Interview with Dr Rafif Tayara: “No success happens without proper awareness and education to parents.”

You’ve had an impressive career working in both private and hospital-based settings across different regions. What inspired you to specialize in pediatric dentistry, and how has that shaped your approach to treating young patients?

What inspired me to specialize in pediatric dentistry was an internship at Sainte-Justine Children’s Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which became a pivotal moment in my career. During my time there, I saw firsthand the unique combination of psychological insight and medical expertise needed to treat young patients effectively. I realized that pediatric dentistry is about much more than clinical skills—it’s about understanding and addressing the emotional needs of children. That experience sparked my passion for the field and continues to shape my approach to treatment.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in both hospital-based and private practice settings across different countries. These experiences have reinforced my belief that while pediatric dental residency provides a strong foundation, true mastery comes from continuous learning and daily interactions with patients. I’m committed to staying up to date with advancements in materials, techniques, and approaches because our field is always evolving, and so must we, to provide the best care possible.

My studies at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut and the University of Montreal gave me a diverse, international perspective, enriching my understanding of pediatric care across different cultural contexts. This, along with my clinical experiences, has shaped the pediatric dentist I am today.

Your lecture at the upcoming conference focuses on peptide- based technology for guided enamel regeneration. Could you explain how this innovation is changing the way we treat early carious lesions in children, and why it’s such a significant advancement in pediatric dentistry?

This technique represents a major shift from traditional methods. With peptide-based technology, such as Curodont Repair, we can immediately treat initial caries, especially in cases like erupting teeth or early childhood caries (ECC). Unlike conventional approaches that often require drilling and filling, this method is non-invasive, drill-free, and painless, which makes it far more comfortable for young patients.

Traditional methods frequently necessitate conscious sedation or even general anesthesia, particularly in cases of severe decay. In contrast, guided enamel regeneration allows us to treat caries without resorting to these measures, ensuring better patient compliance. For children who may otherwise face anxiety or fear around dental treatments, this technique offers a more positive, stress-free experience. It's a significant advancement because it not only arrests early caries but also regenerates the enamel, simplifying treatment and improving outcomes for both clinicians and patients.

Treating children holistically while achieving optimal clinical outcomes can be challenging. How do you balance preserving natural tooth structure with correcting oral habits and promoting overall oral health in your treatments?

It’s definitely one of the most challenging aspects of pediatric dentistry. We're not only striving for clinical success but also managing the psychological needs of the child, along with the expectations of parents or caregivers. It involves leadership and teamwork, but ultimately, it comes down to developing a treatment plan based on a comprehensive approach. Rather than focusing solely on the caries status, we look at the child’s overall health, lifestyle habits, diet, breathing and sleep patterns, as well as their family and social context. By doing this, we treat the root causes of the disease, not just its symptoms.

You’ve mentioned that early intervention is key to preventing the progression of carious lesions. Can you share a memorable case where peptide-based technology played a critical role in improving a young patient’s oral health?

One case that stands out involved a 4-year-old patient who was referred to my practice for early childhood caries. The mother had recently seen another dentist, who recommended fillings under general anesthesia. Upon evaluating the child, we noticed mouth-breathing, a highly cariogenic diet, and early lesions on the buccal surfaces of the upper incisors and molars.

In our modern days, children often consume up to five times the recommended daily sugar intake, primarily through unnecessary sources such as juice boxes, fizzy drinks, and flavored milk. Crackers and biscuits have also been identified as the leading cause of early childhood caries, particularly when children snack frequently throughout the day. In this case, the child’s diet was a major contributing factor, with frequent sugary snacks and drinks.

By addressing the underlying causes—treating the mouth- breathing, modifying the diet, and applying peptide-based technology to the early lesions—we were able to stabilize the caries without the need for general anesthesia. This approach not only improved the child’s oral health but also fostered a positive attitude towards dental visits, ensuring long-term success. It’s a clear example of how early intervention and modern techniques can significantly improve outcomes, especially when combined with lifestyle changes like healthier snacking habits.

Parental involvement is crucial in ensuring long-term success in pediatric dental care. How do you work with parents to educate and empower them in maintaining their children’s oral health at home?

No success is possible without proper education for parents, caregivers, schools, and the wider community. Early childhood caries is a community disease, and our approach always starts with education. During a child’s first dental visit, we spend significant time asking questions about diet, airway health, breathing patterns, lifestyle habits, and family and social circumstances. This helps us understand the root cause of the disease.

Educating parents about the connection between oral health, maternal health during pregnancy, and overall health and sleep patterns of their child is crucial. This approach not only guarantees treatment success but also helps prevent relapse.

Lastly, your recently published book helps prepare preschool-aged children for their first dental visit. What inspired you to write it, and how do you see it helping young children and their families overcome dental anxiety and prevent early childhood caries?

In my 19 years as a dentist, one thing has remained constant: children often borrow their parents' mental health. Many times, a child dreads the dental visit because their parent is subconsciously transferring their own anxiety from past experiences. This was a recurring challenge in my practice, and it impacted the success of my visits.

I wrote my book, Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile, with the intention of creating a detailed, sensory-rich narrative of a child’s first dental visit. It walks them through everything they might encounter, from the clinic space to the dental chair, the instruments, and each step of the visit.

Reading this book with parents before the appointment offers children a positive, unbiased perspective on the dental trip. We’ve observed a significantly higher success rate for first-time dental visits when the book is read repeatedly beforehand. It's available in English and Arabic on Amazon AE, Amazon UK, Mumzworld, Noon, Virgin Megastores, and bookstores across the UAE, as well as on my website, www.rafiftayara.com.

For more information on a holistic approach to pediatric dentistry, follow me on social media @doctortayara.

Thank you