Why She Was Nominated

After completing a residency at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, where most of her patients were children or mentally disabled, Dr. Padgett returned to her hometown to open a practice in 2009. Each suite in her office is brightly colored, with kid-friendly themes and decor.

Inspiration

Dr. Padgett’s passion is treating children. After years of seeing adults who were afraid of the dentist, she decided to take matters into her own hands. “I wanted to work with kids so they would remember
having a good experience,” she says.

Favorite Aspect of Dentistry

Talking to her young patients. “I act like a goofball and use dirty but kid-friendly words. While I’m numbing a kid, they’re giggling like crazy; they have no idea they’ve been shot.”

Practice Philosophy

Treat patients as if they were family. “This is my home,” Dr. Padgett says. “I understand the trials that people here go through. My patients can identify with me. I make sure their kids are treated the same way mine would be.”