pediatric dentist to be your kids’ dental home.

Pediatric Dentists Make Office Visits Fun

Besides quality dental care, a pediatric dental office seeks to create a fun, inviting environment designed especially for children. At Union Pediatric Dentistry, we want every child who enters our office to leave with as positive of an experience as possible. Our fun, baseball themed office is designed with children in mind.  It's a great idea to look through the photos of our office before your first visit to help familiarize your child with the new environment. You can also check out our Instagram and Facebook to see how fun we are and for news about our office. It’s also a good place to read some of our patient reviews.

Trained to Care for Children

After dental school, pediatric dentist have an addition 2-3 years of special training to care for young children and adolescents. Our board certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Greenhill, Dr. Jennison, and Dr. Britt, have also completed additional certifications to ensure that you can rest easy knowing that we have had extensive training which has equipped us to care for your child.

Sensitive to Special Healthcare Needs

Our office offers a variety of dental treatments, while taking into account each child's specific needs. We have created a special sensory room, for those with special needs. Our office is trained to treat kids with specific healthcare needs. Call our office to speak with us about your different care needs.

Stress-Free First Visit

Most kids are often very nervous about any new experience. Especially a visit to see the dentist or a doctor for the first time. Pediatric dentists are equipped to deal with this! Your first visit to our office is designed to be a relaxed introduction to our office and all-star team of dentists. Be sure to explain to your child what to expect using positive terms. Also, let them know that you are going to meet some new people who want to help them grow up with a healthy smile!

From Toddler to Teen

Union Pediatric Dentistry provides dental care for children of all ages. From the first tooth to adolescence, we help your child develop healthy habits for a healthy smile. We provide education for you and your kids to create healthy brushing habits, understand the importance of flossing, and provide dietary tips to keep their mouth clean for years to come. We want every child to have a GRAND SLAM SMILE!

Give Us a Call

We would love the opportunity to become your child's dental home! Establishing a relationship with an office where your child feels comfortable from an early age is very important for long term dental health. Therefore, we recommend, in accordance with the recommendation of the American Pediatric Dental Association, that you begin to take your child to a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth emerging. If your child is already past age one and has not yet seen a dentist, that is okay, it's not too late to begin. Call our office to schedule an appointment.

One of our central goals is to help children have a more positive view of going to the dentist.  We feel that preventing and alleviating the fear associated with dental visits is important in encouraging future overall oral health.  Adults who are not afraid to go to the dentist are more likely to keep up with regular visits and be proactive in the care of their teeth.  We also believe that parents can play a vital role by working with us as a team.  Here are four steps you can take in helping your child not be afraid of the dentist.

Introduce your child to our practice outside of any procedure.

The first visit to your pediatric dentist should be relaxed and non-formal.  Starting early usually ensures that this visit can be more of a “meet and greet” and won’t involve any major procedures.

Avoid using negative words when talking about the dental visit.

As we mentioned in our previous post on finding a dental home, it’s important to stay away from words that connote fear.  Avoid saying things like drill, pain, hurt and shot.

Understand your own fear.

Recent studies have shown that a parent’s own fears of the dentist are transferred to your child.  Evaluate how much of your fears are substantiated.  Consider which conversations about your own dental care are appropriate for your child to hear.

Prepare for the dentist.

Make going to the dentist a truly fun event.   You can build excitement for the experience and plan a fun day that centers around the visit.Above all else, it’s important to stay positive.  Your child will sense your mood and will respond to it.

Teething can be an uncomfortable time for babies, with little gums experiencing tenderness and swelling as emerging teeth break through the surface.  In light of a recent FDA warning against using lidocaine for teething infants, we wanted to put together a few helpful tips for managing this sometimes-difficult time for your child.

Massage sore gums.

Gently rubbing your baby’s tender gums with a clean finger or soft cloth can help alleviate some teething pain.  Applying slight pressure to the gums offers temporary relief from soreness and is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make your child more comfortable.

Find a teething ring that your baby loves.

We recommend sticking to teething rings that are made of solid rubber because those filled with liquid can sometimes break.  Experiment with different types or sizes until your baby shows you which one he or she clearly prefers.

Stay cool, but not frozen.

While it’s fairly common to give babies cold washcloths or teething rings that have been in the freezer, it's best to use one that is simply cold.  Your baby’s gums are very sensitive and contact with frozen objects could actually harm them.  If you do use a frozen teething ring, you might consider giving it a few minutes to warm up or unthaw.

Consider cold foods.

If your baby is beginning to eat solid foods, you may try offering large chunks of vegetables for gnawing.  It’s important to always carefully watch your baby and remember that choking can occur easily, with babies being able to bite off small pieces.  A good solution is mesh feeders that allow children to taste foods without the fear of choking.

Keep a clean cloth nearby.

Teething often causes excessive drooling which can irritate your baby’s chin and neck if consistently left to dry. Instead, have a soft cloth handy to gently dab away saliva regularly.

Remember that teething isn’t sickness.

Teething is normal and natural that shouldn’t be accompanied by symptoms of illness outside of an occasional mild or low-grade temperature (under 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius).  Your baby may be irritable or fussy during teething, but high fevers are caused by viral infections and not teething.  Contact your pediatrician if you sense your child may be getting ill.

Don’t forget to establish a Dental Home.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by age one or at the emergence of the first tooth, whichever comes first.  If your child is teething, and you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office!