Name and Title:
Rona Salomon, DDS
Company:
Pediatric Dentists NYC, PC
Contact info:
Office ph.: (212) 995-8888, website: www.pediatricdentistsnyc.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I have been practicing since September 2016 but our office has been providing high quality dental care to NYC kids for over 35 years! I completed my specialty training in Pediatric dentistry at Columbia University in July 2016, following graduating from NYU College of Dentistry in 2014.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I have always gravitated towards working with children but in my 2nd year of dental school, it became clear to me that Pediatric Dentistry was the specialty for me. I became involved in an outreach that provided dental care for under privileged children in Grenada. This proved to be one of the most rewarding and proudest moments of my dental career. The children of Grenada left a lasting impression on me that helped confirm my aspirations to becoming a pediatric dentist.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
So many things! First of all, our top priority is to provide comprehensive pediatric dental care in a pleasant and compassionate environment. We practice conservative dentistry, which means that we never over treat patients. We focus on the needs of each individual child, and we never say, “This is how we do things.” Every child is unique and in turn has different needs and levels of cooperation. We do not practice sedation, so all of our treatment is done in our office, and parents are always in the room.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Undoubtedly, getting to hang out with kids all day. Kids are fun, they’re intuitive, they’re honest- sometimes brutally honest. They really bring a joy to my work everyday.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
I’m a huge frozen yogurt addict and my ultimate favorite is 40 Carrots in Bloomingdales. But what most people don’t know is that there is a place on the Upper East Side that also sells the exact same brand. Butterfield Market is my secret spot for fro-yo when I want to avoid the crowds at Bloomies!
How do you benefit mamas?
I help put Moms at ease when they are worried about making the right choice when it comes to healthcare for their children. Our practice’s optimal goal is make the child comfortable and make sure the child leaves having a positive experience. So that means no forceful treatment, gentle and friendly bedside manner, lots of lollipops (sugar-free of course!), and tons of prizes and toys. As a mom, I know that taking your child to any doctor’s appointment can be nerve-wracking and there is nothing better than feeling confident that your child is in good hands.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
I often hear from parents that “this is NOT how the dentist was back when I was a kid.” We know that a dental visit can be stressful for a child (and even for an adult!) so we try to make it fun. The best thing I have ever heard from a patient’s Mom is that he has been counting down the days until his next dental check up. Can’t beat a compliment like that.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Well, first and foremost, my mentor and boss, Lois Jackson because she is such an amazing role model. She is not only a trailblazer for women dental professionals but she has also pioneered some of the dental procedures that are the foundation for what is now known as conservative dentistry. I am so grateful to learn from her every day.
Dr. Ilana Stollow is one of my former co-residents from our specialty training program at Columbia University. I learned a lot from her and respect her tremendously- she is a pediatric dentist practicing in Paramus, New Jersey.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
My dad always taught me that there is a reason to smile in everything- you just have to find it. I think it’s important to look for humor in even the darkest of moments. Sometimes when you’re having a bad day, even just a small chuckle can put everything in perspective.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
When it comes to mommy hood, I strongly believe in“happy mommy = happy baby.” I am no stranger to asking for help and I have learned that it often results in being a better parent to my daughter. So by asking for a hand, I am able to accomplish more and shave the time it would have taken for me to try (and often fail) to juggle 10 things at once.
Oh, and brushing teeth in the bath! Cuts down the need to enter the bathroom twice, which can mean everything at bedtime.