Healthy Smiles Across Generations: Felecia and Michael’s Story

For Felecia Abbate, a visit to the dentist used to be a source of anxiety. But that changed when her family found Rockingham General Dentistry.

“I started coming to see Dr. Sutt when I was around 12,” Felecia shares. “Before that, I had a lot of cavities and a lot of anxiety. I’d had such a bad experience when I was younger that I was willing to do whatever he suggested to get my teeth healthier.”

The results? A complete turnaround. “I have not had any cavities since that first year,” she says with a smile.

Now, 24 years later, Felecia’s still a loyal patient, and she’s brought her family along, too. “Even though they’re not technically a pediatric office, I can bring my children, and we can come together as a family. I don’t have to schedule different appointments at different places to get all of our teeth cleaned and checked.”

Her son Michael, now in kindergarten, has been tagging along since he was a toddler. “Dr. Sutt suggested bringing him a couple times just so he could see the tools and kind of the process that we go through,” she explains. “During those appointments, he would just sit on my lap, and I would do my normal appointment.”

That thoughtful, step-by-step approach made all the difference. “As a parent, it made me really happy that they were aware of the fact that he was nervous; it was something new. They weren’t pushing for the full appointment to be completed.”

By his second or third visit, something shifted. “He actually told me, ‘Mom, I don’t need to sit on your lap this time. I’m ready’.”

Today, going to the dentist is just part of the routine—for both Felecia and her son. And when friends ask where they should take their kids, she doesn’t hesitate. “If you're looking for a dentist for yourself or your children, I highly recommend looking into Dr. Sutt’s office. I think you'll have a really great experience.”