Alumnus brings joy to dentistry
Colorful Love Sacs, exercise balls and ornamental butterflies adorn the interior of Dr. Doug’s Pediatric dentistry. Purple, pink, blue and green colors welcome patients as soon as they enter the building.
Some children do not look forward to visits to the dentist’s office. They might imagine a sterile environment, drab colors and a sore mouth. But at Dr. Doug’s, kids can get their teeth cleaned and have a fun, comforting experience.
Dr. K. Douglas Fryer, DDS, MS, opened his office almost eight years ago after a few years of private practice work in Ohio, where he earned his doctorate at Ohio State University. He also worked in offices in Utah.
A USU graduate, Fryer said he grew up in Utah and met his wife Melody during his undergraduate studies.
“We are True Aggies,” he said.
After completing his residency and working as an associate professor at the OSU, Fryer said he and Melody decided to return to Cache Valley in part because they loved their collegiate careers at USU. He said he ran track doing the 400-meter and 400 hurdles and remains a track fan.
From his previous work in private practices, Fryer said he became very aware of the uninviting and sterile environment of many offices.
“I think the environment plays a huge part in how well they do and how they come to think of the dentist,” he said. “We do hard things that aren’t always the most pleasant. We try to keep things positive so when kids get older, they will be less nervous and more inclined to have regular dentist visits.”
Fryer said when he and his wife first decided to open the office, they had a design in mind that would be warm and comforting where the kids could feel at ease.
“So it’s not such a cold and sterile feeling,” he said.
He said they chose colors that are fun and pleasant rather than bright and stark.
“There are a lot of different shapes and designs,” Fryer said. “Even the windows on the doors are different colors. We have circular windows that we can see in and out of. The windows help the office feel less confined.”
“We also have TV’s on the ceiling so the kids can watch TV and we play children’s music,” he said. “Parents often ask if they mind listening to that kind of music all day, every day. But, for the most part, they almost don’t hear it anymore.”
In addition to the decorations and color scheme, the office has an employee who stays out in the front lobby to interact with the children and help out.
“We have kids bring their siblings, so parents don’t necessarily have to have a babysitter,” Fryer said. “They keep the kids at ease so there isn’t a whole lot of anticipation. They go out and interact with them and then invite them in where they do cleanings and other procedures.”
According to drdougsmallsmiles.com, there are several different procedures offered. From regular six-month checkups and cleanings to sedation dentistry, Fryer said they like to make the experience a fun and positive one for the children.
“Extra special care is given to small chi
ldren in order to perform a thorough check up and toothbrush cleaning,” the site states.
Oral sedation dentistry – regular dental care with light sedation – includes a personal helper who is assigned to help the patients through the process.
Fryer gives dental advice for children and their parents via appointments and on the website. He said parents should brush their toddlers teeth at least twice a day and begin flossing when their teeth start to touch each other.
Some parents aren’t sure when to take their children to their first dental appointment. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should take their children in for a check up sometime between the time their first tooth grows in and their first birthday.
“Dentistry for kids has come a long way,” he said. “Kids don’t need to be nervous and have the same anxiety their parents might have.”
– natashabodily@gmail.com