After years of planning, Light Dental Studios’ Puyallup location is ready for their grand reveal of Featherland Forest. Over six years ago, Lumi the Tooth Fairy began making appearances around the South Sound promoting good oral hygiene. The reception to Lumi was so amazing she inspired a book. Now a perfect replica of her home from the book will be on display for kids to play in before and after their dental appointments.
Light Dental Studios, a privately-owned company with 30 locations throughout the Puget Sound, is breaking the mold of traditional dentistry by tackling our fear of the dentist head on when that fear first starts to form in our heads … during our childhood.
“Our goal is to change people’s thoughts about going to the dentist, especially the little ones,” said Katie Hogan of Light Dental Studios. “We want it to feel like going to Disneyland where kids get immersed in the fun and then are excited to come to the dentist every six months.”
Visitors to Featherland Forest will see Sugar Bug Grotto, where bugs try to talk kids into eating more candy and not brushing. But a visit to Lumi’s Cottage will show them that it’s better to brush and floss, plus when you lose a tooth, you get a special coin to help plant a Floss Tree. Lumi makes appearances throughout the day, with the help of kids using their coins.
Hogan, who plays Lumi the Tooth Fairy, knows the process is working because she is recognized when she goes out and about in the community sans costume. “Kids come up to me and are excited to tell me about taking care of their teeth.” She encourages kids to write to her, and she always writes back. “Kids can practice their writing and then they get the thrill of receiving a letter back in the mail.” The Lumi Book is also a passport where kids collect stickers of every dental visit marking milestones in their dental journey.
Getting children excited about the dentist, plus reading and writing, is all in a day’s work at Light Dental Studios.
Light Dental Studios
lightdentalstudios.com
BY LYNN CASTLE