James Otten D.D.S.

Testimonials From Our Customers

• Before I came to Dr. Otten, I had already experienced 19 surgeries to correct my cleft palate. Most of the reconstruction was finished, but now I was lacking the cosmetic and aesthetic result. Not only did Dr. Otten give me a beautiful smile, but I know he stabilized my mouth, which I’m sure would have collapsed had it not been for the work he did. I truly appreciated how much time and effort he spent perfecting my restorations to ensure my happiness not only now, but 10 or 20 years from now. One thing I enjoyed was going to the office and the staff always knew who I was and were interested in my life and what I was doing, because I’ve had my fair share of Dr’s offices and that is not always the case. I always knew I was receiving the best care and that Dr. Otten wasn’t compromising anything. He went above and beyond regardless of time or money. I know he did much more than he originally quoted, though my fee did not change, so the final results could be perfect. I receive comments all the time from strangers, friends and family about what a beautiful smile I have. Actually, two days ago while eating with a girlfriend she said, ”Christa, I can’t stop staring at your teeth, they look so awesome! I wish I had fake teeth!” After waiting 23 years, I couldn’t be happier when I look in the mirror.
  — Christa Webster, Summer 2008
• I remember my teeth being uneven and crooked from my softball injury and badly discolored with shades not matching. They not only didn’t look good, they didn’t function correctly. I really feel as if I had lowered my standards for myself. Not knowing what was possible, I felt I could never have great teeth or a pretty smile. I was embarrassed and hid my smile a lot. Even early in the process there was a great improvement and that gave me hope. You and your staff are always so welcoming and accommodating. You kept me informed and I always knew why we were doing what we doing. Mostly, you were concerned about my feelings and made lots of sacrifices to get the smile to turn out so beautiful. You invested incredible amounts of time, were methodical and didn’t rush into decisions. It was always so obvious to me that you were genuinely concerned with me as a patient. You personally and selflessly invested so much into my care. Clearly, this was not just a “business” relationship. I felt part of your family. This whole process gave me a beautiful, natural smile. I remember when I first saw them I couldn’t believe how beautiful they were. They match my teeth exactly and no one can believe that I have had dentistry done on my front teeth. They feel and function great. People always compliment me about my beautiful smile. I can’t imagine even once having my old smile. You truly go far above and beyond and my whole family talks about it and appreciates it. Thank you so much for my smile.
  — Jackie Dubois
• I never before encountered a dentist who is so passionate and interested in treating a patient as a whole person. His devotion to the individual's esthetic and functional needs are evident in every patient. He doesn't make every smile the same, but appreciates and improves what is unique in everyone. His attention to detail in treatment and in every aspect of the practice, from the staff to the environment, makes being a patient a real joy. It's rare to find a dentist who takes the time and attention Jim does. I'm thrilled to be his patient!
  — Shari Hartbauer
• I came to the practice because I knew Jim from a weightlifting class we took together. We spoke on a few occasions regarding an unanswered dental issue I was having that was causing pain and Jim offered to look at it for me. I wasn’t unhappy with my current dentist, but I was looking for full answers and knew I needed dental work. I had read that Dr. Otten was teaching, had heard from a few friends that they had a great experience at the office and I just had a general impression and confidence in his level of competency. I feel like I was right. I liked everything about the process, the staff is so friendly and helpful, everyone in the office is courteous and has excellent customer service, and the entire process was very efficient. Also, the initial exam is very thorough. I feel that everything that could have been examined was examined. Nothing was ignored or glossed over. I was presented with an option to resolve and treat all of my oral health needs. Based on my experiences with any other offices, dental or medical, I was given many more opportunities to ask questions throughout the entire process. Dr. Otten’s office has a great sensitivity to the welfare of the patient in ways other offices do not. Any anxiety I had about the finances were relieved by the staff’s willingness to help with insurance and work with me. I am so happy with the outcome, it’s really great and I’m very glad I went ahead with it. Before meeting Dr. Otten I was never told that the problems with my bite could cause long-term problems and could or needed to be fixed. I wasn’t even considering the resulting appearance, it was an unexpected benefit, and now I have the comfort of knowing that my teeth will be ok. The best moment during my treatment was my last visit when Jim was viewing the final result and being able to see the pleasure he gains from doing excellent work and knowing the patient is satisfied with the outcome. It really gives you great confidence. This is an exceptional Practice; it stands out as a head above any other.
  — Joe Sicilian
• Dr. Otten and his staff are all about 5 star, state-of-the-art dentistry, service, excellence, and caring. Over the past several years, I have had extensive dental restorations that are flawless, and since seeing Dr. Otten I not only no longer dread and despise the “dental experience,” I look forward to my visits. You always get the feeling that Dr. Otten and his staff want only to do their very best for you.
  — Sandy Brown
• When my husband Paul and I moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Lawrence 8 years ago, one of Lawrence's greatest assets was introduced to us through our neighbor. With our very first appointment with Dr. James Otten we knew that we were in the caring hands of a true professional. Jim taught us about dental health first and foremost, but was also amazingly gifted in the area of creating wonderful smiles for us in the process. His concern for the comfort of his patients is exemplary, not only because of his vast knowledge of what is current in dentistry, but also by providing a serene setting and a skilled and accommodating staff, which also includes his wife, Vickie. Jim and Vickie are not only wonderful dental professionals, but two of the most authentic people that we have come to know and their graciousness and concern for the community of Lawrence is unsurpassed in our experience.
  — Marcia and Paul Swenson
• Dr. Otten and his staff are wonderful. They take the time to explain everything that is going on. I feel like I have learned a great deal about my individual dental history and health. I feel free to ask questions and give feedback. Dr. Otten really goes out of his way to educate you and include you in the whole process. The practice has exceeded our expectations. The office pays more attention to detail than other practices we were being treated at prior to seeing Dr. Otten.
  — Kimberly Anderson
• I’ve almost forgotten about TMJ headaches. When I do remember, I cringe. They incapacitated me. My periodontist told me thirty-two years ago that my problem was caused by TMJ but there was nothing to be done about it. Surgery doesn’t work and biofeedback is somewhat helpful to only a few people. Another problem my husband constantly complained about was the grinding of my teeth every night. I told him this was why I was so calm and collected by day. I did wonder what was going on and whether I was doing long-term damage to my teeth. Duh. Of course I was. So I lived with it all until I moved to Kansas and ended up in Jim Otten’s office. He gave me a long, detailed, scientifically correct explanation of how TMJ occurs, what dentistry has learned about it, and how it can be arrested and reversed. And it did not involve surgery. Still, I worried about the cost. At the same time my old periodontist was echoing in my head and he was joined in the chorus by my new Kansas periodontist. They both said I would lose my teeth. So I decided to take Jim seriously and give it a try. (But only after I called my cousin, the board-certified oral surgeon in Atlanta, who said everything that Jim is telling you is true.) Yes, it was a long process. Yes, it was a costly process. But I don’t have the headaches anymore. (It’s been five years now.) And the damage I’ve been doing all my life to my teeth has been arrested. And I feel better. And I look better. (I do remember noticing the teeth of older friends and thinking, I don’t want my mouth to look like that.) The investment was worth it. I’ll be smiling a lot through my eighties—and eating corn on the cob.
  — Pat Kosinar
• I found out about Dr. Otten while reading a short article about him in the Lawrence Journal World. The article told how Dr. Otten was a specialist in TMJ treatment. I knew just by reading the article that he was very knowledgeable in this area of practice. I did not have any apprehensions about meeting Dr. Otten. I had been suffering from TMJ pain for years, but had not found anyone who understood my problem or knew how to deal with it. I felt I had nothing to lose by meeting with him to get his opinion of my situation. I knew when I made the phone call for my first appointment that I had finally found someone who understood my TMJ pain. Dr. Otten and his staff were very kind and very understanding about the pain I was experiencing. On my first visit with Dr. Otten I received an appliance to use temporarily to relieve my pain. I was amazed and pleased with the immediate reduction of pain! After getting fitted and adjusted with my splint, my quality of life has improved greatly! Compared to other dental offices I have used, Dr. Otten’s office is the most thorough, and he has the kindest and most considerate staff I have ever met. When I have talked to other dentists about my TMJ pain, nobody seemed to understand my situation. I was offered no suggestions or referrals. I highly recommend Dr. Otten and his staff to others experiencing TMJ problems, and even to anyone that only requires thorough, dependable, dental care. The staff will spend time with you educating you on the best way to care for our teeth.
  — Sara Marsh
• For some time I had been considering cosmetic dentistry. Being new in the area, I asked my primary physician for a referral, stressing that I wanted the best, totally current and up-to-date. Of course I had all the usual apprehensions and “up-tightness” regarding the procedure and questions of whether the final results would meet my expectations. What needless worry! The minute I walked through the door, apprehension melted away. Dr. Otten and his wonderful staff made me feel “special”, relaxed and comfortable. Would I recommend Dr. Otten to others? Absolutely!!!
  — Penny Newhall
• Dr. Otten is a perfectionist and displays concern and caring for each patient. He is equally interested in the welfare of the community.
  — Ron and Dorothy McGregor
• Thank you so much for cleaning my teeth. You have been so nice to me. Everyone in your office has. I can chew on both sides of my mouth now. I’m not waking up with headaches anymore. The help from Dr. Otten and his team mean so much to me. There are some very good people in this world and you guys prove it. Sincerely,
  — Laura Sargent

Your questions and comments are always welcome.

• Dr. James Otten
• 930 Iowa
• Lawrence, KS 66044
• 785-843-6404