Delivering care to the pediatric and special healthcare needs populations is gratifying. This is especially true when we address the lack of sufficient access to quality oral healthcare and are active in supporting direct care.
In practice, it is heartening and uplifting to see the benefits of better dietary choices and oral health over time in our patients and to learn how this has improved their quality of life. There are times where the whole family is positively impacted and others when the appropriate referral, attention, or recommendation has changed the course of a patient’s life. Wouldn’t that make anyone happy?
~ Dr. Elizabeth Prishkulnik
Education
Originally from London, Ontario, in Canada, Dr. Prishkulnik received her Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biology at the University of Western Ontario (now Western University). She then obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Westen Ontario (now known as the Schulich School of Medicine of Dentistry).
After dental school, Dr. Prishkulnik chose to complete a General Practice Residency and Certificate through Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Choosing to follow her professional dreams, she then completed a rigorous Pediatric Dentistry Residency and Certificate through the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Oral Surgery, in Brooklyn.
In Practice
Dr. Prishkulnik has practiced pediatric dentistry for 25 years, since the completion of her pediatric hospital residency training. She finds immense satisfaction in working with children, teens, and special healthcare needs patients because of the skills that are acquired and perfected. Sometimes challenging, this patient group is also the impetus for empathy and innovation, thus making the practice of pediatric dentistry different with every patient, and each patient offering learning opportunities.
The experience of working with this demographic provides Dr. Prishkulnik and her team energy, enthusiasm, surprises, and so much laughter. She finds joy to seeing the personal development of each patient every time they visit the office. Individual’s growth and progress is easy to see in practical and measurable ways and their creativity, imagination, and authenticity are often awesome and always a pleasure!
Of note, Dr. Prishkulnik finds working with kids and teens presents exceptional opportunities to help each develop lifelong healthy habits. Aside from the satisfaction of delivering care to her young patients, she also appreciates communicating conditions, procedures, methodology, and evidence to parents and caregivers.
Special Focus
Dr. Prishkulnik loves caring for special needs patients, as this group is often grossly underserved and suffers a significant lack of access to care. The individual’s tolerance can be short or nonexistent, prompting her to develop novel techniques to manage their care in-office and at home. Providing guidance and care for these patients can have an enormous positive change in their quality of life, and that of their families.
Professional Affiliations and Continuing Education
Board certified by and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Prishkulnik is also an active member of the:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- New Mexico Dental Association (delegate)
- Santa Fe District Dental Society (member and officer)
Through these organizations, Dr. Prishkulnik completes numerous trainings and courses, as well as studies the latest literature. She also participates in study groups, teaches and volunteers, and undertakes site visits to other offices and manufacturing facilities.
Advances in pediatric general and oral healthcare are exciting and encouraging, especially when these techniques help the neediest and most sensitive patient demographic. For Dr. Prishkulnik, ongoing studies keep her on the frontline of state-of-the-art healthcare procedures and recommendations. Through evidence-based literature and continuing education, she is motivated to better understand the mind-body relationships and how providers can deliver this knowledge to parents and patients.
Beyond the Office
Dr. Prishkulnik resides with her husband Dr. Jake Prishkulnik (an obstetrician/gynecologist) at their Santa Fe home. The couple has two talented and very bright young adult daughters. They also have several rescue dogs who demand a lot of time, love, and exceptional care.
A lifelong consummate reader and learner, Dr. Prishkulnik’s background includes a visual arts background. A favorite pastime is learning a new skill or practicing the creative process with a new project. Free time is scarce and priceless and, in her opinion, best exercised with fun family time: she will never turn down a trip to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or to a beach or lake cottage!