Hines Little Smiles is proud to be one of the leading pediatric dental practices in the Columbus area. Each one of our team members has special training and experience in working with children, and many many of us have children of our own. We all love the work we do here, and we share a common goal: to give your child a positive and fun dental health experience that will stay with them well into adulthood. We love getting to know each patient, parent, and family that visits our office, and invite you to begin getting to know the Hines Little Smiles family by clicking on the links below.

Dr. Hines says every day is another day to have some fun with baby teeth and the little people that own them. I desire most to make every childs experience a memorable one. I cherish the moments when I get to learn about my patient, their family, and their passions.

A Columbus, OH, native, Dr. Hines earned her Bachelors Degree and subsequently completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at OSU. She did her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital and Case Medical Center, then opened her own pediatric dental practice in 2009.

Dr. Hines originally intended to become an oral surgeon specializing in cleft palate restoration, but says pediatric dentistry won her over something about the honesty of a childs smile tipped the balance. Our patients continue to win me over every single day! she says, adding Baby teeth are my favorite teeth of all!

When shes not creating amazing smiles for her patients in a positive, compassionate environment, Dr. Hines can be found spending time with her husband, their two youngest children, and three furry ones. My goal in my life at this point is to be present for my family. I have two my team, and my family at home! Dr. Hines supports the Humane Societies, Ronald McDonald House, Mid Ohio Food Bank, and Give Kids a Smile.

Dr. Eileen M. Martinez says she became a pediatric dentist because she loves making kids smile. I have a very nurturing and compassionate approach to children. I love helping them get past their fears, and seeing how proud they are of themselves when they get through treatment!

A Columbus, OH, native, Dr. Martinez earned her BS in Electrical Engineering at Ohio University in Athens, OH, and completed dental school at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Her pediatric dental residency was completed at the University of Toledo.

When shes not bringing her nurturing and compassionate side to the dentists office, Dr. Martinez can be found spending time with her husband, Diego, working on their new house in Grove City and getting ready for the arrival of their son. She loves cooking, trying new restaurants, and taking spinning classes. Dr. Martinez is also passionate about giving back to the community, saying, I love participating in Community Day through Hines Little Smiles. It allows us the opportunity to treat kids that may not have the opportunity to seek routine dental care!

Dr. Hawk says he went into the dental field out because he found a passion for helping kids live healthy and happy lives. Oral health has a large impact on the overall health of a child. I love being able to provide a great foundation for a long life of healthy living through establishing good habits early on in life, he says.

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Dr. Hawk earned his DMD at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Alton, IL, and completed his Pediatric Dental Residency at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

Joining Hines Little Smiles was the perfect next step for Dr. Hawk, who says he loves being able to work with a team of people who share the same passion and vision for helping children improve their oral health as he does: It brings me great pleasure to be able to help those around me. Dentistry allows me the privilege of helping my patients improve their overall health while having fun at the same time!

Dr. Hawk now resides in Powell, OH with his wife and four children, and when hes not busy with the kids hes staying active by going on hikes, riding his bike, and exploring new areas. He has worked with Give Kids a Smile for the past six years and has loved doing it every year.

Dr. Banthia knew dentistry was right for her because it is rooted in science and healthcare and yet allows creativity. She says, I knew early on in dental school that I wanted to be a pediatric dentist. My goal is to help my patients foster a love for their oral health and maintain a health and cavity free smile through adolescence and adulthood.

Born in Mumbai, India, Dr. Banthia lived in Baton Rouge, LA, since the age of five. She did her undergraduate work at Louisiana State University In Baton Rouge, LA, earned her degree at the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, LA, and completed her specialty training at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH.

Hines Little Smiles has been an ideal fit for Dr. Banthia, who says, I love how we work as a team towards our common goal: to make every dental visit fun, safe and educational for both the kids and the families. I enjoy taking the time I need to get to know each child and family to come up with an individualized plan for their oral health.

Dr. Banthia is a fan of Joe Burrow, LSU, and New Orleans Saints Football. She enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and is working hard to improve her Spanish and salsa skills. Her hobbies include pickleball, Orange Theory HIIT classes, and Yoga.

A Groveport, OH, native, Abby says having family at the Hines Little Smiles practice made it a natural choice for her to join the team. She says she loves how compassionate and family oriented the practice is. Everyone is very compassionate, loyal, professional and hardworking!

When shes not managing the phones, Abby is spending time (preferably out doors) with her boyfriend of three years, her stepson, and her greyhound, the greatest dog in the world, Lucy. She supports Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, and the Red Cross.

As treatment coordinator at HLS, Amara is responsible for going over recommended treatments with patients and their parents, providing financial information, and scheduling their next visits. Im patient, detailed, and a people pleaser! she says.

A Marengo, OH, native, Amara completed her dental assistant certification at Dental Assistant Pro, and followed up with certification in radiology, BLS, and CPR. She says she loved going to the dentist growing up and enjoys working at a practice that is focused on giving children the same great experiences she remembers having. Were a family here, she says.

When shes not educating children about good oral hygiene, Amara concentrates on her other passion traveling with and showing Quarter Horses. She says the charities she is most fond of are St. Judes and Make A Wish Western Wishes.

Ashley is an expanded function dental assistant. After she makes sure her patient is comfortable, she can perform a wide range of tasks including cleaning and polishing teeth, applying dental sealants, and placing fillings. Being great with kids and good at what I do makes me a perfect fit for my job!

Ashley hails from Springfield, OH, and now lives in Columbus, OH. She completed Stark States EFDA program, and now has four years of experience under her belt. My sisters are nurses, so I thought Id be different and go into the dental field! she says. I love that everyone here works together and it feels like a family.

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Betty now lives in Whitehall, OH. She has two years of experience working in the dental industry, and says she focuses on getting the job done well and not missing days.

As the Administrative Manager at HLS, Chelsees job is to oversee the daily workflow of the entire administrative team. She says being organized, able to keep a level head, and having close attention to detail make her great at her job. Its all about teamwork and creating a family atmosphere!

As a front desk administrator, Claudia wears many hats. She checks in patients and helps out wherever she is needed to keep things running smoothly on the reception side. I love seeing the kids every day, and being a part of their positive experience at the dentist! she says.

Claudia is from Pataskala, OH, and working at Hines Little Smiles has been her introduction to the dental field. I would love to eventually go back to school for dental assisting, she says, adding, I love pushing myself and discovering new limits!

When shes not welcoming patients to the practice, Claudia loves hanging out with her fianc and her cat, painting, or playing video games. She supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, and regularly gives blood to the Red Cross.

As Operations Manager for Hines Little Smiles, Herbert is in charge of facility management, life safety, human resources, and any other tasks that might be required on the operational side of the practice.

Originally from Cleveland Heights, OH, Herbert now lives in Westerville, OH.He says he chose to join HLS for a new challenge, and that being willing and able to fill in the blanks and help where he is needed makes him a valuable addition to the team. We have a unique family environment, and everyone is very compassionate and united by their desire to help children, he says.

When Herbert isnt managing the facility and making sure team members have what they need at HLS, he can be found spending free time with his wife and children, or enjoying the outdoors while golfing, camping, or riding his Harley.

As a Registered Dental Hygienist, Jennifer stays busy taking x-rays, scaling and polishing teeth, applying fluoride treatment and sealants, and teaching kids how to take care of their own teeth at home. She says the best part of her day is seeing childrens happy smiles!

Originally from Galion, Ohio, Jennifer now lives in Mansfield, Ohio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and also competed her EFDA training at Ohio State University. Jennifer has been working in the dental industry for over a year, now, and says she loves how the practice is its own little family.

As a treatment coordinator, Jennifer helps facilitate treatment planning, pre-determinations, and treatment scheduling. She says being an outgoing people person has been invaluable to her tasks. I enjoy educating people about their insurance, and helping them get the most out of their benefits!

A Centerburg, OH, native, Jennifer completed Dental Assistant School and has 12 years of experience in the field. She says she loves working with a compassionate team that is like a family, serving their patients like they are family, too. I wanted to have a career where I could make a difference in someone elses life. We do that here every day!

When shes not working hard on her patients behalf, Jennifer can be found spending time with her husband, John, and her adult son. She enjoys board games, movies, cooking, and trying new restaurants. Jennifer supports the Make a Wish Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A Carroll, OH, native, Krystal says the dental field has always intrigued her, and she finds the innovations amazing. She is also a trained dental assistant, and says I have a personable character, which you definitely need in this field!

When shes not working with kids and their parents, Krystal is spending time with her family, friends, and says she enjoys shopping and being out of doors with her dog, whom she refers to as my fur baby! She also supports the ASPCA.

Lindas job as a Coronal Polisher means being able to transition quickly from task to taskas she assists, takes x-rays, performs cleanings, and stocks rooms in between patients. I enjoy working with families and children, and caring for teeth, she says, adding and I like having fun!

Linda is originally from Frazeysburg, OH, but now lives in Newark, OH. Her education has included coursework in dental assisting, radiology, coronal polishing, and orthodontics. She says some of the best things about working at HLS is how organized the office is and how compassionate the staff are. Everyone really cares about the patients!

When shes not educating little ones on the importance of flossing or taking pictures of emerging teeth, Linda can be found out of doors, walking, camping or exercising, or spending time with her family, She supports her church and her community.

Renada is from Pataskala, OH, and has been with the Hines Little Smiles family for seven years. She has completed dental assisting school and may continue her education in the years to come. I have a great boss, I love coming to work every day, I love the kids, and Im so glad I work in such a happy place, she says.

Rod says the best thing about Hines Little Smiles is the practices fast pace and the entire staffs love for children. I love the fun atmosphere we create for kids and their families, he says, adding, I enjoy working with kids of all ages, and helping them be comfortable at the dentist.

A Columbus native, Rod has over a decade of experience in the profession and holds EMT license from Columbus State as well as a CDA license from the Academy of Health Sciences. He says he ended up in the dental profession by way of the U.S. Army and his time spent as an EMT.

In his spare time, Rod enjoys fishing, cooking, and riding bikes with his wife. Rod is a Freemason and volunteers with the organization See Kids Dream as well as being a blood donor for the Red Cross.

A Lancaster, OH, native, Sierra attended the Fairfield Career Center for Dental Assisting. Shes been working in the dental industry for four years and says that the practice feels like a big family. I love working with kids. They say the cutest and funniest things!

Sierra says the first thing she notices about people is their smile, and she knew she always wanted to make people feel better about their smile. When shes not hard at work to accomplish that goal, Sierra loves spending time out doors with her dog.

Registered Dental Hygienist Susan refers to herself humorously as a brushing, flossing, tooth picker extraordinaire! She says being a pop star didnt work out, but thats OK. I graduated first in my class at Columbus State Dental Hygiene, so I had something to fall back on! she laughs.

The Greenville, North Carolina transplant now lives in Hilliard, Ohio, and has been working in the dental field for more than six years now. I love the team and atmosphere at the practice, but most importantly I love the kids, she says, adding that her energy and teamwork skills make her a great fit for her job.

When shes not making sure each childs dental hygiene experience is the best it can be, Susan is spending time with her own kids or reading, exercising, playing sports, or other outdoor stuff. She supports the YMCA.

A Grove City, OH native, Tanya has completed education in coronal polishing, and earned her DANB, EFDA, and radiographers license. Shes been in the dental field for 19 years, and says, Our office is family!

Savannah takes her front desk duties seriously, helping out as needed. She says she began working at the practice to expand her knowledge about dental work, adding that she loves the amazing team, patients and parents. I adore children, and like to learn new things and push myself, she says.

Savannah was born in Pickerington, Ohio, and now lives in Canal Winchester, Ohio. Shes a recent high school graduate and loves both childcare and animal care. My dream is to one day have a personal farm, she says. Savannah supports St. Jude and the Make a Wish Foundation.

Cortneys role as an EFDA is patient-centric; shes continually interacting with patients and parents, placing like sealants and fillings, and assisting the doctors with more complex procedures. She says, I love working with children working with kids and helping them overcome their fears is so rewarding!

A Mansfield, OH, native, Cortney has 9 years of experience. She recently earned her EFDA, and plans on attending dental school in the future. I knew I would work in the dental field from a young age, she says, adding My obsession with teeth started with the dentist playdough set!

As a CODA accredited EFDA, Lakken went into dentistry because she had family and friends in the field, and discovered it was a beautiful match. She polishes teeth, places fillings and sealants, and assists the doctors with procedures to give each patient the most beautiful smile possible before educating them about good oral care.

Lakken lives in Zanesville, OH, and has been working for five years in the dental industry, the most recent year as an EFDA. She says she loves working with the kiddos, and describes herself as a big kid at heart herself, saying, Im kind, sweet, and compassionate. I dress with a smile and love coming to work its so fun and upbeat! Everyone is positive and helpful, and you go home feeling like you werent even working!

The self-described baby of the family, Lakken has an older brother and sister, and is the proud aunt of a 6-year-old niece and together they love visiting the pool. She likes being pampered and getting her nails done, and stays fit by walking and running Mostly walking! she laughs.

Ilieshas role includes helping wherever it is needed, whether thats assisting the doctors chairside or taking x-rays. She says she has two family members who work in the dental industry: Seeing their passion for dentistry motivated me to do research and give it a try!

Originally from Springfield, OH, Iliesha now lives in Columbus, OH. She attended dental assisting school and now has 3 years of experience in the profession. I love working with kids and being able to make them smile, she says, adding, Its the little things that make a big difference. The office is kid friendly, and the staff are all team players!