Any parent can testify to this: bringing a child to the dentist can be difficult. Between tears, fears, endless questions and struggling to sit still, going to the dentist can be a challenge to navigate for parents and children alike.

How can parents and pediatric dentists alleviate a child’s fears and create a positive experience? This question was on the mind of Shweta Thackeray, D.D.S. until she was struck with an idea.

Writing a children’s book.

“Children are often scared to visit a dentist because they don’t understand what is going on,” Thackeray said. “My book is meant to explain the equipment that we use and the treatment patients might receive in a fun and easy to understand way.”

“A Caterpillar at the Dentist” follows Ira, a young girl, who visits the dentist for the first time to get a filling. She’s very nervous until she meets Zack, a caterpillar and dental expert. Zack talks Ira through the visit, offering explanations of the tools, reassurance and kindness. 

The book was originally published in 2019 through Belle Isle Books and has steadily grown its presence in pediatric dentistry offices across the country. It wasn’t a one-time venture for Thackeray, who proceeded to write another book, “Patience in Your Pocket” in 2024.

This new book discusses the importance of patience. Like Thackeray’s previous writing, the protagonist is a young girl who learns a valuable lesson. 

Born in Nagpur, India, Thackeray always knew that she wanted to help people. She completed her Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery, which was five years of training, and Masters in Oral Diagnosis, Medicine, and Radiology while living in India. Upon meeting her husband, she moved to the United States. After living in Kansas City and Cleveland, the family settled in Greenville, North Carolina.

However, Thackeray  was determined to practice dentistry in the United States. She looked into her options and learned that VCU School of Dentistry was the nearest dental school with an International Dentist Program despite being three hours away. She applied and was  accepted into the International Dentist Program, Class of 2016.

It was a time of compromise, sacrifice and hard work for the family, who was also raising a one year-old daughter.

“There were challenges, but my husband was always very supportive,” Thackeray said. “He was driving back and forth to North Carolina every single day for one year so that I could pursue dental school.”

Thackeray recalled balancing raising a child with completing school. Sometimes, she would even bring her daughter with her to the school  on weekends.

At the time, the director of the IDP program was Dr. Riki Gottlieb D.M.D., M.S., FAGD, FACD, FICD.

“Dr. Gottlieb was always so supportive of me and all of the other students,” Thackeray said. “Her role as program director extended beyond academics; she was also a huge supporter of us in every aspect of our lives.”

While in dental school, Thackeray soared. She published research, served as treasurer of the Student Research Group and served as the International Dental Chair for VCU ASDA, just to name a few accomplishments.

Flash forward to present day; the family welcomed another daughter into the world and Thackeray works in private practice. . She also has worked as a clinical instructor at VCU School of Dentistry, a testament to her passion for teaching and helping others. Upon observing the differences between how children and adults handle dental treatment, she was inspired to write her first book.

“I saw firsthand how scared kids can be when visiting a dentist for the first time,” Thackeray said. “I thought that if I’m able to help even 10 kids and their parents, it would be worth it.”

The work didn’t stop there for Thackeray. Inspired to continue to help children and provide a creative and educational outlet for them, she founded Tree of Life Stories.

The annual magazine, written by kids and for kids, invites children to write their own stories and columns and ask questions about anything from mental health to family troubles to academics. Expert clinicians answer the children’s questions, which are featured in the magazine.

“Not every child has the same resources to answer their questions,” Thackeray said. “They might not know how to handle a situation and might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable to ask their peers or teachers. 

When dealing with the changes and unexpected circumstances of life, it is important for children to have a creative outlet to safely express their feelings. Tree of Life Stories invites children to submit their poems, drawings and short stories. It’s an involved process from the very start; the children participate in planning the magazine, attend meetings and even participate in community events and meetings to get a better understanding of the world.

“Our children are our future,” Thackeray said. “Giving them the resources they need to learn and grow and become productive members of society is so important.”

It can be hard to imagine being a mom, author, dentist and now magazine publisher all at once. But Thackeray takes it in stride.

“There’s definitely a creative side to me,” she said. “And it’s not just me. Everything that we do is a result of community and a dedication to our children and helping them grow.”