The idea behind ODONTOGEMS did not arrive as one perfectly formed concept. It grew from a problem Dr Jesse Liang kept encountering, both as a dentist and as a father: getting children to care for their teeth is a simple idea, but that does not mean it is easy. Parents know their children need to brush, and children have usually heard the instructions many times, yet the nightly routine can still become a negotiation. Dr Jesse began wondering whether the problem was not a lack of information, but the way that information was being presented.
He had always been passionate about working with children and had long held a deep interest in education. He had also always been creative, with music, writing and storytelling remaining important parts of his life alongside dentistry. For years, these interests had existed in slightly different places. ODONTOGEMS became the project that finally brought them together: dentistry, children, education, music, storytelling and a slightly unreasonable desire to create an entire fictional universe about teeth.
MAKING TEETH FUN. BUILDING HEALTHY HABITS.
At first glance, that mission sounds very simple, and that is intentional. Dr Jesse believes that what captures a child’s wonder captures their attention, and what captures their attention can help shape who they become. Children are more likely to engage with healthy habits when those habits feel enjoyable, imaginative and genuinely part of their world. If brushing becomes fun, there is less resistance for the child. If the child becomes excited about brushing, there is less friction for the parent. Everybody benefits.
ODONTOGEMS therefore uses colourful tooth characters, stories, songs and adventures to introduce oral health in a way that does not feel like another lesson. Teeth are the gateway, but the world is also about wonder, curiosity and growth. It encourages children to ask questions, take small positive actions and gradually develop a sense of ownership over their own health.
Dr Jesse self-published the first ODONTOGEMS book in 2025. What encouraged him most was seeing children connect not only with the dental message, but with the world itself. They wanted to know more about the characters, visit ODONTOLAND and discover what might happen next. That response helped confirm that ODONTOGEMS could become something larger. The second book, ODONTOGEMS: The Lost Gem, was self-published in 2026.
The Odontoverse is now expanding beyond books into music and an audio mini-cast, with short adventures, original songs and practical ideas for families. Dr Jesse does not know exactly where the project will eventually lead (which is probably part of what makes it exciting), but he remains clear about what sits at its centre: preserving that childlike wonder, making healthy habits enjoyable and creating memories that children will cherish forever.
Books can be ordered via the website
ODONTOGEMS – https://odontogems.com
