Having just realised his dream of getting to live, work and volunteer in Southeast Asia, DR JOEL COOPER, a dentist trained in the USA in paediatric dentistry and orthodontics has a lot to smile about. Dr Joel likes to stress the importance of getting in early for dental and orthodontic checks.
In line with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Dr Joel, recommends a first routine check at six months old, or when the first few primary teeth erupt. “This is a great time to talk with the parents about establishing home care techniques, and to educate the family on hygiene techniques for the toddler. It’s also an opportunity to discuss pacifier use and avoidance of sleep-time bottle use; anything other than water is a no-no due to sugar content!” he says.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. Even though at that age kids still have many baby teeth, certain permanent teeth should have come through already. An orthodontist can begin to detect problems such as crowding, or bite issues that can interfere with the child’s growth and development.
Over the course of his career, Joel has taught at several US universities, practiced in Tennessee and South Carolina for over 20 years, and worked in native villages in Alaska. In Singapore, he’s based at the Expat Dental clinic at #11-04, Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive. Phone +65 6250 0048
