The Sunnyside Story
Sunnyside Pediatric Dentistry in San Rafael, CA was founded by Dr. Sophie Taylor. After a top to bottom renovation, including the addition state of the art technology and equipment, we opened our doors in the fall of 2016. Since then we have been steadily growing our patient base, and continue to welcome new families looking to establish this dental home with us. To learn more about the history of Sunnyside, we sat down with Dr. Sophie to ask her some questions.
Why did you decide to specialize in dental care for kids and teens?
I’ve always loved working with younger people. Even back when I started dental school, I had a suspicion that pediatric dentistry was going to be the direction for me. After going through my training in general dentistry, I spent three years as a family practice dentist in the East Bay, providing comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. During this time I was continuously drawn to my pediatric patients and came realize I would be happiest focusing 100% of my energy caring for kids and teens.
Focusing my practice on the care of children and teens provides me with the opportunity to help my patients start off on the right food when it comes to their lifelong oral health. Baby teeth are very important, and learning to care for them properly from the beginning promotes lifelong oral health. Often, children with poor oral health are also at higher risk of poor general health. When it comes down to it working with, infants, kids and teens is what gets me excited to go to work every day is educating my patients and their families on how to develop positive snacking and oral hygiene habits.
Focusing my practice on the care of children and teens provides me with the opportunity to help my patients start off on the right food when it comes to their lifelong oral health. Baby teeth are very important, and learning to care for them properly from the beginning promotes lifelong oral health. Often, children with poor oral health are also at higher risk of poor general health. When it comes down to it working with, infants, kids and teens is what gets me excited to go to work every day is educating my patients and their families on how to develop positive snacking and oral hygiene habits.
What training did you complete to specialize in pediatrics?
My general dentistry training provided me with only a small glimpse of the world of pediatric dentistry. My first year of post-doctoral training was at the St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation center on Long Island where we cared for medically, socially, and dentally complex patients of all ages. I then followed that program with two years training as a pediatric specialist the NYU/Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn NY before coming back to the Bay Area to open my own practice.
What inspired you to open your own pediatric dentist office?
When I was 20 years old, I got my first job in the dental field as an assistant to an Endodontist (a root canal specialist) in La Jolla CA. This was a relatively new practice and watching the owner grow his office not only reinforced my desire to become a dentist myself, but planted a seed in me that one day I wanted to have my own practice. Through this experience, I knew that with a lot of hard work and dedication, it would possible and I am so excited to be in that phase of my life. Establishing my own office is a very personal experience, and is my chance to create a very special and unique place that will be like a second home to me for the rest of my life
Why did you pick the name Sunnyside?
Naming the office felt like naming my child - it was very important that the name reflected the environment and philosophy that I wanted to create, one that is happy, friendly, and welcoming especially to our young patients. I feel that Sunnyside reflects my belief that all children deserve the opportunity for a great patient experience
What makes Sunnyside different from other dental offices?
I wanted to create a small, personal dental home experience for my patients and their families. What that means is that I do the majority of the work on each patient myself. This helps build a relationship between me and the patient, establishing confidence, cooperation, and trust. Because no two children are exactly alike, it's really important to me to take the time to get to know each individual child so I can best connect with them in a meaningful and productive way.
As part of creating a positive experience, I'm not looking to complete as many procedures as possible in a single visit. Instead, I make a plan based on each child's needs. This can sometimes result in multiple visits to complete the necessary treatments, which we provide at no additional cost.
As part of creating a positive experience, I'm not looking to complete as many procedures as possible in a single visit. Instead, I make a plan based on each child's needs. This can sometimes result in multiple visits to complete the necessary treatments, which we provide at no additional cost.
What drew you to Marin as the place for your practice?
As a native Californian, I always knew that I was going to come back to the Bay Area. I spent a long time searching for just the right community in which to open my practice. The parents in Marin value the total patient experience, and I knew would appreciate my compassionate and personalized approach to preventive dental care. When I found my office space on the corner of 5th st and H ave in West San Rafael, CA I knew it would be the right fit for Sunnyside.
Want to know more? Read about our practice philosophy here, learn more about Dr. Sophie here, or take a virtual tour of our office here.
Ready to make an appointment? Call us today at 415-785-3445!
Ready to make an appointment? Call us today at 415-785-3445!