We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle (danni) Bloodsaw a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle (Danni), so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It came from my desire to make dental care more fun, engaging, and accessible. I wanted to create a persona that could reach people of all ages, especially children, and inspire them to take better care of their teeth. By embodying “The Black Tooth Fairy,” I aim to break down the barriers and discomfort people often feel toward dental care, especially in underrepresented communities. I love dressing up as the tooth fairy at community events and offering complimentary oral hygiene evaluations. It’s a way to show young people that dentistry is not only important but can also be fun!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Absolutely! My journey started over 20 years ago, sparked by the necessity of providing for my son as a young mother. Dentistry came naturally to me—my family and I have always been good with our hands, and I found that I had a passion for the field. Despite working other jobs here and there, I’ve always returned to dentistry. It’s where I feel at home.
Over time, I was inspired by other dental professionals to expand my reach and share my skills with the masses. Now, as “The Black Tooth Fairy,” I combine my passion for oral health with creativity and a commitment to community outreach, especially focusing on reaching people who look like me—young Black girls who might not see representation in the dental field.
Community is everything to me. I love participating in community health events as a vendor, offering complimentary oral hygiene evaluations, and simply being present for those who may not have access to regular dental care. It’s about more than just whitening teeth or placing tooth gems—it’s about educating people on the connection between oral health and overall wellness.
In the future, I hope to see more young people, especially young Black kids from communities like mine, get into the dental field. It can be disheartening being the only Black woman in a dental office, but when I do meet others like me in this space, it fills me with hope and excitement.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say there are three qualities that truly shaped my journey: resilience, adaptability, and community focus.
1. Resilience: Entrepreneurship and the dental industry both require resilience. There are days when things don’t go as planned, and you have to push through those challenging times. For anyone starting out, my advice is to build a strong support system—friends, family, or mentors—who remind you why you began this journey. Setbacks will happen, but resilience helps you keep going.
2. Adaptability: Especially in a field like dentistry, you have to stay open to learning. The industry constantly evolves with new technologies, techniques, and trends, so being willing to adapt is essential. I’d encourage anyone early in their journey to invest in continuous education. Take workshops, attend conferences, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek mentorship. The more adaptable you are, the more equipped you’ll be to serve your clients with excellence.
3. Community Focus: I’ve always believed in the power of giving back, which is why community engagement is at the heart of my business. Knowing you’re making a difference in others’ lives is incredibly rewarding. For newcomers, I’d suggest getting involved in local events or finding ways to offer free or low-cost services to those in need. Not only will this build your reputation, but it will also remind you why you started.
For those just beginning, focus on these three areas. They’ll provide a strong foundation and keep you motivated through all the twists and turns of the entrepreneurial journey.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always open to partnering with individuals and organizations who are passionate about making a positive impact in oral health and wellness, especially those who are community-oriented and share a vision of creating accessible, empowering dental care.
I’m particularly interested in collaborating with other dental professionals, health educators, and nonprofits who are focused on promoting preventative health practices and reaching underserved communities. I believe there’s strength in numbers, and working together allows us to have a larger impact. Additionally, I’d love to connect with creative minds in marketing, education, and wellness who can bring fresh ideas and help amplify the message of Danni’s Tooth Spa and “The Black Tooth Fairy.”
If you’re passionate about making a difference and believe we could create something impactful together, I’d love to hear from you! The best way to connect is through Danni’s Tooth Spa’s website or social media channels. Let’s work together to spread smiles and promote health, one tooth at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dannistoothspa.com
- Instagram: theblacktoothfairy_pnw
- Facebook: Danni’s Tooth Spa
- Youtube: The Black Tooth Fairy
Image Credits
I want to give a big shoutout to Dr. Robin Jones, a dedicated dentist in Tacoma, Washington, who tirelessly serves our community, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Dr. Jones hosts several community events each year, and it’s an honor to work and volunteer at these events—they give me purpose and remind me why I do what I do.
I also want to express my gratitude to the Black Dental Peeps of Washington group—thank you all for welcoming me and taking me under your wings. It’s invaluable to have a supportive community in dentistry that looks like me. Finally, I want to thank the National Dental Association (NDA) for the work they do and for creating a space for us to connect, learn, and grow in this field.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
