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5 Ways to Help Kids Love the Dentist

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary, especially for kids! We believe that helping children build positive feelings around dental visits sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Whether it’s your child’s first appointment or their tenth, there are simple ways parents and caregivers can help make dental visits something to look forward to.

Here are 5 tried-and-true tips to help your child love the dentist:

1. Start the Conversation Early

Kids pick up on your tone and attitude, so talk about dental visits in a positive, relaxed way. Let them know the dentist is someone who helps keep their teeth strong and healthy. Avoid using words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “scary,” even if you’re trying to reassure them. Instead, focus on the fun parts—like sitting in a big chair or getting a shiny sticker at the end.

2. Read and Play Together

Storybooks and pretend play are powerful tools to help little ones understand what to expect. Read a children’s book about going to the dentist, or play pretend at home with stuffed animals and toy toothbrushes. The more familiar the process feels, the less intimidating it becomes when it’s time for the real visit.

3. Make the First Visit a Fun One

We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit at the standard age recommended by pediatric dental guidelines—usually around their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Early visits help build comfort and trust, especially when it’s with a warm, caring team like ours.

One happy parent, Shelly, recently shared:

“We took our 3-year-old daughter to see Brianna and Dr. Jill. They were amazing with her and she did so well! Our daughter is ready to go back already!”

4. Choose a Kid-Friendly Office

At MyDDSOffice, we’ve created a space where kids feel safe, seen, and celebrated. From TVs during cleanings to fun prizes and a staff that genuinely loves working with children, we’re all about making dental care a positive experience for your whole family.

5. Celebrate Healthy Habits

Encourage your child to take ownership of their smile! Let them pick out a special toothbrush, brush together as a family, and celebrate successful dental visits with something fun, like a trip to the park or an extra bedtime story. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

We're Here for Smiles—Big and Small

Our team proudly serves families across Lima, Elida, and Botkins, Ohio, with dental care that’s compassionate, personalized, and fun. We’d love to welcome your little one and help them build a healthy relationship with dental visits for years to come.

Let’s keep those smiles shining!

Schedule your child’s appointment today!
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Dr. Laura Lan

Dr. Laura will be in our office over the next couple of months. Dr. Laura Lan grew up in Los Angeles, California. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Laura made her way out to the Midwest to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

In her free time, Dr. Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and practicing yoga.

FUN FACT… Laura was a classmate of Dr. Rachel’s at Ohio State, and while Fara is a year ahead of Laura and Rachel, she is a close friend of Fara’s from dental school.

Steve M. Jones, D.D.S.

Senior Dentist Emeritus

Dr. Steven M. Jones is a graduate of Shawnee High School. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received his B.A. in Microbiology in 1986. Four years later he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (D.D.S.) from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Jones entered private practice in 1990 in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Jones also practiced in one of the first after hours dental emergency clinics in the country. After several years of private practice, he returned to his hometown of Lima, Ohio. Dr. Jones served as a clinical instructor at the Lima Technical College Dental Hygiene School and began planning a new general practice in the Lima area. In 2002 Dr. Jones opened the newly constructed Northwest Dental Center. Dr. Jones is a member of the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Northwestern Ohio Dental Society & Academy of Contemporary Dentistry in Columbus Ohio.

Dr. Rachel Salen, D.D.S.

Dr. Rachel Salen grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania until her family moved to Quincy, Illinois where she graduated from Quincy Notre Dame high school.

She then crossed the Mississippi River to study at Saint Louis University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Classical Humanities. Her family then moved to her father’s hometown of Warren, Ohio, leading her to choose The Ohio State University College of Dentistry for her post-graduate education where she would go on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Salen is very excited to begin her career serving the great people of West Central Ohio.

Dr. Salen will make a great addition to our patient-centered team by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including operative, prosthodontic, endodontic, and surgical treatments.

In addition to delivering great dental care, Rachel enjoys taking too many pictures of her cat, traveling across the Midwest and Northeast to visit her family and friends, and reading a good book!

Fara Hurt, D.D.S.

Dr. Fara Hurt grew up in Lima, Ohio. She is a graduate of Elida High school.

Dr. Hurt earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Fara worked for several years in the Columbus area, helping patients with their oral health needs and supporting patients with their periodontal care.

As a dentist, Dr. Hurt will make a great addition to our patient-centered team by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including operative, prosthodontic and endodontic treatments In addition to delivering great care, Fara enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, traveling, and attending football games.

Mary Wiechart, D.M.D

Dr. Mary Wiechart is a Lima native. She is a graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School. Dr. Wiechart earned a Bachelor of Science in Nature Sciences from Xavier University. She earned a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

Her practice includes operative, prosthodontic, endodontic and surgical treatments. In addition to delivering great care, Mary enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog, Bella. She also enjoys baking, golfing, traveling and listening to music.

Jill A. Miller, D.D.S

Senior Dentist

Dr. Jill A Miller is an Elida native and Elida High School graduate.

She is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 2009.

Dr. Miller provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages and strives to make patients feel comfortable. Her goal is to make going to the dentist a pleasant experience for children and adults.

Dr. Miller has served as externship site host for Ohio Northern University and has partnered with the University of Northwestern Ohio to provide emergency dental care to student athletes.

Dr. Miller is a member of the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Northwestern Ohio Dental Society, and the Ohio State University Dental alumni society.

In her spare time, Dr. Miller volunteers in the children ministry at her church, enjoys running and spending time with her husband, Zac, and their 3 children.