Interview with Lumi! Your Burning Questions About the Tooth Fairy: Answered

Greetings, all, it's Lumi the Tooth Fairy! 🧚✨

I recently connected with Dawn Kahl from Burkhart Dental Supply, who had some very interesting questions about what being the actor who plays the tooth fairy entails. Read our interview below to learn what a day in my life looks like, the origins of Light Dental's tooth fairy, and more!

Burkhart Dental Supply: How did you first get involved with the dental field, and what led you to take on the Tooth Fairy role?

Lumi: I started in the dental industry 16 years ago as a dental assistant. I have held many roles within the industry. 7 years ago, I dressed up as the Tooth Fairy for a one-time event and had such a positive response, I was asked to do it again, and again, and so began my journey as the tooth fairy. 

BDS: What does a typical day look like for you when you’re in the office versus when you’re out in the community?

Lumi: Although I am mostly known and recognized for my role as Lumi the Tooth Fairy doing events, meet-and-greets, and out-reach to daycares and elementaries, most days you will find me in our media studio in our Puyallup campus to oversee all of our marketing as the VP. We have a large marketing mix from billboards, social media, broadcast media, etc. 

BDS: How did the idea of having a “Tooth Fairy” ambassador come about at your practice?

Lumi: All dentists know that most dental fear in adults stem from a poor childhood experience. Our CEO and founder, Steve Broughton, DDS, realized that if kids can associate a positive experience with the dentist, we could maybe make a difference. He was right!

BDS: What kinds of events do you attend?

Lumi: I visit elementary schools, daycares, places like The Hands-On Children's Museum in Olympia, libraries, and other family-focused events. We also host a "Tooth Fairy Day" every month at one of our locations where families can book their child's 6-month dental visit, and Lumi will be present for a meet-and-greet, photos, and crafts, making their normal dental visit magical!

BDS: Have you had any memorable or funny moments during school visits or community events?

Lumi: I recently had a young patient who has been to past Tooth Fairy Days who saved her baby teeth specifically to show me. It was very sweet. (You can see the video on my social media platforms.)

BDS: How do you make learning about oral hygiene fun and engaging for young audiences?

Lumi: Every visit comes with an oral hygiene demonstration with my sweet dragon friend, Dudley. I do a story-time reading my new children's book Lumi and the Floss Trees and a sweet meet-and-greet at the end with a dental goodie bag for every child.

BDS: How does your experience working at Light Dental Studios help you in this outreach role?

Lumi: If it were not for LDS, Lumi would not exist. They are my biggest fans. Every dream I have, they encourage. As one of the largest DSOs in the Puget sound, they have given me a massive platform to reach all of the communities we serve, from King to Thurston County.

BDS: What’s the most rewarding part of being Lumi?

Lumi: The children's reaction. Coming to the dentist can be scary. It feels good to know that they look forward to coming to see Lumi and that I can help ease some of the anxiety they might be experiencing. 

BDS: Do you have any future plans or ideas to expand your community involvement?

Lumi: We are preparing for our grand opening of "Featherland Forest," home of Lumi the Tooth Fairy in Puyallup, Washington! This is our new, state-of-the-art, interactive pediatric and orthodontic department. This space has been designed for children and families to come and play before and after their visits. In addition, we have written a children's book, Lumi and the Floss Trees, that can act as a keepsake for our patients. It tells the story of Lumi and can also be used by families to track dental milestones. The child can bring it to all of their appointments and collect stickers from the staff. 

Thanks again to Burkhart for taking interest in our operations and coming to us with these insightful questions! Don't forget to keep brushing, flossing, and smiling! 😊💕