Why She Was Nominated:

Dr. Cariappa is an owner of a small group practice in southern Connecticut and Rhode Island, and still finds time to travel to attend high-end CE courses in cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation, oral-appliance therapy for sleep apnea, esthetic removable prostheses and restorative implant dentistry.

Inspiration:

“Growing up, I was that strange kid who begged to go to the dentist. I just loved it! Since I entered the field, I’ve experienced many clinical environments, which have driven my desire to stand out from the typical group practice.”

Tool She Can’t Live Without:

Intraoral scanner.

Impact of the Pandemic:

In addition to increasing the use of personal protective equipment and staggering appointments, merely explaining her safety protocols has been a new experience. “By educating our patients about all the measures we take, we’ve been able to help them feel safer and more comfortable.”

Something People Don’t Know:

“My second passion is rescuing dogs. I hope one day to have a farm where I can save animals and give them the life they deserve.”