Dr. Naomi | Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have one… his name is London and he is 4 months old. He has already stolen my whole heart and completely changed my world in the best way.
What brought you and your family to town?
After completing my pediatric dental residency in NYC, my first job landed me in Connecticut and I immediately fell in love with the area. When I came across Darien, I just knew that this was the community I wanted to be part of. There was something about its warmth and energy that felt like home right away. While my family and I still live in NYC, we are making the steps to move here very soon ��
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
There are so many to choose from! From the moment I opened the doors of Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry, the community was incredibly welcoming. Darien genuinely cares about the families within it. The people are so open to connecting and bringing you into their lives. I love seeing our lil’ patients creating memories around town because this community keeps offering the most wonderful experiences for them. It never gets old.
What’s your favorite family activity in the area?
Summer beach evenings followed by Gofer ice cream. It is simple, it is perfect, and honestly it is hard to beat!
Tell us about your career. Where did your interest in dentistry begin and how did you decide to specialize in pediatrics?
It all started with my own dentist growing up in the Poconos. He made every visit so fun and easy that I actually looked forward to going. But when I left the Poconos and started seriously exploring dentistry as a career, I realized that my experience was far from the norm for most kids. That realization hit me hard and that is when I knew I wanted to give every child that same feeling I had growing up.
As for specializing in pediatrics, my mom is a pediatrician so I quite literally grew up surrounded by kids my entire life. When I got to dental school and did immersion programs with children and special needs families, I discovered a true passion for making the dental experience wonderful for them. That sealed it for me and I knew pediatric dentistry was exactly where I was meant to be.
Can you tell us more about your path to opening your own practice, Lil’ Dente?
After my residency I joined existing practices, but none of them really came through on creating the kind of experience that could truly transform how kids feel about the dentist. I tried to implement changes but it was difficult to do that within an established practice. So I decided to build exactly what I couldn’t find, which is a place designed from the ground up around the child’s experience. I opened Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry in February 2023 and I haven’t looked back since.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Really seeing the change in a child over time. Sometimes it happens in just one visit. Sometimes it takes working through a procedure together, or building trust across several appointments. But when you collaborate with the parents, the therapists and everyone else on a child’s team and work toward a goal together…the transformation you witness is truly wonderful. Knowing that I can help little ones grow up without the fear of the dentist that so many adults tell me they experienced? That is the best feeling in the world.
When working with families, what’s the one thing you hear most often from them?
That they are so happy they became part of the Lil’ Dente family. Parents tell me they loved the experience from the very first phone call, the ease of texting us, the clarity around insurance, the beautiful and fun office environment, and most importantly, leaving knowing that we are genuinely on their side. It will always make me smile when I hear that. Always.
Do you have advice for anyone considering a career in dentistry?
Yes! Talk to younger dentists who have been practicing for fewer than five years. They will give you the most current and real picture of what the field looks like today. Dentistry evolves so much and you want to go in with clear eyes. Also, shadow! We love when someone reaches out because they think dentistry might be their calling. Do not be shy about expressing that interest. Most of us are happy to welcome you in.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Go with the flow. As a dentist it is very easy to be Type A about everything… and I am! But London is his own little human with his own quirks and traits that he needs to lean into himself. I cannot control all of that, and the best thing I can do for him (and honestly for myself) is to let him be exactly who he is and show up to support him in that.
How do you create a balance between work and motherhood?
I am still learning, honestly! There are moments when work needs me and London has his own agenda and both feel urgent at the same time. London was born 6 weeks weeks early, had fetal growth restriction and was in the NICU for some time. So every time he needed me felt incredibly important. But becoming a mom has taught me to use my time so much more efficiently. When I do get a window to work, I get more done than I ever did before. I have also put a hard stop on work after a certain time each evening so I can be fully present. It is a work in progress and I think it always will be and I have made peace with that.
Any words of wisdom?
As a parent to a parent,, you’ve got this, and there is no one right path to any part of this journey. All of us have unique little ones and all we can do is show up for them exactly as they are.
As a pediatric dentist here in Darien, I would say: always feel free to chat with your child’s dentist if you have any concerns, and remember that every kiddo moves at their own pace. We are here for you and on your side to make sure your lil’ one has the best, healthiest smile possible.
Anything you’d like to add?
I’m so grateful for the Darien community for trusting me and my team with their kiddos. Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry is my heart and soul. My goal is simple: to make sure your child receives the best care AND the best experience while getting that care. We have been intentional about every detail, from your very first phone call to the moment you walk through our doors, to make sure you as a parent feel completely comfortable. For your child, I designed the space to be warm, inviting and calming and not overstimulating so it feels like a safe place for them. We love partnering with families to make every lil’ one the rockstar that they are. We would truly love to have you as part of the Lil’ Dente family. ��
We Love Supporting Local Businesses!
Favorite dinner spot (with or without kids): Roots Steakhouse and Restaurant L’Ostal
Favorite place to grab a drink with friends: NYC for this one! St. Jardim, Hotel Chelsea Bar, Swans Room and Dante Aperitivo are my current favorites.
Favorite date night: Restaurant L’Ostal..it is the perfect spot. My husband and I came here to celebrate when I first found out I was pregnant!
Favorite family activity indoors/outdoors: Summer beach evenings capped off with Gofer ice cream. A Darien classic for a reason!
Favorite places to shop (for yourself or your kids): I have been really into vintage and secondhand shopping for London. I love finding unique kid brands or ones you don’t typically see here in the US. For myself, it’s been a bit of Zara mixed in with Bode, Brut Archives, Flore Flore, Doen..and so many more. I also hate shopping in person so you’ll see me do this all online ��
Spa/salon or anywhere you go to treat yourself: I head into NYC for all things beauty: Velour Medical and Spa and the Hotel Chelsea are my spots.
Favorite coffee: Caffe Nero. The whole team at Lil’ Dente is completely obsessed. It is a daily ritual at this point!
Hidden gems and local favorites: Skin by Sarah Medical! So many of the amazing moms in our practice go to her and absolutely rave. They always look incredible and I cannot wait to experience it for myself soon.
About Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry
Lil’ Dente Pediatric Dentistry is Darien’s pediatric dental home for your kiddo. It is a place built from the ground up to make every child’s dental experience not just comfortable, but genuinely wonderful. From your first call to your first visit, we are with you every step of the way. We accept major PPO’s and have an in-house membership program if you do not have dental insurance.
We are currently welcoming new patients and would love to meet your family!
�� Darien, CT �� www.lildente.com �� Follow us on Instagram: @lildentesmiles �� (203) 309-0312