I enjoy talking with each child about their life, learning whats interesting and important to them, and building those critical connections. I strive to constantly go above and beyond to help my patients understand their dental health and demystify their care. Through clear, age-appropriate communication, I can head off confusion that leads to anxiety for children and their parents.
It is very rewarding to be able to take a child who is in pain and make them comfortable in a short period of time. Its also very rewarding when a child comes into our office feeling embarrassed by a broken tooth and were able to quickly repair it so they can return to their normal lives.
Dr. Erik Wells has practiced dentistry for more than 25 years. His father is a medical doctor and he grew up knowing he wanted to work in healthcare. Dentistry, with itscombination of science, health, and personal connections, had a strong appeal. Then, exposure to pediatric dentistry, and the challenges and rewards of working with children, made Dr. Wellss choice clear.
Dental treatment and knowledge, especially in pediatric dentistry, is rapidly changing. Dr. Wells strives to ensure he offers his patients leading-edge, safe, and proven treatments. Through continuing education, mainly focused on pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, he stays at the forefront of research and the latest advances in methodologies and patient care.
Additionally, he regularly volunteers at local free dental clinics, and in 2018, he volunteered at the Georgia Mission of Mercy in Augusta. During that two-day event, he and other oral healthcare providers saw and treated more than 2,000 underserved dental patients.
After growing up in Gainesville, Dr. Wells has resided in Jefferson for more than a decade. He has two teen daughters, Zoe and Rachel, both super kids currently in high school. They have completely different personalities yet are both wonderful and smart. The family also includes two dogs, Briscoe and Stanley.
Much of Dr. Wellss free time outside the office is spent with his family. He also enjoys staying fit through exercise, reading, relaxing in the North Carolina mountains, and volunteering with the Georgia and American Dental Associations. He also makes time to volunteer in his church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens, through various ministries.
As a pediatric dentist, I love the challenge of discovering what makes each child have a successful outcome. In other words, I like the psychology of pediatric dentistry. Every child is unique and, as such, what makes one child relaxed and happy in the dental setting may not work for another child.
The best way I can serve a child, helping them feel safe during a visit, is to listen and engage with them. I ask about their hobbies and friends, their grandparents and new siblings, and we talk about their plans and dreams: for later that day, for the weekend, over the summer.
Each of those conversations helps develop a trusting relationship, as the child learns Im listening to and really care about them. Then they relax in the chair and are open to listening and learning, which helps establish good hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
Dr. Jennifer Wells has practiced dentistry for nearly a quarter-century. She was drawn to dentistry as an orthodontic patient in 7th grade: It was the perfect blend of helping people with beautifully healthy smiles and developing long-lasting relationships.
Throughout the year, Dr. Wells participates in a range of continuing educational activities, including meetings, lectures, and seminars. She also stays current with the latest dental journals and professional publications.
Originally from Telfair County, Dr. Wells has resided in Jefferson since 2007. Outside of work, she prioritizes time with her family, including her daughters Zoe and Rachel, and the familys rescue mutts, Briscoe and Stanley.
Sweet smiles and giggly personalities fill my days at Healthy Smiles! I love to see those big cheesy grins after I get them all cleaned up! The bubbling personalities of my patients are such a blessing to me!
Thousands, maybe even millions, of adults have had negative dental experiences and thus avoid seeing the dentist. Dr. Jennifer Wells, Dr. Erik Wells, and our team know its vitally important to help children, as early as possible, to develop positive attitudes about seeking and receiving dental care.
With a safe, encouraging, and enjoyable atmosphere, we help every child feel at home in the dental environment. This ensures small problems are detected and treated early, kids learn how to keep their teeth and gums clean, and they grow up with Healthy Smiles!
Everyone at Healthy Smiles looks forward to meeting and welcoming your children and you to our dental family. Working together, well achieve a lifetime of strong, bright, and beautifully healthy smiles!