Lynda and Krystle Dean-Duru Of Ashburn Children’s Dentistry: 5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Dentist

An Interview With Jake Frankel

Involve Parents as Partners in Care: Parents play a crucial role in maintaining their child’s oral health outside of the dental office. Educate parents about proper oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, sleep hygiene and the importance of regular dental visits. Empowering parents to take an active role in their child’s dental care fosters a collaborative approach and reinforces the importance of preventive care.

As a part of our series about healthcare leaders, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lynda and Krystle Dean-Duru.

This mother-daughter duo are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists with a passion for providing top-notch dental care to infants, children, teens, and patients with special-healthcare needs. With years of experience in their field, they are committed to creating a welcoming and positive environment for their young patients. Drs. Dean-Duru’s dedication to their profession extends beyond their practice, Ashburn Children’s Dentistry in Ashburn, Virginia, as they actively engage in community outreach and education to promote oral-whole body health connection awareness.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?

Lynda: From a young age of about 9 years, I was fascinated by the magical way a dentist healed my younger brother of a severe toothache, I knew right then that was the kind of doctor I wanted to be. Graduating first in my class from Dental School and learning that my brother’s condition (dental abscess) was totally preventable, launched a lifelong proactive preventative approach to healthcare. More recently, I am recovering from Sleep Apnea and learning the signs are evident in early infancy as sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD); I am on a mission to bring awareness to parents to help their children grow and develop their best and avoid SRBD at a young age.

Krystle: I always knew I wanted to work with children in the field of healthcare. My journey into dentistry began in college, where I pursued a degree in Psychology before moving on to dental school. During summers, I worked as a dental assistant with my mom, Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru, whose innovative and holistic approach to dentistry profoundly influenced me. Seeing her impact on children and her relentless pursuit of knowledge inspired my love for Pediatric Dentistry. Witnessing her transform young patients’ experiences and foster their confidence and health was incredibly fulfilling. However, my path wasn’t without challenges; I didn’t initially match to a pediatric residency. Instead, I started a General Practice Residency in the Bronx, where a supportive advisor helped me find a pediatric residency spot three months later. Now, as a pediatric dentist, I am proud to continue our shared mission of promoting proactive preventative healthcare, combining advanced knowledge with genuine care and compassion. Working alongside my mother at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry and Womb2Grow Wellness, I strive to make a lasting impact on our patients’ lives.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Krystle: One of the most interesting stories was when a very anxious child came into our office. She had been afraid of dentists due to a previous bad experience. After a few visits, she began to trust us and even looked forward to her appointments. Seeing her transformation and knowing that I had helped change her perspective on dental care was incredibly rewarding.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Lynda: Early in my career, I once accidentally scheduled two patients for the same time slot. It was a chaotic moment, but thankfully, both families were understanding. The lesson I learned was the importance of meticulous scheduling and double-checking appointments to avoid such mix-ups in the future.

Krystle: In my early days, and even now, I try to put nervous children at ease by talking about their favorite cartoon characters. I usually stay up to date on the latest and greatest kid-friendly cartoons and characters. One time, I was so focused on making a connection that I accidentally called a Pokémon by the wrong name and mentioned the wrong power it possesses. The child eagerly corrected me, and this turned into a fun game where the child educated me about all their favorite characters.

I love these moments because I typically get the kids to teach me something about their lives and interests. This often makes the appointments go a little longer, but I feel it makes a significant impact as they feel listened to and valued. The lesson I learned is that genuine engagement and showing interest in my patients’ passions not only builds rapport but also makes the dental experience more enjoyable for them.

Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?

Krystle & Lynda: Yes, we are currently working on a community outreach program focused on promoting awareness about the impact of good orofacial / jaw growth on sleep and breathing starting from infancy. The program aims to provide parents with free screening tools, educational workshops, and simple home solutions for optimal sleep and breathing.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Lynda: I am incredibly grateful to one of my mentors, Dr. George Acs. During my residency, he taught me not just the technical skills of pediatric dentistry but also the importance of empathy and patience. One moment that stands out was when I faced a very difficult patient case and was sure I had chosen the wrong career path. He handled my doubts with such grace and compassion, reminding me that I always treated each kid as though they were the first of my day. It was a powerful lesson on consistency, patience and always giving your best, one child at a time.

Krystle: The person I am most grateful to is my mother, Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru. Surprisingly, my choice to go into dentistry was not directly because of any specific conversations or direct influence she had on me. I was always headstrong and determined to follow my own path. From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, particularly in surgery and pediatrics.

However, seeing my mother’s impact on children and her philosophy of proactive preventive care profoundly influenced me. Her relentless pursuit of advancing her knowledge, her holistic and medical approach to dentistry, and her progressive use of technology, always aimed at providing the best care for her patients, inspired me throughout my journey. Witnessing her dedication and the positive effects she had on her young patients made me realize that I wanted to be a part of this transformative field.

In a field and community where she faced significant challenges as a Nigerian-born woman, my mother introduced innovative treatments such as laser dentistry and early interceptive orthodontics — techniques now widely adopted 15 years later. Despite unprofessional scrutiny, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her patients, treating them as her own children. It often felt like I had more than just my brother as siblings, given the familial care she extended to her patients.

There are countless stories of young patients with severe dental anxiety who, through my mother’s patience, empathy, and innovative approaches, overcame their fears and even enjoyed their dental visits. Her patients have remained loyal well into adulthood, a testament to her profound impact. One particular moment that stands out is seeing her transform a terrified child’s experience into a positive and educational one, encapsulating her dedication and the deep connections she formed with her patients.

I always knew I wanted to work with her and continue the practice she built. Her example showed me the true essence of being a healthcare provider: combining advanced knowledge with genuine care and compassion. It’s an honor to follow in her footsteps and contribute to our shared mission of promoting proactive preventative healthcare.

Is there a particular book that made an impact on you? Can you share a story?

Lynda: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl had a profound impact on me. The book’s message about finding purpose even in the most challenging circumstances resonated deeply with me. It has helped me stay grounded and find meaning in my work, especially when faced with difficult situations.

Krystle: One of the most impactful messages from “Fifteen Dogs”by Andre Alexis, a favorite book of mine, is the exploration of consciousness and the complexities it brings to existence. The story’s premise — that a group of dogs is granted human intelligence — reveals profound insights into the joys and burdens of awareness, adaptation, and the pursuit of happiness. This theme resonates deeply with my journey as a pediatric dentist.

Just as the dogs in the book grapple with their new consciousness, I have navigated the complexities of understanding and addressing the unique needs of my young patients. The book highlights how knowledge and awareness can be both a gift and a challenge, mirroring my experiences in proactive preventative healthcare. In my practice, I strive to empower children and their families with knowledge about their oral health, much like how the dogs in the story learn to adapt to their heightened awareness.

Additionally, the themes of empathy, adaptability, and the quest for meaning in “Fifteen Dogs” align with my philosophy of care. As a pediatric dentist, I aim to create a compassionate environment where children feel understood and supported, helping them adapt to and embrace healthy habits from an early age. The journey of the dogs reminds me that every patient’s path is unique, requiring patience, empathy, and a tailored approach to foster long-term wellness and happiness.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

We have used our success to give back to the community by organizing free dental care events and educational programs. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the importance of oral health to overall wellness and provide necessary dental services to those in need. Additionally, we mentor young dental students, helping them navigate their careers and encouraging them to give back to their communities as well.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story about how that was relevant to you in your own life?

Lynda: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This quote by Mahatma Gandhi has always inspired me. It reminds me that even small actions can make a big difference. This philosophy has guided me along the way of outreach, knowing that each effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger impact.

Krystle: One of my favorite life lesson quotes comes from the song “Ms. Jackson” by Outkast: “You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather.” This quote resonates deeply with me, especially reflecting on a pivotal moment in my career. In dental school, my goal was to specialize in pediatrics, but on Match Day, I didn’t match to a pediatric residency program. Devastated, I secured a post-match position in a General Practice Residency in the Bronx. I asked my advisor to place me in a clinic treating mostly children and to look out for pediatric residency openings. Fortunately, a spot opened up, and despite starting three months late, I completed the program in less than two years. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience, showing that even when plans falter, persistence and flexibility can lead to success.

Can you share your top three “oral hygiene tweaks” that will help people look and feel great?

1. Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
2. Close your mouth, keep your tongue up and breathe through your nose: Closed lip posture and breathing through your nose ensures health and less cavities/ dental decay. Breathing should be silent and invisible. Let your provider know if otherwise.
3. Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist help catch problems early and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also be sure to let your dentist know if you snore or grind your teeth. Those could be early signs of sleep disorders. It is important to keep these appointments, even if your teeth feel fine.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

5 Things We Wish Someone Told Us When We First Became Pediatric Dentists.

Embarking on a career in pediatric dentistry is a unique and rewarding journey, filled with its own set of joys and challenges. As a mother-daughter duo who are both passionate about pediatric dentistry, we’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way. Reflecting on our experiences, here are five pieces of advice we wish someone had shared with us when we first started our journey together:

1. Cherish the Connection with Young Patients: Pediatric dentistry is as much about building relationships as it is about providing dental care. Children can be apprehensive about visiting the dentist, so it’s essential to create a warm and welcoming environment where they feel safe and comfortable. Take the time to connect with each young patient, earning their trust through gentle and compassionate care. Building positive experiences early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health habits.
2. Involve Parents as Partners in Care: Parents play a crucial role in maintaining their child’s oral health outside of the dental office. Educate parents about proper oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, sleep hygiene and the importance of regular dental visits. Empowering parents to take an active role in their child’s dental care fosters a collaborative approach and reinforces the importance of preventive care.
3. Prioritize Preventive Care especially for Facial Growth and development: Prevention is key in pediatric dentistry. Encourage parents to bring their children for regular dental check-ups and cleanings to detect any potential issues early on. Most importantly, ask parents about nasal breathing and sleep habits as we now know that these important human functions play an important role in overall health and wellness and can be optimized in childhood. Ensuring good function of the tongue early in childhood enhances jaw and facial growth which helps with breathing and sleep. Closed mouth breathing and a good diet protect young teeth from decay. By prioritizing preventive care, we can help children maintain healthy smiles and healthy bodies for years to come.
4. Tailor Treatment Approaches to Each Child: Every child is unique, with individual needs and preferences. Take the time to understand each child’s personality, temperament, and communication style. Tailor your treatment approach accordingly, whether it’s using distraction techniques, incorporating play into dental procedures, or providing additional support for anxious patients. By customizing your approach, you can ensure a positive and comfortable experience for every child.
5. Lean on Each Other for Support: Navigating the challenges of pediatric dentistry can be overwhelming at times, but having a supportive partner by your side makes all the difference. As a mother-daughter team, we’ve found strength in each other during both the triumphs and the trials. Lean on your colleagues, mentors, and fellow pediatric dentists for support, guidance, and encouragement. Together, we can overcome obstacles and continue to make a positive impact on the oral health of our young patients.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

If we could start a movement that would bring the most wellness to the most people, it would be a crusade for proactive preventative healthcare through education. “Knowledge is power,” and when individuals, especially parents-to-be and children, truly understand their health, they make better decisions that last a lifetime. In the current mode of healthcare, this awareness is a lost art, often overshadowed by reactive treatments rather than proactive education. Imagine a world where every parent-to-be is equipped with the knowledge to foster optimal health from the very beginning, and every child grows up understanding the importance of nasal breathing, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Our movement would focus on five key areas: comprehensive education for expectant parents on nasal breathing and feeding techniques; advocating for regular check-ups from infancy through adulthood, with referrals to allied health professionals to ensure proper development; promoting healthy lifestyle choices, including nutritious diets, adequate sleep, and physical activity; emphasizing early intervention for issues like tongue ties and misaligned teeth through our Growing Healthy Faces program; and engaging communities through workshops, seminars, and online platforms. This awareness would ripple through generations, creating healthier communities and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.

We believe that by reigniting this lost art of health education, we can empower families to make informed decisions that pave the way for a lifetime of wellness.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)

We would love to have a private lunch with Melinda French Gates. Her work in global health and education, particularly her advocacy and philanthropic support of women, is incredibly inspiring. We would love to discuss ways to collaborate on initiatives that promote oral health in infancy beginning with proper breastfeeding, lip seal, nasal breathing, and preventative care on a larger scale.

What is the best way for our readers to follow you online?

Readers can learn more about us on our website KidzSmile.com

Thank you so much for these wonderful insights!

Thank you!