Abby, Call Center Specialist
As a call center specialist, Abby answers patient phone calls, schedules appointments, and checks insurance coverage. She says being outgoing and hardworking makes her a great fit for the job. “I’m compassionate and I have great customer service skills!” she says.
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 she’s 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.
Amara, Treatment Coordinator, Marketing Team
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. “I’m 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. “We’re a family here,” she says.
When she’s 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. Jude’s and Make A Wish – Western Wishes.
Ashley, EFDA
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 I’d be different and go into the dental field!” she says. “I love that everyone here works together and it feels like a family.”
When she’s not performing her expanded functions, Ashley can be typically found at home. She loves to sew, workout, and have family Sunday dinners.
Betty, Sterile Processing Tech
Betty says she’s a perfect fit for her job because she loves cleaning instruments. She ensures every piece is properly sterilized and wrapped for the doctor to use, providing patient safety.
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.
Betty says she loves working at HLS because everyone on staff gets along and has a good heart. “Everyone here is a people person, and they make the kids feel welcome!”
Chelsee, Administrative Team Manager
As the Administrative Manager at HLS, Chelsee’s 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. “It’s all about teamwork and creating a family atmosphere!”
Originally from Columbus, OH, Chelsee now lives in Etna, OH. She says she joined HLS because a great opportunity became available, and she went for it.
When she’s not managing the office so every patient gets excellent care, Chelsee spends her time scrapbooking or raising awareness for autism. Chelsee is married and has four amazing children.
Claudia, Front Desk Administrator
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 she’s not welcoming patients to the practice, Claudia loves hanging out with her fiancé and her cat, painting, or playing video games. She supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, and regularly gives blood to the Red Cross.
Herbert, Operations Manager
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 isn’t 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.
Jennifer, RDH, EFDA
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 children’s 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.
When she’s not making children smile, Jennifer can be found spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Joey. She enjoys traveling and the great outdoors.
Jennifer, Treatment Coordinator
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 else’s life. We do that here every day!”
When she’s 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.
Krystal, Accounts Receivable Specialist
Krystal’s primary responsibility is to follow up directly with insurance companies regarding payment to our office.
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 she’s 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.
Linda, Coronal Polisher
Linda’s job as a Coronal Polisher means being able to transition quickly from task to task as 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 she’s 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.
Madison, Call Center Specialist
Madison’s customer service background made her a perfect fit for the HLS call center when a friend told her there was a position open.
A Lancaster native, Madison is fairly new to the Hines Little Smiles team, but she already knows what her favorite part of the day is – seeing happy parents and kids!
When she’s not setting up new patient accounts and scheduling appointments, Madison enjoys hanging out with her friends and family. She also supports St. Jude Charities.
Renada, Dental Assistant, Coronal Polisher
Renada is always busy, helping with patient care chair-side, charting, taking x-rays, or completing coronal polishing. “I have a fascination with teeth, and love seeing my patients get through their appointment and realize it was no big deal,” she says.
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 I’m so glad I work in such a happy place,” she says.
When she’s not making sure the kids have great smiles, Renada can be found enjoying her time away from the office with her husband, and the couple’s son, Jaxon.
Roderick, Dental Assistant and Coronal Polisher
Rod says the best thing about Hines Little Smiles is the practice’s fast pace and the entire staff’s 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.
Sierra, Dental Assistant and Coronal Polisher
As a dental assistant and coronal polisher, Sierra takes x-rays, applies sealants, polishes teeth, and assists the doctors during exams.
A Lancaster, OH, native, Sierra attended the Fairfield Career Center for Dental Assisting. She’s 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 she’s not hard at work to accomplish that goal, Sierra loves spending time out doors with her dog.
Susan, Registered Dental Hygienist
Registered Dental Hygienist Susan refers to herself humorously as a “brushing, flossing, tooth picker extraordinaire!” She says being a pop star didn’t work out, but that’s 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 she’s not making sure each child’s 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.
Tanya, EFDA
Tanya describes her job as assisting in placing restorations once the dentist has removed the “sugar bugs!” She says she entered the dental field to help make smiles brighter. “I love making kids happy!”
A Grove City, OH native, Tanya has completed education in coronal polishing, and earned her DANB, EFDA, and radiographers license. She’s been in the dental field for 19 years, and says, “Our office is family!”
When she’s not dealing with the after-effects of “sugar bugs,” Tanya enjoys camping and sewing. She also supports the Stowe Mission Dental Clinic.
Savannah, Front Desk
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. She’s 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.
Cortney, EFDA
Cortney’s role as an EFDA is patient-centric; she’s 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!”
When she’s not caring for little smiles or continuing her education, Cortney is spending time her husband and their five children. She enjoys reading and going to concerts, and supports Autism Speaks.
Lakken, EFDA
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, “I’m kind, sweet, and compassionate. I dress with a smile and love coming to work – it’s so fun and upbeat! Everyone is positive and helpful, and you go home feeling like you weren’t 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.
Iliesha, Dental Assistant / Scrub Tech
Iliesha’s role includes helping wherever it is needed, whether that’s 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, “It’s the little things that make a big difference. The office is kid friendly, and the staff are all team players!”
When she is at home, Iliesha spends her spare time with family and friends, or on one of her hobbies. She enjoys hiking, yoga, and travelling.
