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Office Check-Up | Setting Dental Resolutions

Setting Dental Resolutions that Will Last in 2024

The tradition of setting resolutions—goals that promise positive change and growth. While we often focus on broader aspects of self-improvement, let’s not forget about an essential part of our well-being: our oral health.

Commit to Consistent Brushing and Flossing

It’s a classic, and for a good reason. Consistent brushing and flossing form the cornerstone of excellent oral health. Make it a resolution to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. Consider setting reminders on your phone or leaving post-it notes in visible places until it becomes second nature.

Explore a Tooth-Friendly Diet

This year, let’s vow to give our teeth some love from the inside out. Incorporate tooth-friendly foods like crunchy fruits and veggies, dairy products, and foods rich in calcium and phosphorus. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, opting for healthier alternatives.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to oral health. Make it a resolution to schedule regular dental check-ups. Whether it’s twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, these appointments are crucial for catching potential issues early and maintaining a healthy smile.

Ditch Bad Habits for Good Resolutions

This year, let’s kick those bad habits that can harm our oral health. Whether it’s smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or nail-biting, identify your habits and work on breaking free from them. Your teeth will thank you.

Invest in Your Smile

Consider dental treatments or enhancements that you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s teeth whitening, orthodontic work, or addressing any underlying concerns, make 2024 the year you invest in the smile you’ve always wanted.

Prioritize Mental Well-being

Believe it or not, your mental well-being can impact your oral health. Stress and anxiety can manifest in teeth grinding or neglecting oral care. Make self-care a priority to ensure a healthy mind and, in turn, a healthy smile.

Setting dental resolutions isn’t just about a brighter smile; it’s about investing in your overall well-being. By keeping these resolutions simple, realistic, and sustainable, you’ll be well on your way to achieving and maintaining a healthy, happy smile throughout 2024 and beyond. Here’s to a year of radiant smiles!

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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

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

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.