The Team
Casey • Dental Hygienist
Jessica• Clinical Care Facilitator
Nery• Clinical Care Facilitator
Vickie• Business Manager
Casey • Dental Hygienist
I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 14 years. I graduated from Johnson County Community College in May 1995 with an Associates degree in Science and from the dental hygiene program. I am licensed to practice in the state of Kansas. I am also licensed to give anesthetic and administer nitrous oxide. Most of my career has been spent working in periodontal practices. It is a profession that I love. I have been working in the dental field for 22 years. My first job was as dental assistant when I was in high school. Thus began my journey in dentistry. I knew then that I wanted to be in the profession. I began working for Dr. Otten in February 2009. >>more about Casey
Jessica • Clinical Care Facilitator
The series of interviews I had with Dr. Otten while being considered for the Clinical Care Facilitator position was like nothing I've ever experienced for any job. I found myself looking forward to the interviews because I was excited to talk to him and the other staff members about their patient care philosophies. For the first time, I had found someone that could put into words the way I knew I wanted to work with patients and team members. We collaborate with each patient to achieve an optimal outcome in their dental health. We take time to develop our friendships with patients, which in turn helps us communicate on a deeper level to insure that we give them the best treatment possible. >>more about Jessica
Nery • Clinical Care Facilitator
I love living in Lawrence but was born and raised in Garden City, Kansas. I graduated from Garden City High School in 2000. After graduation, I started a career with Federal Express. I worked for FedEx for five years. I had a great experience and grew in many ways, and as a Senior Customer Service Agent found that I loved working at a job helping people. It was then that I became interested in Dentistry. >>more about Nery
Vickie • Business Manager
Having lived in Lawrence for the past 23 years, I have grown to love this small community, which is now not so small. Many friends and acquaintances have been made over these years and most of them have been through my association with the dental practice. Over the past 21years I have been involved as an integral part of the dental practice serving in many different capacities. As most everyone knows, I am Jim’s (Dr. Otten’s) partner in marriage and also in our dental business. >>more about Vickie
more about Casey
When I first interviewed with the staff, I knew that this was the office for me. The peaceful environment was nice, but the pursuit of excellence in patient care was exactly what I was looking for. I love my job and I am eager to get the opportunity to meet and form relationships with all of my patients. I enjoy providing my very best care for each individual. I have high standards of excellence for myself as a dental hygienist and it is nice to be in an office that has high standards for all patient care.
I have lived in Lawrence for 26 years. I am the proud mother of 2 wonderful children. My daughter, Cienna is my oldest and I have a son that is 2 years younger. His name is Indiana. I love motherhood. That is truly my first passion. I am active in their lives and in their school. I volunteer at their school and work on projects for the school’s auction. I love being involved in every aspect of their lives. When I am not busy being a mom or busy at work, I have many other things to keep me active. I enjoy anything artistic including baking a decorating cakes. My children love that. I have a need to be outside in nature. There is not much that makes me feel better or more serene. There are many things that I would love to do one day, perhaps when my children are older I will find the time! For now I am content with what fills my life.
more about Jessica
I have been working with Dr. Otten since July 2008. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to develop my vocational skills in a way that is complimentary to the person I am outside of work. I am naturally intuitive and empathetic and in this atmosphere I am encouraged to be both of those things to the benefit of our patients. I was born and raised in Lawrence and reside here with my husband. We share a passion for environmental responsibility and continue to make changes in our lives to better align with these convictions. I choose to be involved in various community activities including dance, music and theatre.
I genuinely enjoy the diverse yet close-knit group of coworkers. The friendships we are developing with one another make work a place I'm happy to spend my time.
more about Nery
I made a decision for this hometown girl to leave Kansas. I attended Houston Dental Assistant School in Houston, Texas and upon finishing the assistant program I knew my heart was still in Kansas.
Fortunately for me I discovered Dr. Otten's office, and was intrigued with both him and his wonderful team. The beauty of their philosophy and principles fit with mine and I found myself wanting to be a part of achieving their goals. I was blessed with joining the team in June 2007, and have enjoyed every day. The calm, positive atmosphere, and the care and warmth given to and received by our patients keep me motivated to do my very best.
While I am not participating in helping others with their health, I love to travel, attend concerts, shop (sometimes too much) and cheer for the Chiefs and Jayhawks.
Doctor’s note: we were very fortunate as well that as we were looking for a new team member that Nery was looking to find us. Nery is a delightful, highly motivated, caring person who brings a great steadiness, compassion, insight and youthful exuberance to our team of associates.
more about Vickie
Currently and for the past 8 years, I held the position of client care coordinator, helping people make choices for a preferred future of health. The position of accounts payable manager has been one I have held for the entire length of my relationship with the practice. I met Jim while working at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City as a Packaging Buyer while he was in dental school at UMKC. Our relationship began his senior year and has been a wonderful, exciting and always interesting experience since that time.
I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri where I attended Southeast High School and Rockhurst College. After moving to Lawrence in 1984, I worked for a short time at Douglas County Bank and Landplan Engineering.In 1986 Dr. Otten asked me to join him as his partner in the dental practice helping and advising him in the business office. Since my background was only in business, I have gained a remarkable amount of knowledge in regards to the world of dentistry. What I found is that I truly most enjoy being able to help clients find a path of health that is right for them. My relationships with the clients over the years have been and continue to be extremely rewarding.
Jim and I have one son, Craig, who lives in San Diego with his wife Christine. Our pride and joy, granddaughter Lexi, makes San Diego our number one travel destination. My other interests are my community involvement, exercise, dancing, travel, sports and of course, caring for our dogs – Luke, Sadie, Abby – and our cat Lokei- who rules the home.
Doctor (and husband’s) note: It is an understatement to say that I wouldn’t have achieved one quarter of the success and prosperity I have without Vickie in my life. Since the very beginning she’s been my manager, my confidant, my coach and my best adviser—besides being my wife. While working together is sometimes challenging, Vickie has always kept the best interests of our clients first and foremost. She has made enormous sacrifices in allowing me to pursue mastery through my passion for learning from the very best in our profession. One couldn’t ask for a better life or business partner.