Beyond the Dental Chair: How DDS Invests in Technology, Training & Your Smile

MyDDS Lima Ohio

Modern dental technology in Lima, Ohio, is changing how patients experience dental care. At DDS, we’re embracing those advancements while continuing to invest in the people behind every appointment. 

From digital scanning technology to hands-on CPR training, our teams at Northwest Dental Center, Shawnee Family Dental, and Botkins Family Dental are committed to growing and improving the care we provide.

Modern Dental Technology in Lima, Ohio: Digital Dentistry at DDS

Dentistry continues to evolve, and we’re excited to bring those advancements into our offices.

All three DDS locations are equipped with iTero digital scanners, which create detailed 3D images of patients’ teeth and gums. This technology helps our teams evaluate smiles, plan treatments, and give patients a clearer understanding of their oral health.

Along with Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, these tools help make dental care more informative, efficient, and comfortable.

Because when patients can see what we see, conversations about their dental health become a whole lot easier.

iTero digital scanner displaying a 3D model of teeth at a DDS dental office in Ohio
DDS dental team practicing CPR chest compressions and assisted ventilation during hands-on training

Learning Never Stops at DDS

Having modern equipment is important, but so is knowing how to use it effectively.

Our teams participate in continued education and hands-on training to strengthen their skills, learn new techniques, and stay informed as dentistry advances.

Recently, team members also participated in CPR training, practicing emergency-response skills through classroom instruction and hands-on exercises.

While we hope those skills are never needed during a dental appointment, being prepared is another important part of caring for our patients.

What Does This Mean for Our Patients?

Our investment in technology and training comes down to a few simple things: helping patients feel comfortable, improving communication, supporting informed treatment decisions, and maintaining a team that’s prepared to provide quality care.

Technology will continue to change, and we’ll continue to learn. But one thing remains the same: our commitment to the people who trust us with their smiles.

Modern Dentistry With a Personal Touch

Whether you’re visiting Northwest Dental Center in Elida, Shawnee Family Dental in Lima, or Botkins Family Dental, our goal is to combine modern dental technology with the friendly, personalized care our communities know.

Because investing in our team and our technology is ultimately an investment in you and your smile.

Looking for a family dentist near Lima, Ohio? Get to know our three DDS locations and discover the care that’s waiting for you.

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.