Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 6

OpenWide: A Children’s Dentistry Podcast Some kids have YouTube channels featuring their attempts to make slime or rating the newest video game. But 9-year-old Emma had something else in mind. Inspired by her ambition to become a dentist, an Indigenous girl from Vancouver Island has launched a podcast devoted to her love of dentistry. Open Wide is a celebration of dentistry for kids, hosted by a kid. Emma is learning a lot about dentistry. She can be overheard excitedly sharing her new tooth trivia with friends. “Did you know candy floss was created by a dentist? Did you know cheese is good for your teeth? Did you know snacking is terrible for your teeth?” Emma’s mom, Laura Palmer, says her daughter has always enjoyed going to the dentist. “She would be just thrilled to go to her next appointment,” says Palmer. “And then she would sit grinning in the chair, asking all kinds of questions and checking out the dental instruments.” Her favourite toy is a beloved Play Doh Dr. Drill ‘n Fill set. “When Emma was 5 years old, she asked her granny if she could have her false teeth after she died,” says Palmer. “I should have known a dental career could be on the horizon.” Palmer, a former CBC radio producer, produces Open Wide . The show is designed to be a smart, funny podcast packed with information and entertainment. Little listeners learn interesting facts about their teeth, meet kind and curious dentists, and feel a little less nervous about that next check‑up. Children are the target audience, but sharp writing, high production values and great content also make this a great listen for all ages. Emma has interviewed dentists, orthodontists and dental hygienists. She has even spoken with a curator from Baltimore’s Museum of Dentistry. Each episode focuses on a specific oral health or dentistry related issue. A University of British Columbia dental student talks about the challenges of dental school. An Indigenous dental hygienist opens up about creating a clinic on a reserve. Plus, there is plenty of discussion about how kids can keep their teeth healthy from a range of dental professionals. Emma’s first episode features an interviewwithDr. Effrat Habsha, the founder of Women in Dentistry. In an inspiring, upbeat interview, Dr. Habsha encourages Emma to work hard and embrace her passion for dentistry. Emma and her mom have been blown away by the response from the dental professionals they have asked to be on OpenWide . “Everyone has been so kind to Emma and so generous with their time and knowledge and really encouraging as well,” says Palmer. “We are so grateful to all of the guests we have featured on Open Wide . They are all heroes, in my mind.” Initially, Emma and her mom wondered if the subject area might be too niche for a children’s podcast. But the reaction from listeners has been positive, and the team says they have an endless list of topics they would love to cover and questions they want answered. Since dropping the first episode at the beginning of the summer 2021, Open Wide moved up Canada’s Apple Podcast charts, so far reaching the Top 10 for Kids & Families: Education. Emma in her recording booth, which doubles as a closet. Emma has interviewed dentists, orthodontists and dental hygienists. She has even spoken with a curator fromBaltimore’sMuseumofDentistry. Listen to OpenWide at: podcasts.apple. com/ca/podcast/open-wide-a- kids-podcast-about-dentistry/id1570848851 Or look for it wherever you access podcasts. 31 Issue 6 | 2021 | Issues and People