Bloom + Brighten Kids Dentistry in Tualatin is excited to welcome Dr. Audrey Mikkelson to our practice!
We did a little interview with Dr. Mikkey (like Mickey Mouse) so that our families could get to know her a little better. Keep reading to learn more about our new dentist!
How long have you been practicing dentistry, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I graduated from OHSU in 2015 and have been back to study for two residencies (so far!). I love to learn and I’m always adding new tools to my toolbox. I recently joined a Spear Study Club to go deeper into interdisciplinary collaboration with my other general dental and specialist colleagues and I’m having a blast!
How would you describe your approach to caring for young patients?
I was a very anxious young person in medical environments, and I think the key to overcoming this is to minimize surprises! When our young patients appear anxious, I share with them that I don’t like surprises unless they are chocolates or flowers, and let them know that I’m not going to give them any surprises today. We walk through each step along the way with age appropriate language, visuals, and experiences to build confidence and trust. This way we can work together to achieve not just completion of treatment needs, but the larger goal of creating confidence at the dentist for life. You’ll often find me celebrating at the end of an appointment with a patient that now they know they can do hard things!
What do you love most about working with kids?
Working with kids is really about working with families! I love getting everyone involved and teaming up with grownups and kiddos to help them find the next step on their journey to improving their oral health, in a way that meets them where they are at. Every kid and family is unique and partnering to provide customized patient-centered care is my passion.
What’s the best part of your day at the office?
I love working with my teammates to create a magical day for the kiddos, and that starts off with a great huddle where we get together to plan and get excited for all the little ones who will be our guests that day! I am a morning person and have been known to come in to the office singing or dancing.
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
The variety of subjects in school always kept me interested – I joked that I wanted to major in “everything!” I got as close as I could in four years by taking art classes and studying abroad in Europe to round out my science major. A fun fact is that when I was in middle school, I loved math so much, I joined the math team. We were called “Mathletes” and had a lot of fun at competitions.
What’s your favorite flavor of toothpaste?
Why choose?! There are so many fun flavors to try. I have to say, I tend towards the fruity favors myself and love “Ooh la la, Orange” and “Watermelon Burst!” I love doing “toothpaste tastings” to help kids find their favorite flavor.
What’s one thing you can’t start your day without?
I need my 10am snack all prepped and ready to go: a honeycrisp apple and cheese stick! I love fueling up mid-morning with a snack that has fiber, protein, and fat! I also love to talk about “smart snacking” and how the snack choices we make can contribute to our dental health.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
I was convinced as a child that I could somehow become a ballerina, fashion designer AND veterinarian all at the same time! I couldn’t quite figure out how to fit that puzzle together, but I think pediatric dentistry is a great blend of art, science, and medicine all in one!
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work, you might find me in the garden tending to my salad greens and flowers, at a dance fitness class bouncing around with a big smile on my face, curled up on the couch with a good book, or trying on a new type of crafting such as knitting, crocheting, or beading. Luckily my school-aged daughter enjoys joining me for many of these activities!
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
My sweet hound-mix is named Emma! We adopted her during my residency in Minnesota, and I think she was very glad to move to the West Coast with us and not have to wear little slippers on her paws during those freezing Midwest winters. She tends towards more cat-like behavior with her refusal to fetch and her love for napping in sunny spots on the carpet, but she will never say no to belly rubs!
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ice cream with fresh seasonal fruit has got to be my favorite – cherries, strawberries, peaches? Yes, please!
What’s one fun fact about yourself that might surprise our patients?
This won’t be a surprise for long, but I am known to make up songs and rhymes as I work! I’m good friends with the Tooth Fairy and like to bring a little magic to the dental office!
