Dr. Rucha Thakkar | Pediatric Dentist

🦷

10+ Years in Dentistry

About Me

Passionate About Little Smiles

Hi, I'm Dr. Rucha Thakkar — a dual-trained pediatric dentist with a BDS from Gujarat University and a DDS from NYU College of Dentistry, currently completing my pediatric dentistry residency at One Brooklyn Health System, Brookdale Hospital. I also moonlight in private practice in New Jersey.

I'm skilled in building rapport with both children and parents — creating calm, trust-based experiences while clearly communicating treatment options and guiding families through care decisions. From community outreach and school-based programs to complex clinical procedures and sedation-based care, I believe great dentistry starts with trust — and trust starts with a smile.

📍 New York, NY

📧 tinytoothdoc@gmail.com

📞 (585) 286-8369

🗣️ English · Hindi · Gujarati

📸 @tinytoothdoc

3500+ Patient Encounters

250+ Surgical Extractions

210+ Sedation Cases

My Approach

Philosophy of Care

I believe great pediatric dentistry starts long before picking up a handpiece — it starts with earning a child's trust. Every child deserves a dentist who listens, who meets them at their comfort level, and who celebrates their bravery. My goal is to build lifelong positive associations with dental care, so that the children I treat today grow into adults who never fear the dentist's chair.

— Dr. Rucha Thakkar

Background

Education & Training

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July 2024 – June 2026

Pediatric Dentistry Residency

One Brooklyn Health System, Brookdale Hospital · Brooklyn, NY

Treated 8+ pediatric patients daily across preventive, restorative, surgical, and sedation-based care, totaling 3,500+ patient encounters. Performed 120+ nitrous oxide procedures, 40+ oral sedation cases, and 50+ cases under general anesthesia.

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January 2022 – May 2024

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

New York University College of Dentistry · New York, NY

Graduated with honors in Pediatric Dentistry. President, NYU Peds Club. Clinical rotations in operative, prosthetic, periodontal, oral surgery, and endodontic care.

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August 2015 – September 2020

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Gujarat University · Ahmedabad, India

Performed 150+ extractions and treated 1,000+ patients across all dental disciplines during clinical rotations.

Career

Professional Experience

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February 2026 – Present

Moonlighting Pediatric Dentist

Abra Dental Health · New Jersey

Independently managing all facets of pediatric dental care with N2O analgesia in a private practice setting.
Treating 30+ patients/day, with effective practice workflow.

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April 2023 – May 2024

Pediatric Dentistry Honors Program

NYU College of Dentistry · New York, NY

Completed rotations across pediatric dentistry clinics, hospitals, and community outreach settings.
Delivered comprehensive care and oral health education from infants to adolescents.

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February 2023 – May 2024

Pediatric Dental Assistant

Smile New York Outreach · New York, NY

School-based dental program providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients.
Assisted with restorative, operative, extraction, and preventive procedures.
Provided oral health education to patients and their guardians in school settings.

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February 2023

Oral Health Screener – Pediatric Outreach

New York County Dental Society · New York, NY

Visited a primary school for children with special needs and assisted with dental screenings.
Completed dental charting and educated children on proper brushing techniques.

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March – November 2021

Dental Assistant

Eastman Institute of Oral Health · Rochester, NY

Assisted across pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, periodontics, and urgent care.
Managed lab work including dentures, partials, crown models, and night guards.

Clinical Skills

Clinical Toolkit

Procedures I have hands-on training and expertise in

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Preventive

Sealants
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Fluoride Varnish
Chlorhexidine

✨

Restorative

Composite Restorations
Fuji II (GIC)
SSC / Hall Crown
Zirconia Crowns (NuSmile)
Strip Crowns

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Endodontics

Pulpotomy — MTA & Biodentine
Pulpectomy — Endoflas / Vitapex & LSTR
Permanent Anterior Root Canal Tx

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Oral Surgery

Primary Tooth Extractions
Permanent Tooth Extractions

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Space Maintainers

Band & Loop
Reverse Band & Loop
LLHA (Lower Lingual Holding Arch)
Nance Appliance
Acrylic Space Maintainer
Groper Appliance

🎓 Continuing Education: NuSmile Restorative & Space Maintainer Workshop (January 2026) — hands-on training in NuSmile Zirconia crowns and space maintainer fabrication for pediatric patients.

🫁 Pediatric Airway Screening (July 2024 – Present) — Trained in screening for airway-related concerns including mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and orofacial myofunctional disorders for early interdisciplinary referral.

Technology

Software & Digital Tools

Open Dental

Dentrix

Wisdom

Digital Radiography

CBCT / 3D Imaging

Intraoral Scanners

Behaviour Management

Building Trust with Every Child

Because a calm child is the foundation of great dentistry

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Non-Pharmacological Techniques

Skilled in the full spectrum of non-pharmacological behaviour management — including Tell-Show-Do, distraction, positive reinforcement, and ask-tell-ask communication. Experienced with distraction toys and sounds for SHCN patients and modeling techniques during sibling visits. I connect with each child on a personal level, meeting them where they are emotionally and building trust before any procedure begins.

Tell-Show-Do Distraction Positive Reinforcement SHCN Distraction Tools Modeling (Siblings) Personal Connection Ask-Tell-Ask

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Pharmacological Management

Experienced in safe and effective pharmacological approaches for anxious or complex paediatric patients across all age groups.

120+ Nitrous Oxide
Procedures

40+ Oral Sedation Cases
(Ages 7 & under)

✓ Oral Sedation
(Teenagers 13+)

50+ Treatment Under
General Anesthesia

Leadership

Leadership & Community

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June 2023 – May 2024

President, NYU Peds Club

NYUCD · New York, NY

Organizing outreach events, literature reviews, and residency preparation panels for dental students pursuing pediatric dentistry.

🌐

June 21–23, 2022

Global Healthcare Leadership Workshop

Washington D.C. / Capitol Hill

Advocated for federal funding of NIH, NIDCR, CDC, and HRSA by meeting with legislative members on Capitol Hill. Trained by oral healthcare leaders and ADA/ADEA advocacy officers.

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January 2023 – Present

Peer Mentor

NYUCD · New York, NY

Mentored incoming advanced-standing international students through their transition program — supporting academic, professional, and personal challenges.

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November 2022 – Present

Admissions Ambassador

NYUCD · New York, NY

Oriented incoming dental students to campus, served as a resource for questions, and supported their transition into dental school life.

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April 2022 & April 2023

Student Leadership Retreat

NYUCD · New York, NY

Won the "Mock Congressional Hearing" competition. Developed skills in advocacy, public speaking, and oral healthcare policy with dental leaders.

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2025

AAPD Advocacy Conference

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Represented pediatric dentistry residents at the AAPD Advocacy Conference, engaging with policymakers and advocating for children's oral health policy and funding.

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Current

Member, AAPD Resident Committee

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Active member of the AAPD Resident Committee, contributing to initiatives that support pediatric dentistry residents nationally.

Outreach

Community Involvement

❤️

Volunteer – MyFace Organization September 2022

Participated in Races for Faces 2022, raising funds to provide care for individuals with craniofacial abnormalities.

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Oral Health Promotor – SMART University October 2022

Educated individuals on oral health care and oral cancer awareness.

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Oral Health Outreach – Verón, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic February 2024

Participated in a week-long international oral health outreach mission through NYU, providing dental care and oral health education to underserved communities in Verón, Punta Cana.

Honors

Awards & Recognition

🏅

Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Office of the President of the United States

Awarded for completing 100+ hours of volunteering service — recognizing outstanding dedication to community service and civic engagement.

Research

Publications & Presentations

Journal Publication

Rajan M, Malge R, Shah S, Surana P, Thakkar R, Kashav N. "Comparative evaluation of obturation quality between Hand K-files and Rotary Pedoflex files in primary mandibular molars." European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine, 7(11), 2021, 6850–6853.

Poster Presentation

Case Report: Complex Odontoma

Presented at GNYDM 2025, LIDM 2025, and AAPD Conference

Credentials