The Team
Kayla • Dental Hygienist
Tiffany • Client Care Coordinator
Jessica• Clinical Care Facilitator
Michelle• Clinical Care Facilitator
Vickie• Business Manager
Kayla • Dental Hygienist
As a new member of the dental team I am very excited to provide the best quality of care to all the patients. I began my career in dentistry as a dental assistant. I was a dental assistant here in Lawrence for 2 years before moving on to dental hygiene school. I attended Johnson County Community College and was part of the 2008 graduating class. I began working for Dr. Otten in August of 2008, with the excitement of working with a truly talented dental team. >>more about Kayla
Tiffany • Patient Care Coordinator
During the month of August in 2007, I began to search for employment. After stumbling upon an ad in the newspaper, and a few great conversations later, I began to realize that this was not going to be just another job. I joined the team that month and am very excited to be here. With me, I bring a desire and commitment to provide the very best individualized care and service to every patient, continuing the long tradition of this practice. >>more about Tiffany
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
Michelle • Clinical Care Facilitator
In September 2008 I started a new chapter in my life as a Clinical Care Facilitator. I am truly excited about this new journey and the ability to help others with their oral health. My previous jobs have given me a strong customer service background in which I can draw on. I enjoy building a relationship with the people I serve.>>more about Michelle
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 Kayla
I have lived in Lawrence most of my life. I attended Lawrence High School were my husband and I first met. We have been married for 5 years, and are very excited about our future. My husband is an estimator/installation specialist for a local flooring store. We enjoy spending time with our family, camping, sports, and just being outdoors. We also enjoy spending time with our 8 year old beagle, Trixie.
I have taken great pride in volunteering for different events. I was a volunteer for the Kansas Mission of Mercy and Habitat for Humanity. I also volunteered to educate local grade school children on the importance of oral health.
As I further my career as a dental hygienist I am excited to learn new things each day. I am also excited to get to know all the wonderful patients that have chosen to be a part of this practice.
more about Tiffany
After spending several years in the financial and insurance sectors, I have developed a strong appreciation for working with a diversity of people. While at first I wasn’t sure what to expect, I have found that because of the mutual goals of the entire team to serve our patients with excellence, I have adapted easily to the dental field and am truly enjoying the challenges associated with managing the daily operations of the practice. My commitment is to be a strong contributor to the quality attention that our patients deserve and receive on an individualized and daily basis.
My education includes attending college for two years where I played volleyball and majored in Business Administration. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart, and am the proud mother of two beautiful daughters.
My family and I are originally from Colorado, and are enjoying the wonderful lifestyle and friendly people found in Lawrence. My husband is pursuing his master’s degree at The University of Kansas, and we look forward to making Lawrence our home for many years to come.
Many of my pursuits involve serving my community, particularly those who are in need. My husband and myself have spent over a decade serving people in various capacities, and we find great joy in living for the betterment of other people. Our faith is especially important to us, and we believe that the most rewarding life is found in giving one’s self away for others. In my spare time, I enjoy competitive sports, the arts, traveling, skiing, cooking, and ushering my daughters around to their many activities.
So far I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the fabulous and diverse family of patients we are honored to serve. I am personally looking forward to continuing to get to know all of our valued patients, and warmly welcoming our future ones to a place where individualized care and excellence is practiced every day.
Doctors Note:
We are indeed fortunate and blessed to have Tiffany on our team. As a matter of fact we weren’t even looking for someone to help us with the operations and patient care coordination but when Tiffany came along we couldn’t resist having her as part of the team. Tiffany has a wonderful spirit and quiet confidence that immediately puts you at ease. She also brings great creativity and innovation to our organization. I couldn’t be happier we found each other.
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 Michelle
I was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. When I am not working, I spend time with my 2 kids; I enjoy kickboxing, riding my bike, baking and reading. I have participated for several years either as a team member, team leader or as a committee member in the Relay For Life.
I am delighted to be a part of such a unique dental team where the focus is on the patient and the patient’s needs.
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.