We are a compassionate, caring team whose vision for you is one of lifelong health and a naturally beautiful smile. We believe that lives are enriched when there is both dental health and a thoughtful approach that sets you up for lifelong wellness. We do this by truly listening to your hopes and dreams and providing you with world class care in a quiet and comfortable environment where we respect the fact that you are the expert on you and the choices you make for yourself. We can provide those choices for you because by being forward thinking we understand how to evaluate and treat the underlying causes of problems- not just the usual casual patch and fix approach.
Our goal is a brilliant smile that lasts a lifetime. We can help you achieve both short term comfort and lifelong results whether it be providing Beautiful Aesthetics, TMJ health, Implant dentistry, Invisalign or Airway and Apnea management and correction were able to help. Were also experts in prevention helping you and your family with everyday dentistry but helping you avoid lifelong problems through supervised growth and development of children.
'Dr. Otten and his entire staff understand dental health affects not only your mouth but also your whole body and equally other physical conditions may be a cause of an existing dental health issue. His commitment to treating the whole person has exceeded my expectation.'
'Dr. James Otten and his entire team were outstanding. From the minute I walked in the door and was greeted with a smile I knew I was home. The dental service was personalized to my individual needs and the quality of care was exceptional. I couldnt ask for a better smile. I highly recommend this office.'
'Dr. Otten relieved TMJ pain and daily headaches that I had been experiencing for over 5 years. I have been without the daily pain for close to 5 years now and cant imagine going back. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Otten and his staff.'
'Dr. Otten and his entire staff understand dental health affects not only your mouth but also your whole body and equally other physical conditions may be a cause of an existing dental health issue. His commitment to treating the whole person has exceeded my expectation and gained my trust. '
'Highly highly recommend Dr. Ristow! He takes the time to explain everything and answer all your questions! You never feel like you are being rushed or that you dont get enough time with him. He truly cares about us patients and treats you like family! Cannot say enough good things about him and the entire staff!'
Our talented dentist in Lawrence, Dr. James F. Otten, is a 1981 graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He completed a one-year residency in hospital dentistry with emphasis on advanced restoration of teeth and oral surgery at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. He taught crown and bridge dentistry as an Associate Professor at UMKC before entering private practice in 1982, where he served as Chief of Staff of a large group practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas, before opening his practice in Lawrence in 1984.
Dr. Otten has pursued rigorous post-graduate education since 1986, accumulating thousands of hours in advanced continuing education that he has intentionally applied to his practice in order to develop its personalized care philosophy. He has completed the rigorous curriculum at two prestigious institutions The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Education. Many regard the Pankey Institute as dentistrys educational equivalent of the Mayo Clinic and of which he is an Associate Faculty member and Provost. Dr. Otten lectures nationally and internationally, and he has recently been asked to join the faculty at the Newport Coast Orofacial Institute in Newport Beach CA. Here and at the Pankey Institute, Dr. Otten volunteers his time to teach others about the joy, happiness and satisfaction that can be achieved through the care of patients in a trusting relationship and with clinical excellence.
While he is a member of numerous professional organizations, in recent years Dr. Otten has received the rare distinction of admission to two of Dentistrys most prestigious organizations. Dr. Otten has been named a Fellow of The American College of Dentists and an active member of The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. You cannot apply to join either of these organizations. Instead, you are nominated, scrutinized to the highest standards and selected by your peers ,who also happen to be the leaders in Dentistry. Along with this honor is a tremendous responsibility to live and practice according to the highest standards in our profession, something that ultimately has enormous benefits for our patients.
In pursuit of excellence, Dr. Otten has gained a considerable reputation both regionally and nationally for his expertise in disorders of the jaw joints, as well as crown and bridge dentistry, implant restorations, complex bite problems, removable and partial dentures and naturally beautiful esthetic dentistry. There is not a week that goes by that another dentist is not calling and asking his advice. Of all these accomplishments, he is most proud of the trust his patients place in him and the development of a caring, personalized, client-centered practice that works in a true partnership with people and the exceptional associates who work with him to facilitate it.
When he is not at the office, he enjoys trying new food venues around Lawrence and KC, playing golf, spending time with his parents, sister, and niece, and nephew. He is looking forward to traveling, specifically a much-needed vacation to Mexico to relax on the beach!
He is continuing to broaden his knowledge in dentistry with a mastership course in Biomimetic Dentistry. Biomimetics is focused on mimicking nature and using the intact natural tooth as your guide to replacing what is lost.
Debbie grew up in Lawrence and attended the University of Kansas before entering Dental Hygiene School. She married her Husband Derek in 1987 and they have two children, Jake and Piper. As her children grew up Debbie was actively involved with their schools and activities. She has served in a variety of rolls from Boy Scout Leader to Board of Directors. Both her children are active in sports and music which keeps her schedule busy. When she has free time she enjoys being outside, gardening, snow skiing, scuba diving, hiking, biking or going to the dog park. I have such a short time with my kids before they grow up I want to enjoy every moment with them. Debbie believes in the importance of volunteering and the development of family.
Before starting her family, Debbie was proud to have served in the military with the 190th Kansas Air National Guard. She spent 12 years with the Guard and had many opportunities to travel with them. Debbie remains active with the unit through her husband, Col. Derek Rogers and Son Jake who joined in January 2013. She was honored to have been awarded Military Spouse of the Year 2013 by the State of Kansas.
Debbie has been practicing Dental Hygiene since 1993. She has worked with long term restorative and esthetic dentistry helping people discover their options for optimal health. She has attended hundreds of hours in Continuation Education Courses in pursuit of being the best at Dental Hygiene.
One of the things I enjoy is working with the patients who seek Dr. Ottens care. Exceptional Quality Dentistry is an art and science. It requires tremendous dedication and an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
I am excited for the opportunity to work with a team of professionals that make it possible to offer the patient the results they desire and individual choice of how to achieve them. Each persons journey to health is unique. I enjoy getting to know my patients, listening to their concerns, hearing what their expectations are and helping them to discover the possibilities to reach the goals they have for their dental and overall health.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 140 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestKaren Gipson
a year ago
The team at Dr. Otten's office is wonderful. On my first visit, the office staff gave me a full tour of the facility and made me feel not only welcomed, but more relaxed. Their office has almost a spa-like quality to it, with calming music and art. Dr. Otten took the time to get to know me at our appointment, and really explained what was going on with my teeth. He didn't chastise me for not flossing like I should, as every other dentist seems to do, but explained its value in a no-pressure kind of way. Thanks for making the unpleasant task of going to the dentist as enjoyable as it can be. The new dentist in the practice is a fabulous fit. He was very friendly and welcoming and took care to make sure I was comfortable.
Janice Kocolowski
2 years ago
Debbie and Dr. Van Boening are a pleasure to work with. So glad I found them
Bette Carriger
2 years ago
Dr Otten and his staff are addressing the root of my condition, not just the symptoms. They are looking in-depth at what is really happening physically and why it makes me feel the way I do. They are looking at the big picture. They are investing their time to literally change my life for the better. I am so happy to be their patient.
Darcy Sullivan
2 years ago
Dr. Van Boening and the team at James Otten Denistry are phenomenal! I experience some anxiety during dental procedures due to a past negative experience (at a different practice). Dr. Van Boening did a great job of managing my anxiety by checking-in with me throughout my procedure and explaining what he was doing. He is a caring and respectful practitioner who takes the time to share information about his techniques/procedures and educate patients about oral healthcare. You will not find a better dentist than Dr. Van Boening!
Command Star
2 years ago
Great detail given before and after the procedure with a follow up phone call to check up after. Thanks doc!
Noah Bailey
2 years ago
I underwent Invisalign treatment and vernier bonding material was added to two of my teeth. I was beyond impressed throughout the entire process. The office was easy to coordinate with through phone or text, great getting you in for any concern no matter how minute, and just overall phenomenal in every way. Dr. Otten started my alignment process and was knowledgeable and friendly over the year and a half I worked with him. Dr. Van Boening took over for the cosmetic portion. The cosmetic results were phenomenal, I can't stop smiling. Although the time in the chair was tedious, it was worth it for Dr. Van Boening to take time to color match appropriately and ensure quality bonding of materials to my teeth. The entire staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. I am so happy with the results and cannot recommend the office enough. Noah
Meghan Yarnell
2 years ago
I highly recommend James Otten Dentistry. They do amazing work! Very knowledgeable and friendly, makes me actually look forward to going to the dentist.
mickleTpickle
2 years ago
Got a filling done there today by Dr. Van Boening and he did a tremendous job. Debbie was super gentle with her technique injecting the local anesthetic, and Dr Van Boening was very thorough and made sure to keep me involved and updated with each step of the filling process. He even took pictures to show me the before during and after. My tooth looks great, and now that the local has worn off it feels great too! I had a lot of sensitivity since I had the same tooth filled by a dentist in the KC area 5 years ago, and I can already tell a huge difference in feel.
Christine Olejniczak
2 years ago
I am so grateful for the care I received at James Otten Dentistry. Thanks to Dr. Van Boening's studies in Biomimetic Dentistry I was able to save a tooth that was in need of extensive repair. The entire team, including the office staff, showed a sincere concern for my health and well being. I highly recommend this group for anyone looking for quality dentistry by practitioners that are invested in helping you achieve optimum health goals.
Brooklynn Guion
2 years ago
I am a dental hygienist and have observed how dental work is done in many offices around Kansas. Many people have jaw or TMJ issues and are told that there is nothing that can be done, and with Dr. Otten and Dr. Van Boening's way of practice they have a solution to alleviate pain while providing balance and stability of the jaw joints. I personally had TMJ disorder associated with pain and unbalanced jaw joints. Going through the treatment that Dr. Otten provided me, I no longer have pain and my jaw joints are balanced. Dr. Van Boening specializes in Biomimetic dentistry, which is a new and improved way of treating fillings, crowns, and other restorations. These restorations last much longer than the "regular" way we know fillings and crowns to be done now. I had previous fillings in my mouth that needed replaced, and Dr. Van Boening did an outstanding job of replacing them. I have confidence that I will not need to replace these fillings because of the effectiveness of the new materials that Dr. Van Boening uses for his patients. I have seen Dr. Van Boening's work; many teeth that most dentists would recommend to extract and that seem hopeless to save, Dr. Van Boening can most likely save them. He will always give you his honest opinion, diagnosis and prognosis. This whole office is a wonderful place to go to for your dentistry needs. The whole staff from the office manager, receptionist, and assistants are professional and very friendly. They have an amazing hygienist is very knowledgeable, encouraging, friendly and professional. Dr. Otten and Dr. Van Boening are a joy to work with, and do individualized, careful, customized, and overall outstanding dental work. Visiting this office is a TRUE INVESTMENT in yourself, and your mouth.
B0rnFr33
2 years ago
I came into town to help family and had an emergency. The office got me in immediately and found a broken crown. The team at this office took care of everything. They rearranged schedules and even expedited the order for my bridge. I wish this was my hometown Dentist. I couldn't recommend a more professional Dentist. Thank you for all your help!
Paul Gottesburen
2 years ago
The office staff are always pleasant and get to know you as a person, not just a patient. Debbie is a great hygienist and Dr. Van Boening along with his assistant Nicole really compliment each other as they work together during my tooth restoration visits. The doctor takes care to explain the procedures and follows up via phone to check in that evening.
Ali Springsteen
2 years ago
I've been a patient of Dr. Often for years now, he and his staff always provide personalized care. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, I feel like family when I'm there. I had my first tooth restoration by Dr. Van Boening today. Dr. Van Boening took time to explain every step of the process, making sure all my questions were answered, he even took pictures to show what work was done. I highly recommend both Dr. Often and Dr. Van Boening.
Carla Breeze
2 years ago
My husband and I have been patients of Dr James Otten for 5 years and always impressed with his skill, perfectionism, and compassion. Dr Eric Van Boening, Dr Otten's new associate is an impressive addition to the practice. Dr Van Boening recently built a crown for a tooth of mine that had been damaged by an eroded filling. He essentially created a tooth that is seamless and imperceptible where it meets the original. I highly recommend their services, staff is equally qualified and kind.
Rudi Monson
2 years ago
Love this place! Just had a crown replaced by Dr. Van Boening and I couldn't have asked for a better expereince. The whole staff is wonderful! Thanks for making my trip to the dentist a postive one everytime I visit, Lee Monson
Jamie Lata
2 years ago
Where do I start...I was not a patient of Dr. Otten's. I was suffering from a very infected dry socket after oral surgery. I ended up in Dr. Otten's care, and do I mean CARE!!! Within one week, I have seen him three times! My infection is almost gone! He and his staff are my HEROES!!! They took a horrible situation and fixed it! Now, I am a patient! Thank you, Dr. Otten!! And, honestly, 5 stars is not enough!!
Katie D
2 years ago
The only place in town that helped my TMJ! Started treatment in late July 2020, my face hurt everyday and after just a few months my face/jaw barely ever hurt. The people here are the best!
Esther McKinsey
2 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. Otten for at least 38 years. Have always had excellent care. I recently had a crown and a composite filling done by Dr. Eric Van Boening. As with Dr. Otten, Dr. Van Boening explained every step, was very gentle in the needle dept. which is HUGE! He even called me that evening to check on my progress, as well as fixing my broken phone on one of my appointments! Thank you for your all around professional approach!
Paul Popiel
2 years ago
I had some dental work done yesterday that I've been dreading. The staff and Drs. Otten and Van Boening were all extraordinarily patient, kind, and highly competent. After having a bit of a panic attack before we even started, they switched to conscious sedation which worked perfectly for me. I so appreciated the great dental work, but also their compassion and flexibility. Thank you!
Wesley Cooper
2 years ago
I've been going here since I got a cavity in junior high. My grandparents recommended it to me and I've never regretted it! The staff are all wonderful and helpful people, very kind and understanding. And they do great work as well! They do everything in their power to mitigate and discomfort you may experience. It's absolutely delightful having such a quality dentist so close to home!
Load more