Get to Know Dr. Dani from Paschen Orthodontics
If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start when it comes to your child’s dental care, you’re not alone, especially right now. With a hygienist shortage and many dental offices unable to take new patients, it can be hard to know where to turn. That’s exactly why Dr. Dani (a local mom, General Dentist, and Associate at Paschen Orthodontics) is so passionate about meeting families early in their journey.
Dr. Dani has made space in her schedule specifically for young children (0-3) and new families because she knows how important it is to set kids up with healthy habits from the beginning. With a special focus on early childhood dental development and a heart for helping parents feel empowered, she’s working to make the dental experience less intimidating and more supportive.
When Is The Right Time To Take My Child To the Dentist?
A child’s first appointment is ideally by age one or when their first tooth comes in. This is beneficial not only to check their development but to meet families early in their journey.
If your child won’t open their mouth the first time, that’s okay. Dr. Dani says, “Parents shouldn’t feel anxiety or embarassment if the child isn’t ready to cooperate. It’s about taking baby steps towards that full hygiene appointment. My biggest goals for the first visit are that the child meets me, experiences the dental office in a positive way, and the parent feels more confident about their role when they leave. If we can do a full screening and cleaning the teeth, that’s even better”.
Dr. Dani notes the benefits from these first visits are aimed at both the child and the caretaker. “I want parents to understand how they can support their child’s dental health and development, even from infancy. We’ll talk about relevant topics based on their child’s stage and build on them each visit”.
Some of Dr. Dani’s favorite subjects include brushing tips for children, nutrition, oral habits (pacifiers and thumb sucking), and proper nasal breathing.
About Dr. Dani
Dr. Dani is a General Dentist with a special love for orthodontics and setting children up for dental success. She practiced dentistry in Madison for five years prior to joining Dental Associates of Baraboo in 2020. After extensive mentorship from Dr. Mark Paschen, she became an Associate Dentist at Paschen Orthodontics in 2023. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa and now also serves on the Board of the American Orthodontics Society.
Her passion is helping kids stay healthy and supporting the parents raising them. She’s warm, relatable, and deeply committed to making early dental visits positive and stress-free for both kids and their families.
About Paschen Orthodontics
Paschen Orthodontics isn’t part of a large corporate chain. It’s a trusted, long-standing private practice serving Sauk County for over 30 years. Located in the same building and affiliated with Dental Associates of Baraboo (which has been serving families since 1947!), the office provides a welcoming, family-focused experience from the moment you walk in.
When I visited, the patient rooms were bright and inviting—each one fully private. The front desk area was cheerful and fun with a balloon arch selfie spot and there’s even a fun rewards program where kids can earn “Paschen Bucks” for completing various acts or playing in-office games and trade them in for prizes.
The whole vibe is lighthearted and kid-friendly but still professional and calming for parents.
Whether your child is due for their first visit or you’re just looking for a supportive provider, Dr. Dani and the Paschen Orthodontics team would love to meet you. Call 608-35-ORTHO (608-356-7846) to learn more or book that first appointment.
Stay tuned for the next article in this 3-part series where we’ll dive deeper into how early dental care ties into long-term orthodontic health.
