Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vani Takiar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Vani, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
I have an older sister who went to medical school and is now a radiation oncologist but in the same manner, I thought I would become a physician. While completing my bachelors degree, I applied to multiple medical schools, obtained interviews at some of the best universities but was not accepted. So after graduating, we reassessed the situation. I completed a Masters in Bioethics and during that time, my Mom recommended I pursue dentistry as a career since I was always skilled at using my hands. Since age 10, I’ve played the sitar, an Indian classical musical instrument, which requires significant amount of dexterity. And while exploring the dental field, I realized the importance of career independence so I knew that having my own practice would be the end all be all.
While in dental school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, I was curious to determine my specialty but then also, not matching into orthodontics prior to graduating, left me to pursue general dentistry in the real world when I finished in 2013. But while practicing, I realized that working with adults was also not for me.So I returned for my residency in pediatric dentistry to Boston from 2015-2017.. While there, the wheels started turning about how to develop my own practice and what I wanted to represent/how I wanted to practice. During the numerous rides on the T, the notes section of my iphone was filled with tidbits of information I had learned at my previous jobs prior to and during residency, including a running list of names for my practice. I knew I wanted to revolutionize the care pediatric patients were typical of receiving and provide an experience that was not only fun but also fear free. Therefore I established Tooth Clues – The Dental Detective for Kids.
I am Agent T and I am a tooth detective, looking for a mischievous molar and trying to help kids solve the mystery to a healthier smile. I finally opened in Leesburg, VA in November 2021 as we were coming out from covid. The biggest initial challenges overall to establish my practice were the mission, the concept, the idea and the vision. After which came finding a space which took many hours of research and travel to scope out locations – of which eventually many fell through! I ended up finding my space and negotiating my lease by myself..
If I had to open my practice now and for any future recommendations – it is all about taking it slow. Explore every opportunity with a magnifying glass/scrutiny and constantly ask questions. Have people in your support team who will analyze the situation/question from multiple angles and provide you advice from all points of view so that you can make the best decision as possible. Cutting corners financially will not be beneficial in the long term either – its about long term quality and care for patients which is and should be the ultimate goal.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a board certified pediatric laser dentist who is the owner of Tooth Clues – The Dental Detective for Kids. I am Agent T and I search for the mischievous molar on the loose! We try to make the experience of dentistry for kids as fun and pain free as possible! And there is more information available on our website (www.toothclues.com) .
We practice laser dentistry with our Solea CO2 laser which allows us to treat children in a safe and comfortable manner without the need for local anesthesia necessarily, treating patients from birth to the late teens. And we offer numerous levels of sedation (nitrous, oral and general anesthesia) to ensure comfortable experiences.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As my sister became a physician, I thought that was my career path too. I applied to numerous medical schools but I did not get accepted into any! So during the gap year as I pursued a Masters in Bioethics, my Mom recommended dentistry. I had no idea about the field but it offered a great career/life balance which was necessary for me. I applied to 12 dental schools and interviewed at five. And I received multiple acceptances, eventually attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine which is/was one of the top dental schools in the country. And now being 12 years out, I don’t think I could have become a physician – and back them I really wanted to become a neurosurgeon! I see kids each day. I get to laugh, have fun and follow them growing up while trying to do something positive for each and everyone of them! So at the end of the day, I ended up in a better career than I anticipated and feel like I was supposed to be where I am right now!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Providing a new experience to the patient and their family which encompasses a new angle of care and a new/fresh perspective while being honest to the patient/family.
I am a pediatric dentist with numerous practices around me so when I opened I knew I wanted to provide something different – hence the concept/name of my practice and the level of technology and sedation that I offer. And I strongly advocate and aim for a family oriented and friendly practice. We take our time andmake each experience interactive with the child. Plus with our Solea CO2 laser, we can ensure a positive experience each time while offering a wide spectrum of services to our patients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toothclues.com
- Instagram: @toothclues
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToothClues
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tooth-clues-the-dental-detective-for-kids-leesburg-2?osq=Pediatric+Dentists
