Meet the Team at Golden Rule Dental

Relationship-Based Dental Care in Lima, Ohio
At Golden Rule Dental, our team is built on trust, continuity, and long-term patient relationships. Since 1932, our practice has served Northwest Ohio with a steady commitment to ethical care and clinical excellence.
Conveniently located at 1255 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio 45805, we proudly serve patients throughout Lima and surrounding communities within approximately 25 miles.
Call (419) 228-6684 to schedule an appointment with our team.
Whether you are visiting for preventive General Dentistry, advanced surgical care, or aesthetic refinement, you will be treated by providers who prioritize clarity, stability, and long-term outcomes.
Dr. Robert W. Laing (“Dr. Bob”)
Owner | General Dentist
Dr. Robert W. Laing represents the fourth generation of his family in dentistry. He assumed leadership of the family practice in 2021, continuing a legacy that began in 1932. He now co-leads both the Van Wert and Lima locations while maintaining a patient-first philosophy.
Education
- Van Wert High School (Class of 2012)
- Wright State Lake Campus (post-secondary coursework)
- Miami University (Class of 2016) – Double major in Political Science & Zoology
- The Ohio State University College of Dentistry – Doctor of Dental Surgery (2020)

Advanced Clinical Focus
Dr. Laing has completed over 600 hours of advanced continuing education in implant surgery and restorative dentistry. His clinical interests include:
- Dental Implants
- Bone Grafting
- Implant Supported Dentures
- Full Mouth Reconstruction
- Cosmetic enhancements such as Veneers and Smile Makeovers
He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and has completed the Aesthetic Excellence Continuum in Dental Ceramics.
Dr. Laing is also trained in oral conscious sedation to support patients undergoing complex or anxiety-inducing procedures.
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Ohio Dental Association (ODA)
- Northwest Ohio Dental Society
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- American Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Pierre Fauchard Academy
His approach is conservative and educational, ensuring patients understand both benefits and limitations before proceeding with treatment.

Dr. Gordon Rauch
Legacy Dentist | Lima Community
Dr. Gordon Rauch practiced dentistry in Lima for 47 years and built a reputation grounded in integrity and long-standing patient relationships. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 1978, he served generations of families in the Lima area.
Professional Highlights
- Fellow, Midwest Implant Institute
- Former President & Treasurer, Northwest Ohio Dental Society
- Served on Finance Committee, Ohio Dental Association
- Member of ADA and ODA
Dr. Rauch’s legacy continues to shape the steady, relationship-driven philosophy of Golden Rule Dental.
Dr. Luke Slavik
Patients can call him Dr. Luke.
Dr. Luke Slavik always knew he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. He was initially drawn to dentistry because of the technical precision it requires, but he quickly discovered that the profession offered something even more meaningful: the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients while helping them achieve healthy, confident smiles.
His approach to dentistry is patient-centered and comprehensive. Dr. Luke takes the time to understand each patient’s needs and goals and believes in recommending treatment that is truly in their best interest. His guiding philosophy is simple: “I don’t recommend anything I wouldn’t recommend to my mother and father.”
The part of dentistry he enjoys most is seeing successful, long-term outcomes. He wants every patient who visits him to feel comfortable, cared for, and pain-free throughout their experience.

Dr. Luke is proud to call Northwest Ohio home. His wife, Emily, is from Putnam County, and together they love the area and the community they’ve built here. Outside the office, Dr. Luke enjoys following Ohio State and Pittsburgh Steelers football, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, collecting vinyl records, attending church, and taking walks with his wife. He also serves as a 10th-grade religious education teacher at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville.
Education
- St. Clairsville High School — Class of 2016
- The Ohio State University — Class of 2020
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Minor in Biology - The Ohio State University College of Dentistry — Class of 2024 Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Dr. Luke looks forward to welcoming patients into the practice and providing thoughtful, personalized dental care for years to come.

A Practice Built on Community Commitment
Golden Rule Dental is locally owned — not corporate. Our roots in Northwest Ohio extend beyond dentistry.
Community involvement includes:
- Rotary membership
- Board leadership at Van Wert Civic Theatre
- Service on the Governor’s Ohio Dental OPTIONS Program Board
- Support of local schools, athletics, 4-H, County Fair, Scouting, Masonic Lodge, and Elks
- Providing custom athletic mouthguards for local students
We believe strong community relationships reflect the same values we bring to patient care.
What You Can Expect from Our Team
When you visit Golden Rule Dental, you can expect:
Clear explanations of your diagnosis and options
No unnecessary treatment recommendations
Transparent financial discussions
Continuity of care with consistent providers
Advanced diagnostics supported by modern Dental Technology

Serving Lima and Surrounding Communities
We proudly care for patients from:
- Lima
- Shawnee
- Elida
- Wapakoneta
- Delphos
- Bluffton
- Cridersville
- Van Wert
- Surrounding Northwest Ohio communities
From young professionals to retirees, our team supports patients seeking stable, relationship-driven dental care.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Team
Experience the difference of a locally owned dental practice grounded in generational trust and advanced clinical expertise.
