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Setting Dental Resolutions That Will Last

The new year is the perfect time to design resolutions for establishing healthy habits. Whether it’s improving your brushing habits or completing dental treatment, wellness resolutions are always at the forefront. Here are some resolutions that will last all year…

Work on Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques

Improving your daily oral care habits can not only improve your dental health but your overall health. Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. This includes brushing your teeth before you go to sleep for the night. If you’re a midnight snack grabber, don’t forget to brush after that late-night fridge run.

Floss at least once every day to get rid of unwanted food particles accumulated in the hard to reach places. When flossing be sure to use a “C” motion to cover both sides of each tooth.

Super Important >> Replace toothbrushes once every 3 or 4 months as suggested by the American Dental Association.

Eat & Drink Healthy

Poor nutrition can impact the overall immune system, resulting in increased susceptibility to several oral problems, including gum (periodontal) disease. Drink more H2O and less sugary drinks like pop and other acidic beverages. When you do drink dark-colored drinks such as teas and coffee, use a straw, as these can cause staining.

Consider Restorative Preventative Care

The perfect way to preserve your smile and care for your oral health is to make sure you aren’t putting off your visits. If you’ve been delaying restorative work like cavity fillings, bonds, implants, or crowns, now is the time… delaying too long can cause additional damage

A couple of preventive measures that will help preserve your smile are incorporating mouthwash into your daily oral routine, avoid chewing ice to help protect your enamel, and finally don’t use your teeth for anything other than chewing food.

Routine Dental Visits

Visiting your dentist every six months for your routine cleaning to help prevent any oral health issues before they lead to discomfort or costly treatment. With regular dental visits, your dentist will check your oral health and also plan how to address any problem areas.

A healthy smile is a perfect resolution you can offer to yourself. Smile more and frown less this year!

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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.