I grew up in Louisa, Kentucky, and attended Eastern Kentucky University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in microbiology in 1976. I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1983.
Following dental school, I practiced general dentistry in rural Kentucky for 14 years. During that time, I realized I really enjoyed working with children and the importance of establishing a dental home and good oral health habits at an early age. I decided to further my education, this time at Indiana University School of Dentistry, where I completed a rigorous two-year pediatric dental residency from 1997 to 1999.
My residency included in-depth training at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Throughout my specialty residency, I learned how to address the unique and sometimes complex dental needs of infants, children, teens, and individuals with special needs. In addition to tooth development and clinical aspects of a growing mouth, I also received advanced education in behavior management and modification.
In the more than 20 years I have practiced pediatric dentistry, I have approached each patient with the same thought: If this was my child, what would I do to help them? How can I make sure they feel safe, so they know they are heard and valued, and how best can I teach them why oral health is important and how to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy?
That patient-centered approach is a constant in our office. Seeing how each child responds when they realize they are in a secure space and have the full attention of our staff and myself, is incredible. When a kid feels at home, they associate us with positive things, and that allows us to teach them how to keep their smile healthy. Preventive dentistry is my passion and its the main focus of my practice.
One of the most exciting aspects of pediatric dentistry is the constant advancement that results from ongoing research. I regularly complete continuing education courses, and attend meetings, seminars, and lectures, in order to stay current on the latest options, new restorative techniques, and emerging trends.
Im an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Indiana Dental Association. Im also past president of the Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry. These organizations present numerous opportunities for me to learn from the leaders in general dentistry, and the pediatric specialty, and I take advantage of each.
My team is amazing! Each person is skilled, well trained, and helpful. Their warmth and kindness are obvious in every interaction, and they excel at connecting with patients and parents in a calm and reassuring manner.
While we focus on dental health, our greater concern is for the overall health and well-being of each child: We want them to have full and happy lives, healthy minds and bodies, and to enjoy a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles!
Amber lives on a farm where they raise goats. She has a dog named Zelda who loves to get into trouble! In addition to working with us, Amber is a member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band, Wings of the Wind Flute Choir, and Putnam County Photography Club.
Holly makes sure patients smiles are healthy, while giving tips on areas where patients can improve with their brushing and flossing. She enjoys educating parents and children and seeing our patients grow up. Holly has a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, has been in the field since 2016, and joined us in 2019. She finds Dr. Wells to be an awesome boss, because he truly cares about his patients and staff while maintaining a fun work environment, and she loves working with our team.
Kinzie sterilizes instruments, cleans operatories and hygiene chairs between patients, and ensures the hygiene bays and operatories are organized and ready for patients. She also assists with dental procedures. Kenzie joined us in 2020, having previously shadowed at other dental offices, and is happy to be in a practice that feels like a big family. Shes currently working on a degree in biology and is getting ready to apply to dental school!
Lavada handles all of the administrative tasks for our office. This includes all of the behind-the-scenes tasks it takes to keep the business running. She has been married to Dr. Wells since 1976. She has worked alongside him from the beginning of his dental career to manage the business. During that time, she has also taught children with learning disabilities, since she has a Bachelor of Science in education, with a major in elementary education and learning disabilities, and a masters degree in learning and behavior disorders from Eastern Kentucky University. She taught school for fifteen years.
Morgan sterilizes our tools and instruments, cleans the hygiene chairs and operatories between patients, works behind the scene to maintain equipment, and assists with patient care. Morgan started with us in 2009, when still in high school, and stayed through the beginning of college. She went on to work as a certified medical assistant for several years and rejoined us in 2020. She loves being part of an office that feels like one big family, and enjoys our bright and happy environment.
Morgan and her husband Rob live in Danville with their three dogs: Klaus, Kenai, and Tucker. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking and hiking with her dogs, and playing video games in her spare time.
Paige assists Dr. Wells with procedures, takes X-rays, provides cleanings, and orders supplies for our office. She has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood/primary education, coronal polishing and fluoride certifications, and a dental radiographer license, and has been with us since 2004. Paige loves laughing and having fun with her coworkers, whom she considers to be friends and part of her family.
Paige lives in Danville with her husbandMark. She has three kids Megan, Zarik, and Dawson and a grandchild named Jax. Watching her kids play sports, being secretary of the Danville Junior Football League, and enjoying time with family, friends, and her two dogs, Bentley and Cooper, keep Paige busy.
Robin provides gentle cleanings, preventive, and maintenance care to patients. She also offers patient/parent education, focused on establishing a lifetime of good habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Starting in the field as a dental assistant in 1986, Robin became a dental hygienist in 2001 and joined us in 2020. She is happy to work with a great team that helps each other and is truly a family.
Sarah and her husband Michael have two children, Maya and Carter, and two dogs, Lucy and Kara. Sarah loves spending time with her family, including traveling to new places, Disney trips, camping, playing board games, and watching movies.
Tammy is married and her daughter, Morgan, is part of our team. Her family also includes four dogs. Tammy loves to camp and travel, loves football (shes a cheese-head Go Pack! Go!) and loves Michigan State basketball and football, too.
At Hendricks Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome everyone by name and greet them with warm smiles. We value each patient and thefamily for the wonderful people they are and appreciate the opportunity to serve them.
Dr. John Wells and our team have served Hendricks County since 1999. We strive to provide each child with the positive and laughter-filled experiences needed to earn their trust and set them on their way to a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Ours is a family-oriented and kid-centered practice, where we take time to get to know each child and his or herparents. We are skilled, attentive professionals; we are also friendly, personable, and caring, and we thriveon the relationships we build with our community.
As a pediatric dental practice, we welcome infants through adolescents, and children and adults with special needs, including physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Each patient is offered high-quality dentistry, tailored to their individual situation. We consider our patients to be part of our family and care for them with integrity, kindness, and compassion!