Dr Premila Naidu
Dr. Premila set out on a journey in 2007 that would change the face of paediatric dentistry in India. She established SmallBites, the first upscale paediatric dental office in Bangalore. However, the story of this innovative endeavor's success is one of ardour, tenacity, and a strong dedication to altering children's perceptions of oral health. Dr. Premila fell in love with paediatric dentistry during her third year of dental school. In contrast to other specialities, paediatric dentistry provided a special chance to create a good and enjoyable dental experience while influencing a child's lifelong association with oral health. This insight sparked an idea that eventually developed into a movement. With growing needs Dr Premila has also partnered with investors who share the vision of making kids dentistry fun accessible and inclusive. The idea of introducing children to stress-free dentistry became Dr. Premila's dream. She saw an opportunity to create a lasting impact by shifting perceptions and making dental care approachable, particularly for young, impressionable minds.
Humble Beginnings: Big Dreams, Little Support
Dr Premila partnered with her husband Dr Gurudev to start their company focusing on the niche area of kids dentistry . As they grew in centers they focused on kids dentistry and also for adults making sure they also have a stress free dental experience .It wasn't easy to start SmallBites . Dr. Premila and her husband Dr Gurudev raised â¹5 lakhs without any financial support by pledging their wedding jewellery. They were determined and had a vision, but no safety net or backup plan. Although the first clinic was only 350 square feet, it was carefully planned with kids in mind and included a small play area to make visits more pleasurable. But the trip was anything but easy. There was almost no knowledge in paediatric dentistry at the time. Instead than seeing dental care as a preventative need for their children, parents frequently saw it as a reactionary measure.
Dr. Premila put in a lot of effort to pursue her passion, working in prestigious hospitals like Fortis and Narayana Hrudayalaya and establishing paediatric dentistry departments in colleges. However, the allure of designing a playful, kid-friendly dentistry environment persisted. She took a risk in 2013 by quitting corporate positions to concentrate entirely on advancing her vision.
Revolutionizing Pediatric Dentistry
SmallBites is more than just a clinic; it's a paradigm shift in dental care. Dr. Premila's innovative approach focuses on making dentistry fun, stress-free, and inclusive:
These innovations are not just about dental care; they're about creating an environment where children feel safe and confident, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral habits.
A Growing Legacy
Today, Dr. Premila leads two companies-PnG Healthcare and PurplePixie Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.-managing three brands: SmallBites, SmileStation, and Dr. ToothLittle. With seven clinics across Bangalore and plans to open two more, the journey continues. But her vision doesn't stop there.
Her clinics are staffed by a team of compassionate professionals who share her vision. Each member of her 45-person team, predominantly women, contributes to making dental care a positive experience for every child who walks through their doors.
Building a Healthier Future
Beyond clinics, Dr. Premila is committed to tackling a growing epidemic: dental caries in children. With almost 50% of children affected by tooth decay, she believes prevention is key. Her goals include:
Prevention begins with education, and Dr. Premila is passionate about raising awareness among parents and educators. She envisions a future where preventive dental care is as routine as vaccinations for children.
She's also a founding member of Healthland Clinic, a pediatric healthcare setup focused on holistic wellness. Her efforts extend beyond dentistry to encompass overall child wellness, making her contributions invaluable to the community.
The Joy of Transformation
Dr. Premila is making progress. Some of her initial patients, who are now in their 20s, continue to see her because they were raised to value dental health rather than out of fear. "We're not scared of dental work anymore," they say, and it makes her very happy. These instances demonstrate the enduring influence of her work. For Dr. Premila and her team are transforming lives, one smile at a time, is more important than simply fixing teeth.
Women's Empowerment and Healthcare Transformation
Dr. Premila is not only revolutionising dentistry with her team of forty-five committed professionals, the majority of whom are women, but she is also promoting change in healthcare and encouraging others to follow suit. She is an advocate for giving women the chance to advance in their careers and contribute significantly to the dental field. Despite obstacles, her leadership encourages others to follow their goals.
A Legacy of Smiles
Dr. Premila's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From a small 350 sq. ft. clinic funded by wedding jewellery to a thriving network of child-friendly dental centers, her journey is nothing short of remarkable. She's not just transforming smiles-she's transforming lives, one child at a time. Her dedication ensures that the next generation grows up unafraid of dentists and equipped with the knowledge to maintain lifelong oral health. That's the legacy of Dr. Premila and SmallBites: a world where every child can smile with confidence.
Dr Premila gives credit to her team of doctors who truly are delivering the smiles to every child that walks into our clinics . We provide the dream clinics that a pediatric dentist would want to work at , with kid friendly environment to latest in technology , multisensory designs to audiovisual distractions along with our stringent sterilisation policies and being equipped with most recent materials . Our goal is to do our best as kids deserve the very best.
