How a pediatric dentist with 20 years of experience built a child-first, fear-free dental care ecosystem through empathy, innovation, and prevention
For most children, a visit to the dentist is often associated with fear, unfamiliar sounds, and discomfort. For Dr Premila Naidu, this was a reality she wanted to change. With close to 20 years of experience in pediatric dental health, she has spent her career understanding not just the clinical needs of children, but also their emotions, fears, and responses to care. That deep understanding eventually led to the creation of Purplepixie Healthcare Pvt Ltd, a venture rooted in empathy, expertise, and a long-term vision for children’s oral health.
Dr Premila is a pediatric dentist by profession, but at heart, she is a caregiver who believes that early healthcare experiences shape a child’s future. Over the years, she observed how negative dental visits often created lifelong fear, causing many children to avoid essential care well into adulthood. This observation stayed with her and gradually evolved into a mission.
“I wanted kids to have healthy smiles and create a generation of children not scared of the dentist,” she says.
That thought became the foundation on which Purplepixie Healthcare was built.
Despite the growing number of dental clinics across the country, Dr Premila noticed a significant gap. There were very few clinics dedicated exclusively to children, and even fewer that offered specialized pediatric care in an environment designed around a child’s comfort.
Most dental spaces catered primarily to adults, with children expected to adapt. For Dr Premila, this approach overlooked the emotional and sensory needs of young patients. Children require more than scaled-down treatments. They need specialists who understand their psychology and spaces that make them feel safe.
Under Purplepixie Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Dr Premila started the brand Dr Toothlittle, a clinic designed exclusively for children. Dr Toothlittle was created as a welcoming space where dental care feels less intimidating and more reassuring. It reflects her belief that the right environment, paired with the right expertise, can completely change how children perceive healthcare.
What truly differentiates Purplepixie Healthcare and the Dr Toothlittle clinics is their thoughtful design and inclusive approach. The clinics are multisensory and child-friendly, carefully planned to reduce anxiety and build trust. From the moment a child walks in, the space feels approachable rather than clinical.
“All our clinics are accessible and inclusive for all children,” Dr Premila explains.
This inclusivity is central to the brand’s philosophy. The clinics are designed to ensure that every child, regardless of ability or background, feels welcome and supported.
The doctors working under Purplepixie Healthcare are trained to be gentle and patient, understanding that building trust is as important as delivering treatment. Care here goes beyond procedures. It focuses on communication, reassurance, and creating positive early experiences.
Importantly, the approach extends beyond treatment. Prevention and education are equally emphasized. Parents and children are guided on maintaining oral health as part of overall well-being, reinforcing the idea that dental care is not just about fixing problems, but about preventing them.
Like most purpose-driven ventures, the early days were challenging. One of the biggest hurdles was awareness. Many parents were unfamiliar with the concept of exclusive pediatric dental clinics or the importance of preventive oral care from a young age.
“There was initially a lack of awareness,” Dr Premila recalls. “But we had to stay persistent and true to the vision of being an exclusive dental clinic for children.”
Rather than expanding prematurely or altering her focus, she chose consistency. Slowly, awareness grew. Parents began to see the value of specialized care, especially as oral health issues among children increased significantly over time.
This growing need reinforced Dr Premila’s belief that pediatric dental care should be accessible and proactive. Her larger goal has always been to make preventive oral care available in every corner of the country, ensuring healthy smiles for all children.
One of the most important milestones for Purplepixie Healthcare was the transition from a proprietary setup to a private limited company. This shift marked a new phase of growth and scalability.
“Moving to a private limited company gave us the scope to grow and reach more children,” Dr Premila shares.
For her, this transition was not just about expansion. It was about creating systems that could support long-term impact. Purplepixie Healthcare is not built solely around treatment. It is built around prevention, education, and the understanding that oral health is deeply connected to a child’s overall development.
Looking to the future, Dr Premila envisions Purplepixie Healthcare and Dr Toothlittle clinics across the country. However, her plans go beyond physical expansion.
In the next five years, she aims to partner closely with communities and schools to ensure children receive timely and high-quality dental care. By working directly within environments where children spend most of their time, she hopes to make preventive care a natural part of growing up.
She also plans to develop a complete ecosystem that includes not just treatment, but preventive programs and products designed to support everyday oral health. The focus remains consistent — keeping children healthy, confident, and smiling.
When asked what advice she would offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr Premila keeps it honest and grounded.
“It may seem cliché, but the truth is you have to dream it, imagine it, and work relentlessly towards it.”
Her journey reflects that belief. With nearly two decades of experience, a clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to children’s well-being, Dr Premila has built more than a healthcare brand. She has created a movement towards fear-free, inclusive, and preventive dental care for children.
Purplepixie Healthcare stands as a reminder that meaningful businesses often begin with compassion, patience, and the courage to do things differently.
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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