I really can’t think of a better profession. I get to watch these little children become teens and young adults and, in some ways, help them to become better, healthier people.
I enjoy talking with each child about their life, learning what’s interesting and important to them, and building those critical connections. I strive to constantly go above and beyond to help my patients understand their dental health and demystify their care. Through clear, age-appropriate communication, I can head off confusion that leads to anxiety for children and their parents.
It is very rewarding to be able to take a child who is in pain and make them comfortable in a short period of time. It’s also very rewarding when a child comes into our office feeling embarrassed by a broken tooth and we’re able to quickly repair it so they can return to their normal lives.
There are so many reasons to love my profession it would be impossible to name them all, but perhaps the best is helping anxious little ones grow into confident, healthy dental patients.
— Dr. Erik Wells
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science – Furman University
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery – Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry
- Army advanced education in general dentistry residency – Fort Benning, Georgia
Dr. Erik Wells has practiced dentistry for more than 25 years. His father is a medical doctor and he grew up knowing he wanted to work in healthcare. Dentistry, with its combination of science, health, and personal connections, had a strong appeal. Then, exposure to pediatric dentistry, and the challenges and rewards of working with children, made Dr. Wells’s choice clear.
Dental treatment and knowledge, especially in pediatric dentistry, is rapidly changing. Dr. Wells strives to ensure he offers his patients leading-edge, safe, and proven treatments. Through continuing education, mainly focused on pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, he stays at the forefront of research and the latest advances in methodologies and patient care.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Wells is an active member of the:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Georgia Dental Association
- Eastern District Dental Society
- Clarke County Dental Society
- Pierre Fouchard Academy
- Gnathos Orthodontic Group
Additionally, he regularly volunteers at local free dental clinics, and in 2018, he volunteered at the Georgia Mission of Mercy in Augusta. During that two-day event, he and other oral healthcare providers saw and treated more than 2,000 underserved dental patients.
Beyond the Office
After growing up in Gainesville, Dr. Wells has resided in Jefferson for more than a decade. He has two teen daughters, Zoe and Rachel, both super kids currently in high school. They have completely different personalities yet are both wonderful and smart. The family also includes two dogs, Briscoe and Stanley.
Much of Dr. Wells’s free time outside the office is spent with his family. He also enjoys staying fit through exercise, reading, relaxing in the North Carolina mountains, and volunteering with the Georgia and American Dental Associations. He also makes time to volunteer in his church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens, through various ministries.