Meet Laila
When things come together and collaboration happens, it truly is magic. This was the case for recent Kids In Need of Dentistry (KIND) patient, 7-year-old, Laila R.
Laila, a beautiful, playful, second-grader – likes to draw and joke around ALOT.
However, the fun had stopped for this outgoing little girl when her dental issues started causing anguish. Her discomfort had even gotten in the way of basic functions like eating.
“She is so funny,” says mom, Janelle. However, the fun had stopped for this outgoing little girl when her dental issues started causing anguish. Her discomfort had even gotten in the way of basic functions like eating.
However, the fun had stopped for this outgoing little girl when her dental issues started causing anguish. Her discomfort had even gotten in the way of basic functions like eating.
Her love of art was evident when she entered KIND volunteer dentist, Dr. Lisa Phillips’ Hope Pediatric Dentistry clinic with several handmade cards for the staff. The drawings masked an extreme sense of fear as Laila was in agony and did not want to even open her mouth.
“Laila’s situation was causing her pain and difficulty with chewing as she had multiple abscesses,” said volunteer dentist Dr. Lisa, “the surgery helped with her dental anxiety and to build some trust with dentists. She woke up well and happy and Laila is now disease-free in her oral cavity.”
The Mission of Health Equity
Dr. Lisa’s perspective aligns perfectly with KIND’s mission of improving perceptions of dental care. Children can often experience fearful behaviors when visiting the dentist and KIND’s team works to break through this and encourage oral health which ultimately has a huge impact on a child’s overall health and well-being.
Stepping up for a little girl
Laila’s procedure took two hours and she ended up needing two crowns and pulpotomies (similar to a root canal), six extractions, and four sealants.
Knowing Laila initially needed more resources than the KIND clinic had in-house, KIND dentist Dr. Les Maes sprang into action to bring the dental community together to help: both volunteer pediatric dentist, Dr. Lisa and volunteer anesthesiologist Dr. Rebecca Rees of CarePoint Anesthesia stepped up to lend their support and within minutes a plan was formed. Just a few days later Laila was smiling and pain-free again.
Dr. Lisa and Dr. Rees didn’t hesitate for a second and said it would be their honor to help the little girl who loves science. The care Laila received was valued at over $3,300. Mom Janelle was employed, but did not have dental insurance and didn’t make enough to pay for dental care. She was also just a smidge over the requirement to be considered for Medicaid. This put the devoted mother in a tough spot. And this is where KIND stepped in and answered the call.
Both Dr. Lisa and Dr. Rees are members of KIND’s network of health equity warriors who volunteer to provide services throughout the year. KIND is a 108-year-old dental nonprofit that works with community dentists to provide care for patients. KIND serves children in need regardless of ability to pay and delivers high-quality, culturally competent dental care and education.
continuing hope
Dr. Lisa’s Hope Pediatric Dentistry in Westminster gets its name from a traumatic experience Dr. Lisa navigated previously in 2014. Dr. Lisa’s husband, Cody had contracted a virus back then that was very similar to COVID-19. It attacked his immune system and saw him struggling in the hospital for 21 days. Eventually, his organs went back to normal size, but a very pregnant and very terrified Lisa said, “he’d comment that as soon as he saw me and my smile in the hospital, he would have hope.” With no baby nursery ready and during the Christmas holiday, the family fought on and was elated to eventually welcome their new baby daughter who appropriately has the middle name, Hope.
The pandemic and recent COVID situation have really hit home for this powerhouse, which is heavily involved in her community. She knew she wanted to continue this theme when Hope Pediatric opened its doors in July and mid-pandemic, “I want to offer a feeling of trust and I know that can be hard with little ones.”
Dr. Lisa certainly has the magic touch as many that have grown up with her as patients come back to visit from college.
Dr. Lisa said the best part of helping Laila was that she “brought us pictures she drew and gave us hugs as a thank you.”
“This help was so amazing,” said Janelle with voice shaking, “she has so much more pride now, that’s for sure.”
Keep Supporting Hope
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Simply put…treatment and prevention are key and your support is what makes this critical care possible.
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