Mitzi L. Hines, DDS
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 child’s 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 Bachelor’s Degree and subsequently completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at OSU. She did her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies’ and Children’s 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 child’s 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 she’s 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.
Eileen M. Martinez, DDS
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.
Dr. Martinez remembers being afraid of the dentist when she was a child, and not feeling that her fears were taken seriously. “I was terrified, and I don’t remember the dentist being particularly patient with me or trying to ease my fears,” she remembers, adding “I never want my patients to feel that way and it is my goal to put them at ease so we can work together to through their appointment.”
When she’s not bringing her nurturing and compassionate side to the dentist’s 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!”
Michael Hawk, DMD
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 Children’s 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 he’s not busy with the kids he’s 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.
Richia Banthia, DDS
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 Children’s 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.