CHEO's compassionate care inspires patient's dental career dreams

Dental hygieniest smiles with patient in dentist chair

Mylah Rafi is a shining light in CHEO’s dental clinic as she sports a contagious smile, and infectious energy, at each appointment.

“We're always so happy to see her,” said dental hygienist Melanie Rochon.

Rochon has helped treat Rafi, now 21, for her cleft lip and palate since birth.

Rafi was among the one in every 700 infants in Ontario who, each year, are born with a cleft of the lip and/or palate, or other craniofacial differences.

baby with cleft lip and palate During Pediatric Dental Health Month, we highlight the Cleft Lip and Palate Program at CHEO that treats these conditions through surgery, specialized dental treatment and speech therapy. Patients with a cleft lip and palate are followed at CHEO up to 22 years old. If needed, their care will be transferred to specialists in the community who treat adults.

Rafi has had nearly 20 surgeries and hundreds of appointments for her condition. She had to wear braces for a decade, and she has worn appliances in her mouth for most of her life.

Despite that extensive medical journey, she said CHEO’s dental clinic has become a safe and positive space.

Rochon’s compassionate care and expertise is a big reason why.

“I never schedule an appointment on her days off,” said Rafi.

Their close relationship over the past two decades, and Rafi’s health-care journey, has inspired her to pursue Dental Hygiene at Algonquin College.

Rochon has built relationships with many patients and families during her 25 years at CHEO. Rafi is the first she can recall who wanted to follow in her footsteps.

“It brought tears to my eyes. It made me realize the impact we have on those patients. Everything we do, everything we say,” she said.

That impact on kids and families extends beyond the clinic and the walls of a hospital.

dental hygienist chats with patient in chair

Her care and relationship with the CHEO Dental Clinic have given Rafi the confidence to talk to others about her experiences — the feelings, struggles and challenges — including younger patients and families in the clinic and in the community.

She brings a different level of empathy to each conversation, and she has felt empowered by all those at CHEO who have helped her grow into the person she is today.

“I've learned to love myself more,” Rafi said.

Now she hopes to help build a brighter future where all kids with a cleft lip or palate love themselves, too.