Perhaps Dr. Ben Kershenbaum has missed his calling in life, for he is not just your friendly neighborhood dentist. Judging by the way that he interacted with the Fairmount School kindergarten class that visited his Linden Street office earlier this month to learn what a trip to the dentist is like, he should have been a stand-up comedian.

"This is a magic chair," he said, as the kindergarten kids took their turns taking a vertical ride in the dentist’s chair.

"Look, no hands! How does it go up with no hands? How is that working?"

Just then, some voices from the giggling crowd spoke up as one.

"Because under the chair there’s a pedal thing you step on!" they said.

"Ah, I can’t fool you!" replied Kershenbaum.

The kindergartners at Fairmount are clearly no fools, and Dr. Kershenbaum didn’t really want to fool them. Instead, he and the office staff opened their doors to the class to teach them about taking care of their teeth, an important life lesson that when learned at an early age can reap a lifetime benefit.

Dental care taught early, done right

The Fairmount kindergartners came to the dentist’s office as part of a joint effort by the school and Dr. Kershenbaum and his staff. The visit was designed not only to emphasize the importance of good dental hygiene. It was also an opportunity to show kids that a trip to the dentist does not have to be scary at all.

"Years ago, we went to schools around Bergen County," Dr. Kershenbaum explained. "Now, we’re having the kids visit the office so they can see what it’s like and become more familiar with how everything works. They shouldn’t be afraid. We want to make them more comfortable."

Dental hygienist Michele Lieberson played a prominent role in the day’s events, pointing out the importance of combating plaque through brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly, as well as the need for a healthy diet to keep both teeth and gums in good condition. Lieberson is also ready to take the extra step to ensure kids understand what is happening with their teeth during a time of natural change.

"We explain to the younger children the process of losing the first set of teeth and that the second teeth are going to be with them forever," she said. "We’re here to show them how to care of them so that they will come back to us smiling."

Dr. Kershenbaum then stepped in to make an important point to those soon expecting a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

"Never accept any coins from the Tooth Fairy," Dr. Kershenbaum advised. "Paper money only."

In response, Lieberson laughed, then stated the obvious.

"We have a good time here," she said. "Why shouldn’t the patients?"

Happy teeth, happy kids

Students from teacher Jennifer Terraccino’s kindergarten class clearly had a good time during their trip to the dentist.

"I liked talking about taking the cavities out of your mouth," said Sebasteon Allen, 5. "That was the best part."

For Daniella Calle, the best part involved something else.

"Putting us up and down in the chair was great," said Calle, 5. "It was cool."

"My favorite was the tickle brush," added Kayaria Thompson, 6, referring to a common dentistry tool. "It tickles your teeth and it cleans them too."

Sierra Sainte-Rose learned about the need for frequent teeth cleaning.

"You have to clean your teeth at least four times a day," said Saint-Rose, 5. "Or like five times a day. Or maybe 10 times a day."

"Or like 400 times a day," said Bryan Barbaran, 5, a big fan of the water jets at the dentist’s office.

Ms. Terraccino would deal with the math questions later. First and foremost, she addressed the benefits of taking time out of class for a day at the dentist.

"We thought that it was important that the kids go and learn about the importance of brushing their teeth," said Terraccino, 23. "This lesson also really needs to be stressed at home."

Terraccino went on to talk about how what happens at home helps the cause of keeping kids’ teeth healthy.

"I sent a letter home with the kids at the beginning of the school year about snack time in kindergarten," she said. "However, I noted that sending your child in with an apple or another piece of fruit would be better than sending them in with a bag of potato chips and a soda. Good things begin at home."

All in all, Terraccino was very pleased with the trip’s outcome.

"The children had a blast," she said. "They really enjoyed themselves and they learned a lot."

E-mail: bonamo@northjersey.com