S. Thikkurissy, DDS, MS

As chief of Dentistry at Cincinnati Children’s, I specialize in the dental care of patients with special healthcare needs. My focus is on young patients with cancer, bone marrow transplant patients, and those with epidermolysis bullosa, Sturge Weber syndrome and vascular malformations. I’m also concerned with achieving safety in procedural sedation.

I enjoy the humanity of medicine, which for me, is making connections with my patients and their families and helping them set and achieve their overall health goals. I am always mindful of the responsibility of being a voice for the most vulnerable in our society.

In my practice, I believe that every patient deserves the dignity and value a smile can bring. A smile makes a child and their family light up, and teeth should never be the cause of poor health. I am also pragmatic and a realist. I individualize my treatments to the needs of my patients and their families while considering what they can maintain.

In 2017, I received the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Dentist of the Year and the 2019 Aubrey Rose Foundation Doctor of the Year.

In addition to helping patients, I am also engaged in research. We are seeking ways to minimize morbidity from dental disease in populations with special health issues and improve medical outcomes through dental health.

In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family. I have a talented son who has grown up with multiple, severe food allergies and is a student at the University of Cincinnati — Go Bearcats! I also have a 4-year-old greyhound named Oliver, who is my spirit animal — he loves to nap and go outdoors!