The manner in which parents introduce their child to the dental office is extremely important. Parents who themselves are apprehensive about dental treatment should try not to pass these feelings on to their child. The main point is to let the child know that the pediatric dentists and their staff are health care 'helpers' who are interested in, and care about the child 's good dental health.
Please do not be upset if your child cries on the first visit. Children are often afraid of anything new or strange and crying is a normal reaction to fear and anxiety. We use a special format and terminology in preparing children for dental treatment and we take pride in the success we have achieved with timid or apprehensive children.
It has been our experience that children respond better in the dental environment when parents are not present. Dental researchers support this view and for this reason we expect parents to remain in the reception room while their children are being treated.
Dr. Laun is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center-College of Dentistry and completed her two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Childrens Hospital Colorado where she was selected as Chief Resident. She began practicing at Ottawa Childrens Dentistry in July 2015 and is on staff at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center.
Dr. Laun is a member of the Illinois Valley Dental Society, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She also volunteers her time at the Illinois Valley Community College Dental Assisting Program, with Feed His Children, in the nursery at church, and on dental mission trips that include Haiti and Guatemala. Dr. Laun enjoys being involved in the community by being a part of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Centers Community Health Needs Team. She and her husband reside in Ottawa and enjoy spending time with their beautiful children, Jackson and Katherine. As a family, they enjoy traveling to new places, spending time with family and friends, and playing catch with their dog, Frankie.
Our knowledgeable team is well-trained, experienced, and committed to giving your child the personalized attention and treatment they need. They are here to make sure you and your child's experience is an incredible one, and we look forward to creating beautiful smiles one family at a time.
