About Hello! Pediatric Dentistry
Hello! Pediatric Dentistry has been serving Blue Springs families since 2017. Being so conveniently located, kids don’t even have time to ask, “Are we there yet?” You read that right. Kids love coming to their dental appointments with us.
We specialize in little ones (starting at age 1 or the first tooth) all the way through to until they’re 18 and ready to take on the world with a dazzling, healthy smile. Just a heads-up: We do not take new patients 13 or older because we focus on a patient’s dental health throughout their childhood to build healthy smiles and habits for a lifetime.
We’ve built our practice on dental care that doesn’t feel, well… too dentist-y. From our waiting rooms filled with fun to our team that knows how to make even the shyest of kiddos feel like superheroes, we’re here to make your child’s dental visit an experience they’ll look forward to. Whether it’s their first check-up, regular cleaning or a procedure, we’ve got them covered. Don’t worry, we don’t judge the post-dentist ice cream runs.
With years of experience and deep “roots” in the Blue Springs community, we’re proud to be the go-to pediatric dental crew for families across the area. Hello! Dr. Ben, Dr. Mikayla and our staff can’t wait to meet you!
Say Hello! to Our Team
Meet Dr. Ben
Dr. Ben was born and raised in a small town located just outside of Wichita, KS. He received a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kansas in 2004 and went on to obtain his DDS from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 2008. After receiving his DDS, he spent four years in the National Health Service Corps providing dental care to underserved children. He went on to complete specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Northwestern University in Chicago where he was named Chief Resident in his second year of residency.
In 2017, Ben saw a need for a Pediatric Dentist in the Blue Springs, MO area and opened Hello! Pediatric Dentistry. When he is not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Rooster, golfing and watching the Kansas City Chiefs. Dr. Ben is the oldest of four siblings, one of which, his brother, Arthur, is also a dentist and fills in for Dr. Ben at Hello! when he is away. If you ask him what his favorite game is, he’ll tell you Tooth or Dare.
Meet Dr. Mikayla
Dr. Mikayla grew up in Liberty, MO, where she graduated from Liberty High School. She went on to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia (MIZ!) before earning her DDS from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 2022. After dental school, Dr. Mikayla completed her pediatric residency at the University of Tennessee in 2024, sharpening her skills and mastering the art of making kids smile!
When she’s not in the office, you’ll probably find Dr. Mikayla hanging out with her high school sweetheart and husband, Jacob, or chasing after her Beagle, Molly. She comes from a family of four children and knows a thing or two about managing sibling rivalry.
If you think practicing pediatric dentistry is tough, just imagine Dr. Mikayla is also a black belt in Tai Kwon Do! She loves sushi, Mexican food and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. We do love a Red Friday around here.
Fun fact? Her favorite movies are Transformers and The Blind Side, but she’s more than happy to let someone else take the lead when Minions is on repeat. Her favorite dinosaur is a Flossiraptor.
Christina, Office Manager
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Where are you from? Independence, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? They always (well, usually) come in with such great moods. I love being able to show the nervous ones that it’s not so bad.
What’s your secret talent? Drawing eyebrows.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pasta! Any kind, but especially pasta alfredo.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Two cats and a dog who bicker like siblings all day but love to snuggle at night.
What’s the best joke you’ve heard from a patient? What do you call a duck that steals things? A robber ducky. Where do dinosaurs shop? The dino store.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Pediatrician.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Relaxing at home with family and watching movies.
Which superhero would you be, and why? Ironman because he made himself a hero. He’s smart and resourceful without powers. Not to mention his sarcastic comebacks are top tier.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Mr. Brightside”.
What was your favorite subject in school? Science and English.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Christmas. My family always went all out when I was a kid. Not necessarily with gifts but with family, lights, decorations and goodies. It was always a family event.
Jennifer, Assistant Manager
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Where are you from? Lee’s Summit, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Showing them that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary, and that it’s actually fun!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tacos.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Asher, my dog and Ruger, my cat.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I can fold my tongue not only into a taco shape, but also in multiple bends. It’s called a cloverleaf tongue.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A pastry chef.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Spending time with my husband, gardening and going on fun adventures together. My favorite, by far, was skydiving together.
What was your favorite subject in school? Art. I love being creative.
Summer, Dental Hygienist, Myofunctional Therapist
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Where are you from? Lee’s Summit, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? They keep me on my toes. Each day is a surprise, and I never know what to expect.
What’s your secret talent? I’m double jointed.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! A cat, Kitty. She acts more like a dog. She’s super friendly and social.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I had a metal detector as a child. I thought I’d find treasure, but only found nails and screws.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? I’m super busy with my three kids, so I love the weekends when we get to stay home and relax.
Which superhero would you be, and why? Spiderman. He lives his normal day-to-day life while casually saving the world every now and then.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? My eldest daughter and I like to belt out “Glad You Came” by The Wanted.
What was your favorite subject in school? Elementary: English and spelling. Later: anatomy and psychology.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? I love Christmas… the food, wearing cozy sweaters and sitting by a fire. I love to give gifts and watch my kids open presents with their family.
Kelcie, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Blue Springs, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? I love making them laugh and feel comfortable to come back.
What’s your secret talent? I can run like a horse!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! A 10-year-old Pitbull rescue from Midwest Animal Rescue named Kane who likes to eat and sleep in his cozy home.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Making memories with my two daughters, reading my Kindle… Freida McFadden is my favorite author.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? Anything by Queen
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Memorial Day. The pools are open and BBQs; summer is coming!
Maria, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Valencia, Venezuela
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? How exciting and unpredictable they are.
What’s your secret talent? I can braid different hairstyles.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Our dog, Bruno. We adopted him from an animal shelter when he was four months old.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I have a twin brother, and I’m married to a twin.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Spending time at the lake on hot summer days.
What was your favorite subject in school? Like most of our patients, recess and lunch!
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Christmas. I love spending time with family, gift giving and all the lights and activities.
Angela, Front Office/Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? I was born in Oklahoma, but graduated high school in Harrisonville, Missouri.
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Their laughs and helping them feel safe at the dentist and overcoming their dental fears.
What’s your secret talent? I can come up with a song from a single word. Sometimes, I make them up and my co-workers love it. LOL!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tacos!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Winston, an 85 lb. black labradoodle who is the sweetest boy you will ever meet. He lets me dress him up in anything for treats. He does no wrong and is perfect in every single way.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I can juggle.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A lawyer. I thought I was very good at arguing.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? With my family, gardening with my husband, basically anything outdoors.
Which superhero would you be, and why? Invisible Woman. I would play sooo many pranks!
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Fancy” by Reba and “Shoop” by Salt & Pepa.
What was your favorite subject in school? English.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Christmas. I love how magical the season is! The decorations. The meaning behind it all. I just feel people are kinder around the holidays.
Melanie, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Emporia, Kansas
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? They make me laugh every day.
What’s the best joke you’ve heard from a patient? What is red and bad for your teeth? A brick!
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Watching my kids’ sports: wrestling and volleyball.
What was your favorite subject in school? English.
Abbie, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Odessa, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Getting to know their fun personalities and helping them achieve healthy smiles.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Raising Cane’s.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I did phlebotomy and was a certified nursing assistant in high school.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A dentist.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? I love spending time outside, hiking, shopping and spending time with family. I also love going to church.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.
What was your favorite subject in school? English.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? 4th of July because I love summer!
Nikala, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Higginsville, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? How funny they are.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Cheeseburgers.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! A cat named Duke.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I’m the second oldest of six siblings.
What did you want to be when you grew up? An interior designer.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Spending time with my nephews.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton.
What was your favorite subject in school? Art.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Thanksgiving because I love the big meals.
Christina (Tina), Front Office/Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? El Paso, Texas
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? All the funny, random things they like to talk about.
What’s your secret talent? I can say the alphabet backwards.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sushi and Thai food.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! I have an English bulldog, Pork Chop, whose favorite things are sleeping and snacks.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I don’t have pinky knuckles.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A baker.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Relaxing at home or taking a walk outside.
What was your favorite subject in school? Science.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Halloween. I love anything during fall!
Mady, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Oak Grove, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Making a positive impact and experience for the kiddos.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tacos!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! A Cocker Spaniel puppy, Amelia (Millie), who loves to do “zoomies” around the house.
What’s the best joke you’ve heard from a patient? Dr. Ben looks just like Dr. AA, but with less hair!
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. I have my associate’s degree in elementary education.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Inviting family over for dinner and to play cards.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Tequila” because I don’t sing! LOL!
What was your favorite subject in school? Family and consumer sciences.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Thanksgiving. I have a large family. We play fun card and competition games for prizes, and we eat tons of food.
Haley, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Blue Springs, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? I love the excitement and energy the kids bring.
What’s your secret talent? I can read in French.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mickey waffles
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! I have a Boston Terrier named Oliver who is four years old, super funny and energized.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A surgeon.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? I love to shop and hangout with family and friends.
What was your favorite subject in school? History and English.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? I love Christmas because of the decorations and the warm, happy feeling it brings to people, plus spending time with my family.
Kynlee, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Grain Valley, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Kids are so funny, and they always have something to say that makes me smile.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pasta!
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Three dogs. A Pomeranian named Peanut. A Goldendoodle named Hazel. And a poodle named Twister. They are my babies.
What’s one fact about you that most people don’t know? Both of my thumbs are double jointed.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. I’ve always loved kids.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Spending time with my dogs or camping and enjoying the outdoors.
What was your favorite subject in school? English. I love to read!
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Christmas. I love all the lights and decorations, but most of all spending time with my whole family.
Jasmine, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Raytown, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? They overcome their fears when they find out their appointments aren’t scary or hurtful, but FUN!
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tacos.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Duke, who likes to eat everything.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I was born in Germany.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Relaxing and sleeping in.
Which superhero would you be, and why? Superwoman to save people.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “This Christmas” by Chris Brown.
What was your favorite subject in school? Lunch time, LOL!
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Thanksgiving because I’m thankful for everyone and the food they made.
Emily, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Mesa, Arizona
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Being silly and making them laugh.
What’s your secret talent? I can crochet really fast.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sushi.
What’s the best joke you’ve heard from a patient? Once, a kid handed me five cents after I finished his cleaning and said, “Nice job!”
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I took karate and nun chuck classes.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A dentist.
What was your favorite subject in school? I took stained glass and loved making pretty mosaics.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Christmas. It feels like a whole month of a holiday, and I love spending time with my family.
Grace, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Iowa City, Iowa
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? They find humor in everything.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sushi.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! My dog, Wrigley, and my cat, Boots. They’re best friends and have matching black and white fur.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Shopping and hanging out with friends.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Never Say Never” by Justin Beiber.
Zay'ah, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Kansas City, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? The joy and happiness I feel knowing I’m helping a kid not have a fear of the dentist.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tacos.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! My dog, Drama, is like my kid… super hyper, loves to play, and follows me everywhere.
What’s the best joke you’ve heard from a patient? Six seven anything!
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I love makeup!
What did you want to be when you grew up? A Barbie.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? Taking my dog, Drama, to the park and to get a pup cup.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Style” by Taylor Swift.
What was your favorite subject in school? Science.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Halloween. I love seeing the different costumes and everyone’s creativity.
Savanna, Dental Assistant
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Where are you from? Blue Springs, Missouri
What’s your favorite part about working with kids? Making them laugh.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Parmesan crusted chicken.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I lived in Idaho for a short amount of time when I was little.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend? At the lake.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Need You Now” by Lady A.
What’s your favorite holiday, and why? Thanksgiving because I love being with my family and eating.
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