GiGi’s Ambassador Craig Blackburn Inspires Future Dentists

At GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans, our ambassadors play an important role in changing the way the world views Down syndrome. Recently, our very own Ambassador and Board Member, Craig Blackburn, had the opportunity to do just that by speaking to students at LSU’s Dental School.

Craig shared his personal experiences and insights with future dentists, helping them better understand how to support patients with Down syndrome and other special abilities. His message was simple but powerful: understanding patients as individuals can make all the difference in their healthcare experience.

Craig began by introducing himself and sharing a bit about his life. He proudly serves as a GiGi’s Ambassador and board member for GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans and works for the Saints as part of their equipment team, something he loves doing every day.

Drawing from his own experiences as a dental patient, Craig spoke about some of the unique dental challenges individuals with Down syndrome may face. He explained that people with Down syndrome may experience enamel loss due to factors such as smaller teeth, hygiene challenges, or teeth grinding. Craig also shared how learning about the importance of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash helped him better care for his own teeth.

Beyond sharing personal experiences, Craig offered the students valuable advice on how they can make dental visits more comfortable for patients with special abilities. He encouraged them to take time to understand each patient’s unique needs and fears before an appointment. As Craig explained, every patient is different, and building trust can make a lasting impact.

Craig also shared simple but meaningful ideas to help patients feel more relaxed during dental visits, such as dimming the lights, offering sunglasses, or allowing patients to listen to music during their appointment. Small changes like these can transform a stressful experience into a positive one.

One of Craig’s most memorable messages to the students was about kindness and connection. At the end of a visit, he encouraged them to thank patients for being brave and to let them know they look forward to seeing them again. In Craig’s words: “Be a friend.”

The LSU students asked thoughtful questions and appreciated hearing directly from someone with lived experience. Moments like this are exactly how perspectives change, through conversation, education, and authentic voices.

Because of the positive impact of Craig’s presentation, GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans has been invited back to speak again in the fall to share volunteer opportunities with the students.

Craig’s presentation is a perfect example of what our ambassadors do best: advocate, educate, and inspire others to create a more inclusive world. By sharing his story, Craig is helping future healthcare professionals better understand and serve individuals with Down syndrome.

And that is truly the Best of All.