We are please to introduce you to SouthOC native Dr. Palmer, the lovely Mom behind Palm Dentistry in Mission Viejo. This Mom of 2 decided early on that she had a calling for dentistry. She loves the creativity and artistry that goes into creating beautiful smiles and the social aspect of forming meaningful relationships with patients. When she isn’t in the dental office, you can find her enjoying music classes with her kids or on the golf course with her husband. Read on to learn about the great tips she has for us Moms, when it comes to preparing our children for their dental visits. What makes Palm Dentistry stand out amongst the rest and how this busy Mamma manages a healthy work life balance.
Can you please share a bit about your family and why you have chosen to raise them in Orange County?
Orange County is home for me! I always imagined raising a family here with the beautiful beaches, perfect weather, impressive people and great schools. I grew up in Newport Beach and attended Newport Harbor High School and my whole family is happy to have us so close. My husband, Dr Nehi Ogbevoen was my dental school sweetheart. We met at USC School of Dentistry and while I was passionate about general family and cosmetic dentistry, he went on to study orthodontics and became a partner at Barkate |Nehi Orthodontics in Orange County. My practice Palm Dentistry is in Mission Viejo and easy to connect to Dr “Palmer” with a modern beach theme throughout the dental practice. We have two sweet little girls Capri (2.5) named after the breathtaking island and London (1) named after the city her dad was born in. Their infectious smiles, bright personalities and big bow matching style make us the happiest parents.
When did you know that you wanted to be a dentist?
I was studying Business at Southern Methodist University, SMU, when my friend’s mom recommended dentistry as an incredible career for a woman and especially a mom forming a beautiful balance of work
and family. I loved the creativity and artistry that goes into creating beautiful, healthy smiles and the social aspect of forming meaningful relationships with my patients and our team.
Why did you choose to come back to Orange County to practice dentistry?
I had an amazing opportunity to buy the dental office that first sparked my love for dentistry when I was a dental assistant over a decade ago. Dr Phyllis Schaub has the most loyal and friendly patients because
of how well she treated everyone and my goal is to continue her legacy and create a dental home for patients for years to come. I love what I do and I can’t wait to share this passion with the next generation of young women including my daughters who love to come to the office and help “Mommy work on Teeth”
Tell us more about what type of dentistry you practice? And what makes yours different?
Palm Dentistry is a family dental practice for comprehensive patient centered care. We offer the most advanced technologies in a friendly and welcoming environment to make everyone feel cared for and comfortable. Minimally invasive dentistry is my passion and materials allow me to create very esthetic results to improve the health and beauty of natural teeth. I’m a perfectionist and have an eye for detail so cosmetic cases are a really fun creative outlet for me and seeing the dramatic changes a beautiful smile can make for someone is extremely rewarding.
What would be the one tip you would give us Moms to help us prepare our children for dental visits?
Make it fun! There is nothing to be scared of on these initial visits. The main purpose is to get the child comfortable to going to the dentist and to screen for cavities and abnormalities in oral development. It’s definitely best to prepare your kids for what will happen when we go to the dentist’s office. Good wording would be “you get to sit in the big chair that moves up and down like a ride, you open wide like a lion and they will clean your teeth like Mommy does at home to make them extra sparkly, the tools may make some noise and tickle a little bit, and then you get to pick out a special prize.” Don’t let your own fears or discomfort around the dentist show to your children. Things are constantly evolving and improving in dentistry to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. We love seeing kids at Palm Dentistry to establish healthy routines for a lifetime of healthy teeth and happy smiles!
Teeth Tips (addressing the most frequently asked questions from other moms):
1. Baby’s first dental visit should be by the age of 1 or with the eruption of their first tooth because Prevention is Key!
2. Brush TWO times a day with a small soft bristle toothbrush and use a rice size smear of Fluoride toothpaste for optimal prevention of childhood cavities
3. Cavities are usually pretty obvious on children’s teeth, they are dark brown areas in between or on the chewing surface of teeth. If you notice discoloration at home, bring them in to see a dentist asap.
4. A healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks is best for teeth too
5. Pacifiers are a great soothing tool for babies, however, it is recommended to end pacifier use before 3 years old because it can negatively impact the palate form and function for breathing and eating.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
My work schedule makes it easy to separate long focused work days from family days. I’m lucky to get to enjoy some Mommy and Me time and activities like Magic Steps Studios music class to play and bond
with my kids. One thing I had to get used to was accepting help! I have the most amazing people around me who all contribute and allow me to be the best dentist and mom.
What is your favorite thing to do or place to go with your family in Orange County?
Nehi and I love to golf and we have been bringing the girls out on the course at Mission Viejo Country Club in the afternoons. They love riding in the golf cart and exploring the outdoors as a family. And Balboa Island is our favorite place for walks, dinners, frozen bananas and the girls love the little beaches on the bay.
Where is your favorite date night spot with your husband?
Nothing beats R+D Kitchen in Fashion Island. If you haven’t tried their chicken sandwich, you are missing out!
What is your favorite recipe to cook at home?
Maybe it’s my Italian roots, but we love making Chicken Parmesan and pasta with vodka sauce. The whole family now enjoys this savory meal.
How can local families find you and your dental practice?
Our website www.PalmDentistryOC.com is the best way to learn more about our dental practice. You can even view our available appointment times and book a new patient visit online.
For more teeth tips, follow me on Instagram @palmdentistry
For family fun TikToks featuring Capri and London visit my husbands Instagram @smilesbynehi
I would love the chance to get to know more OC moms and welcome your families to our practice!
