Meet a Mom Monday!! Meet Dr. Dani Dental’s, Dr. Danielle Pannese. She has been a dentist for 17 years now and opened her practice in Fairfield, CT over 7 years ago! She is committed to offering excellent dental care to her patients and she strives to listens to their needs & concerns, while putting them at ease with her friendly team and gentle touch. She is very excited to share some of the new things they’re doing at the practice – redefining the dental experience at her office with advanced laser technology, an amazing & friendly staff, and a wide range of dental services that you can get, all in one office. They are a family dental practice, serving all ages and specializing in children! Read more about Dr. Danielle Pannese below!
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Trumbull, CT.
Tell us about your Family!
I am married to my husband Jason. We have a son Gianni, who is 7 years old. He enjoys playing baseball and flag football. We also have a daughter, named Bella, who just turned 4. She is our favorite little sour patch kid.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I used to be a lifeguard at Lake Hills in Fairfield.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
This can be summed up with a quote, “Motherhood is a choice you make every day to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing, even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything “wrong”.”
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Use a large whiteboard for each month and write down all your kids’ events, practices and appointments. Each child and parent is assigned with a specific color marker to keep organized. Also include your schedule and your spouse’s schedule. Keep the white board in a central location such as the kitchen for all to see.
Keep snacks, bottled water, wipes, books, crayons, coloring books and a first aid kit in your car.
Tell us about kids and the dentist.
It is all about building a trusting relationship with our young patients early on. We believe in teaching our patients good oral habits and making it a fun experience.
Tell us about your background in the dental industry.
I graduated from NYU College of Dentistry and went on to complete a residency at Danbury Hospital. I worked in private practice and worked at a healthcare center where I treated patients of all different cultures and ethnicities of all ages. I also worked in a school dental clinic treating elementary children. Working in the dental clinic made me confident in treating dental emergencies and traumas. I then opened my private practice in 2014 and recently started offering laser dentistry, botox and filler treatments.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
Give yourself grace. It is difficult trying to juggle it all. Try to leave work at work and when you are with your children be in the moment. Give them all your attention and enjoy all those precious moments because they go by in the blink of an eye.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
I was most influenced by my mom and grandmother. Both were hardworking women who always made many sacrifices for their families. My mom was a middle school health teacher and nurse. She was always attending school to further her education. She would work during the day and study at night. She, however, always got us to our sports practices, had a home cooked meal on the table, and spent quality time with us before bed. My mom always made everything fun no matter how exhausted she was. She did it all and always with a smile!
My grandmother owned her own hair salon in Fairfield. It was located on the Post Road. Besides being a business owner, she was an incredible chef and baker. She also had the ability to make each grandchild feel as if he or she was extremely unique and special. She would give you the biggest smile and hug and you could feel her love.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
This is actually a question I have had some personal experience with. My little sister is due to have her first child in November. And some of the advice I have been giving her is as follows.; You are not going to know everything. Ask for help. You are going to have good days, bad days and days when you just cry and that is OK. Make time for yourself whether it is getting a mani/ pedi or going to the gym. Lastly, this is the greatest job you will ever have and the best gift you will ever receive! Enjoy it and embrace it.
We love supporting local businesses – what is one of your favorite places in Fairfield?
SOSF CrossFit .. the best coaches and community!