Say hello to Dr. Sophie Baird of Pima Pediatric Dentistry in Tucson, Arizona! Dr. Sophie is a pediatric dentist who specializes in behavioral management for children and finding ways to make each visit to the dentist a comfortable experience for kids and caregivers.
Dr. Sophie grew up in the Ivory Coast, West Africa and Nice, France so she’s fluent in French, English, and Spanish. In 1999 she moved to the United States and double majored in biochemistry and molecular biology. She then went on to the University of Texas School of Dentistry and graduated with her D.D.S. Because of her passion for helping children Dr. Sophie then completed a two-year specialty program in pediatric dentistry at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center. Dr. Sophie now lives in Tucson with her husband Bruce and daughter Jemma.
What made you decide to become a dentist?
The mixture of medical and artistic aspects of dentistry.
Do you floss as much as you recommend?
Absolutely!
What is your favorite flavor toothpaste?
It’s a tie between mint and candy apple.
Electric or manual toothbrush?
Electric, 100%
Which celebrity do you think has the best smile and why?
Julie Roberts – it’s all I can see.
If you could tell your patients to stop doing one thing, what would it be?
To my teenagers—stop drinking soda. To my toddlers—stop saying “NO” to mom and dad when they want to brush your teeth.
What’s the best thing about being a Delta Dental dentist?
Enjoying the numerous amount of delightful families I get to work with.
What is your favorite dentist joke?
If a kid has 25 candy bars and he eats 22 of them, what does he have? Cavities.
What are three things that always make you smile?
A smile, a baby, and a chocolate fruit tart!
You have a passion for helping children and their caregivers get on the right track with good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Why is it so important to educate children about oral health?
It really eases the child’s journey into the challenges of dentistry.
What’s a good tip you can offer parents or caregivers to help them make their kiddos feel comfortable before visiting the dentist?
Play dentist at home and brush with your kids as much as possible.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month—what are your best tips for getting kids to brush and floss like they should?
- Get a toothpaste with a flavor they like.
- Download a brushing app.
- Get two toothbrushes—one for the independent child and one for the parents to go over their independent child’s work.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring with you?
Plantain chips, water, and a toothbrush.
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