Children and adults visiting the dentist at the Central Community Health Centre in Douglas can now enter an undersea world of imaginary adventures through a newly created hand-painted mural. Unveiled at the end of May 2016, it was developed by graphic designer Kasia Mirska, the wife of one the practice’s dentists, Ziggy Mirski.
Vividly coloured sea horses, sea turtles, reefs and tropical fish come to life on the mural adding a bright and lively element to the children’s play area.
The mural was designed to create a welcoming, entertaining and relaxing space for children coming for their dental visits with the hope of reducing their anxiety before being called to sit in the dentist chair.
Kasia said:
“I spent over 60 hours hand painting and designing the mural. I’ve been eager to do something for a while, as I know attending the dentist can sometimes be unnerving for children, and I thought a bright and imaginative mural would help distract and calm them.
“I decided to depict an underwater scene not only for its tranquil and vibrant atmosphere but also because of a Feng Shui superstition that indoor aquariums are meant to bring you luck and success.”
Ruth Hogg, Dental Service Business Manager for the Department of Health and Social Care, said:
“The mural was a fantastic idea put forward by Kasia. We hope it will improve the experience for our young patients, helping to reduce their anxiety and, so far, we have not been disappointed.
“Parents have continually commented as to how the mural distracted their child and the calming effect it had on them. Our sincere thanks to Kasia for all her hard work and time.”
