When Dr. Njeri Penda was 5 years old in East Africa, she had her first experience with a dentist that changed her life and sparked a lifelong passion for dentistry.
Dr. Penda is the new dentist at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care, 1905 19th, where she treats all ages, but specializes in pediatric dentistry.
“After that first experience, I thought the dentist was a magician in a white coat. I decided I was going to be a magician too,” Dr. Penda laughed. “I am committed to providing the same compassionate care to young patients, ensuring they feel safe, understood and supported.
“I am empathetic and patient with them. If children have professional and compassionate dental care, they won’t be as hesitant when they get older.”
While Dr. Penda offers a full range of general dental services, her mission extends beyond the clinic. “My role is not confined to in-office dental care. I actively support public-health programs, promote prevention and help improve quality of life.”
After moving to the United States after high school, Dr. Penda earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and psychology at the University of Missouri at Kansas City; a master’s in business administration at Webster University in St. Louis; and a doctor of dental surgery at the University of Missouri School of Dentistry.
Overall health
Dental care is often neglected, probably because many people don’t realize how much it affects their whole body, Dr. Penda said.
“The mouth is the gateway to the body. When oral health is neglected, harmful bacteria begin to break down tooth enamel, causing infections and tooth loss.
“They also irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, which fortunately, is reversible. But if left untreated, bacteria harden into tartar, leading to gum disease. At that stage, the damage is permanent due to bone loss, resulting in loose teeth.”
Over time, these bacteria enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting major organs and contributing to serious health problems.
“You may not feel pain right away but the damage is happening,” Dr. Penda cautioned. “This can affect your ability to speak and eat, impact your confidence and mental health, and even accelerate the aging process.”
Studies show that poor oral hygiene is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, autoimmune disorders, immunosuppression, Alzheimer’s disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Heart of Kansas
Dr. Penda, who is multilingual, is glad she is working at Heart of Kansas because its “mission and values put patients first. I love serving public health, supporting those who are underserved and seeing patients regardless of their insurance status.
“To top it off, everyone has been so welcoming. I see the spirit of teamwork that allows us to offer the whole range of services - preventive care, restorative treatments, and patient education and outreach.”
In addition, she has a fondness for rural areas, which remind her of her parents’ background in large-scale farming.
“My goal is to build a culture of oral-health awareness, especially for children so that positive dental-health habits start early and last a lifetime. I want to be more than a provider. I hope to be a trusted community partner.”
Brett Middleton, Heart of Kansas chief executive officer, said “our community is fortunate to have Njeri as a dentist and neighbor. Her educational and professional backgrounds are extensive, which means her patients are in good hands. And because she shares advice about the importance of dental care, the rest of the community is in good hands too.”
Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.
