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!
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 244 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRebecca Gallagher
a year ago
Always so friendly! Dr. Jennifer made it so my 2 year old actually enjoyed his first trip to the dentist!
Keaundra Jones
a year ago
Great and friendly place. Always have best interests for parents and most importantly the child. My son has been going for 5 years. Both Dr's. and staff are always smiling and have fun with the kids.
Brittany Butler
a year ago
We just moved to the area and Healthy Smiles was recommended to us by some friends who are current patients. Today we had our first visit and we couldn't be happier! Everyone was so welcoming and walked us through their office processes. All of the dental staff were great with my son and he had an enjoyable experience!!
Celia Jenkins Lozada
a year ago
Walking INTO the office was wonderful- Pac-Man in the corner, big fish tank and a movie? Just great! My son struggled with the X-ray but they adapted and he even said it was fun! Dr. Wells put both of us at ease and the whole visit was much more calm than I anticipated.
dan orchik
a year ago
The staff are great with kids. Appointments are right on time.
Nikki M
a year ago
We took our son here and Dr. Erik Wells is wonderful with kids making it an easy experience and very informational.
meridith farrow
a year ago
Caring, efficient, skilled dentist and staff. 10/10!
Marsha Schneider
a year ago
My son left after his first visit saying, "I LIKE that place." As a parent, I did as well. Very friendly staff, organized, really great with the kids!
laura debacker
a year ago
We were referred to Healthy Smiles and I was blown away with the cleanliness of the building, kindness of staff, and service to children. Dr.Wells was so pleasant and informative. Made the dentist experience so nice for my daughter.
Betsy Rambow
2 years ago
My children had their first cleaning at Healthy Smiles today. It went wonderfully thanks to the patient hygienist. She gave us all her tips and tricks for flossing with braces and made sure my son felt confident doing it on his own. We left with more knowledge about caring for my son's teeth in braces than we had been given at his orthodontist. She was also so kind and FAST with my more nervous child that hates people touching his mouth. Dr. Wells is super kind and understanding of my children who have very different personalities. We stumbled into his office because my older child needed an extraction done and decided to make it our home dental office for the kids because of how calm and kind he is along with his entire staff.
Leigh Ellen Matheny
2 years ago
Everyone is very friendly and patient!
Sara Shue
2 years ago
Friendly and kid friendly from the toothbrush selections to the pac man. Great experience
Kathy Dickson
2 years ago
Wow! This place is AMAZING! I took my granddaughter for an exam and cleaning, and she was petrified! They made her feel very comfortable. They told her everything they were going to do before they did it. I was extremely impressed, and she couldn't stop talking about her experience. She can't wait to go back next month for some preventative care!
Kari Bahr
2 years ago
Dr. Jennifer and Dental Assistant Kerry were so patient and reassuring during my 2-year old's first cleaning today. They made sure my daughter was aware of what they were doing and tried to make it a very positive and calm experience for her. I've heard some real horror stories of toddler dental appointments but both my daughter and I left with a smile. Thank you!
Allie Kerr
2 years ago
My daughter (3yrs) loves coming to this dentist. Video games and fish tank in the waiting room, fun "prizes" at the end and super sweet staff. Plus the dentist is good too Always been very happy coming here.
tiara lawrence
2 years ago
I love Dr. Wells they are awesome.
Nina Elder
2 years ago
The staff is extra friendly and caring with my Autistic nonverbal 7 year old. We love them and highly recommend Healthy Smiles.
Emily R
2 years ago
I have been to Healthy Smiles twice now and both experiences were amazing. I had to take my 8 month old in that had a questionable tooth/mouth infection and the whole staff dentist included were so kind. Today we went in with that same child now 2 and she had an exam and cleaning and they fit us in the same day to have sdf applied. They also looked at my 5 year old. They have TV's for the kids to watch while they wait and while they work on them. A great office that is very kind and patient with the kids. The hygienist explained everything to my 5 year old and he did amazing with it. (Wasn't the 2 year olds favorite thing but that's not the dentists fault lol)
Vee L
2 years ago
Very friendly and helpful staff.....and barely any wait time at all would highly recommend.
O K-L
2 years ago
Wendy was awesome with my kiddos. Very conversational, friendly, patient, and so sweet! I like talking to her as well!
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