Dr. Ammar Idlibi is a board-certified pediatric dentist, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Bristol, Connecticut. He owns and operates three thriving pediatric dental practices across the state, providing care to countless children and families. Known for his innovative approach, Dr. Idlibi has reimagined how pediatric dentistry can address not just oral health but the broader well-being of children. His work includes the development of a tooth-friendly sweet drink, community outreach programs, and parent-focused education initiatives that empower families to build healthy habits from an early age.
Dr. Idlibi’s journey is shaped by his passion for prevention, his entrepreneurial mindset, and his belief that every child deserves a healthy smile. As a father himself, he understands the daily challenges of parenting and brings both empathy and expertise to his work. In this exclusive Q&A, Dr. Idlibi shares his insights, experiences, and personal philosophy about pediatric dentistry, parenting, and innovation.
How did you become interested in pediatric dentistry?
It wasn’t something I planned from the start. I knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but dentistry fascinated me because of the combination of art and science. You’re solving problems and working with your hands, but you also get to connect with people and make a visible impact on their lives. Pediatric dentistry came into focus when I started to see how much fear and anxiety children—and their parents—often feel about dental visits. I wanted to change that dynamic. I thought, “What if we could make dental care something kids enjoy, not something they dread?” That became my mission.
What’s unique about your approach to pediatric dentistry?
I focus on prevention and education. To me, a successful visit isn’t just about fixing a cavity or cleaning teeth—it’s about equipping kids and their families with the tools and knowledge to prevent future problems. Early intervention is critical. We recommend that children see a dentist by their first birthday, not because we expect a lot of dental work at that age, but to build trust and start conversations about oral health.
The atmosphere in my practices is also very intentional. We’ve created environments that are colorful, welcoming, and kid-focused. We want children to feel comfortable, even excited, about their visits. At the same time, we work closely with parents. They’re the ones who spend every day teaching and modeling habits at home, so we see them as partners in their child’s oral health journey.
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How do you help parents build healthy habits for their children?
Consistency is key. I always tell parents that oral health doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily should be non-negotiable parts of the day, like getting dressed or going to bed. I encourage parents to make it fun—use songs, rewards, or apps to engage their kids.
It’s also important to model good habits. Kids are watching everything you do. If they see you brushing and flossing, they’re much more likely to follow suit. And, of course, we talk about nutrition. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can make a huge difference in preventing cavities. Water is always the best choice for hydration—and fluoridated water, if available, is an easy and effective way to protect their teeth.
You developed a tooth-friendly sweet drink. What inspired that idea?
It came from frustration. I saw so many children coming in with cavities caused by sugary drinks, and I thought, “Why isn’t there a better option?” Kids love sweet drinks, and parents want to give their children something they’ll actually enjoy—but the options on the market were doing more harm than good. So, I started working on a solution. The idea was to create something that tastes good but doesn’t feed the bacteria that cause cavities. It’s been a rewarding project, and it’s another way we can promote prevention in everyday life.
What are the biggest challenges parents face when it comes to their child’s oral health?
I think time and misinformation are the biggest challenges. Parents are busy, and it’s easy to let brushing and flossing slip when you’re juggling work, school, and other responsibilities. That’s why I emphasize making oral care part of the daily routine. Once it becomes a habit, it’s much easier to maintain.
There’s also a lot of conflicting information out there, especially on the internet. Parents might see advice about avoiding fluoride or think that baby teeth aren’t important because they’ll fall out anyway. I spend a lot of time clearing up these misconceptions. For example, fluoride is safe and incredibly effective at preventing cavities. And baby teeth matter because they set the stage for permanent teeth and overall oral health.
As a father, how does your parenting experience influence your work?
Being a parent gives me perspective and empathy. I know how hard it can be to get a toddler to sit still for two minutes to brush their teeth. I also know that every child is different—what works for one might not work for another. That’s why I try to offer practical, flexible advice that parents can adapt to their own routines.
It also deepens my commitment to what I do. When I look at the children in my practice, I see them through the lens of a parent. I want the best for them, just as I want the best for my own kids. It motivates me to keep improving, keep innovating, and keep advocating for better oral health care.
What role does community play in your work?
Community is everything. Oral health is a public health issue, and there are so many children and families who don’t have access to the care they need. That’s why I work with schools and local organizations to provide free dental care and education. It’s about leveling the playing field. Every child deserves a healthy smile, regardless of their circumstances.
I also believe in the power of education to create change. When we teach kids and parents about oral health, we’re not just fixing individual problems—we’re building healthier communities. It’s a ripple effect, and I’m proud to be part of that.
What’s your vision for the future of pediatric dentistry?
I think the future is all about prevention, personalization, and technology. We’re already seeing advances like AI in diagnostics and tools that make treatments less invasive and more precise. But at the end of the day, it still comes down to relationships—building trust with patients and their families.
I’d also love to see more integration between dentistry and overall healthcare. Oral health is connected to so many other aspects of well-being, from nutrition to systemic diseases. By working together, we can provide more comprehensive care and better outcomes for our patients.
What advice would you give to young dentists entering the field?
Stay curious, stay compassionate, and never stop learning. Dentistry isn’t just about teeth—it’s about people. If you focus on building relationships and truly listening to your patients, you’ll have a rewarding career.
I’d also encourage them to think beyond the chair. There are so many opportunities to innovate, whether it’s through new products, community programs, or education initiatives. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and ask, “How can we do this better?”
What do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope people remember me as someone who cared deeply and made a difference. Whether it’s a child who grew up without fearing the dentist, a parent who felt supported, or a community that benefited from our outreach programs, I want my work to have a lasting impact. At the end of the day, it’s not about the awards or titles—it’s about the smiles.