If you are looking for a new dentist or looking to switch, do what I do and switch to Southport Family Dental. A local women’s owned business is what I loved when I walked in, clean with new technology and great with kids! The office staff is great and very on top of scheduling. The more I got to know the owners I love the switch I made! We interviewed one of the owners and dentist Colleen Randall, mom of 4 and learned how she does it all!
Where are you originally from and how did you end up in Fairfield?
I grew up in Watertown, CT, about an hour north of Fairfield. My husband’s work brought us to Fairfield County in 2016 and we fell in love with the area and knew we’d be here for life.
Tell us about your Family!
My husband, Mark, and I have four kids, ages 1, 3, 4, and 6 – two boys, two girls. We also have dogs – a Weimaraner and a Vizsla, so we are a very busy and active home!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a huge Freddie Mercury fan, imperfect teeth and all!
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Fairfield has such a wonderful sense of community. Any activity interests your child has are right at your fingertips. And the town always feels alive, with lots of outdoor events in the warmer months.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Double layering crib and bed sheets. Sheet – waterproof layer – sheet. When you get so little sleep, every minute of it is super valuable. So if the baby spits up or the toddler has a nighttime accident, it’s easy to strip the top layer, throw it in the washing machine, and back to bed! No need to remake a bed at 2:00AM.
Tell us about your business Southport Family Dental, and when & why you decided to start up this business?
After working as a dentist in Cheshire, CT for seven years as an associate, I decided it was the perfect time to own a practice of my own, but I knew I didn’t want to do it solo. I had remained in touch with my UCONN Dental School friend Pamela Gibson, and we joined forces to purchase Southport Family Dental in November of 2019. Our goals for the practice and philosophies on patient care align perfectly, making us ideal partners for both the business and our patients. The practice transition has been hard work, but having the support of a female business partner who understands the pressures of juggling it all, has been something for which I am so grateful.
Why is it important to start children young at the dentist & how do you make kids feel comfortable the first time?
Ideally, children should be seen by a dentist when their first baby teeth have erupted or soon thereafter. We usually have the child sit on mom or dad’s lap and do an exam and gentle cleaning. This is to make sure that the teeth are healthy and also so the child can have a comfortable, easy first appointment to condition them to positive experiences at the dentist office right from the start. Of course, there’s always the prize box at the end, too!
Tell us about the services you offer at Southport Family Dental.
Southport Family Dental is a comprehensive general dentistry practice. We see patients of all ages, and pride ourselves on providing high quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Our services range from cleaning and exams, to Invisalign and veneers. We also collaborate with the top specialists in the area to ensure our patients are receiving a premium dental team when the patient’s needs dictate it.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
Listen to your intuition and try to keep perspective of what matters in life. Don’t waste time questioning yourself or listening to what society imposes on mothers. If you parent from a place of love, your child knows this and will not hold a grudge over your career when they are grown.
Who has influenced you most to be the mom you are today?
This answer might be a weird one, but.. my husband! He is an equal partner in parenting our kids and without his support I would never be able to have the family and career that I have.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Don’t be afraid to throw out all the advice! Society can have a lot of expectations of mothers and the “right” way to do things. Only you know what’s best for your kids and yourself. So like I mentioned before, follow your intuition and love your kids!
LOCAL:
Dinner with family – Centro
Grab drink with friends – Geronimo’s
Date night – Artisan
Time with Family – Saugatuck Sweets
Outside activities: Taking the dogs to Jennings Beach in the off-season
Coffee: Shearwater Coffee