MORTON DENTAL CENTER - Key Persons
Becky graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota and has been in the dental field for 15 years. She is proud to work at Morton Dental Center and enjoys listening to the patients' needs and concerns; which she makes a top priority. She also finds it rewarding to work with such an amazing staff that focuses on bringing happy, healthy smiles to all of their patients. Becky enjoys spending time with her family: Scott (Husband), Rachel & Nicole (Daughters), and son-in-law Jon. She also enjoys reading, dancing, gardening, traveling, and most importantly - meeting new people!
Job Titles:
- HR Recruitment Coordinator
Prior to joining the Smalltown Dental Team, Brandi worked in recruiting for manufacturing, clerical, and professional positions for 5+ years and truly has a passion for matching candidates with their dream jobs. She enjoys being the first face new employees see when they start their journey with Smalltown and watching each individual grow within their role. In her free time, Brandi likes to go hiking and kayaking with her husband, Derek, cuddling with her black lab, Hudson, and spending time with family.
Caitlin completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute in 2020 and is CPR certified. What she loves most as a Dental Assistant is working alongside the doctors, as well as meeting and providing for the patients. In Caitlin's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her two goldendoodles: Cash and June. At the office, Caitlin enjoys connecting with the patients everyday and making sure each one of them leaves with a smile on their face!
Cassie completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute and is certified in CPR. As a dental assistant, she works chairside with the doctors and provides great care for our patients. Cassie is married to her husband Ryan and she has a dog, Ellie. In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects fixing up their home, spending time outdoors, reading, and of course shopping! Making patients feel confident, comfortable, and happy with their smile is always her goal.
Dr. Peter Smidt graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in biology and chemistry before earning his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. He completed rotations at the Peoria County Health Department, the Lawndale Christian Center in Chicago, as well as a dental mission trip to Jamaica.
Dr. Smidt is a member of the:
American Dental Association
Illinois State Dental Society
Chicago Dental Society
Peoria District Dental Society
Illinois Academy of General Dentistry
Tazewell County Dental Clinic
International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals
Dr. Smidt is committed to furthering his education in dental surgery, dental implants, and root canal therapy through regular continuing education courses, including:
E4D Technologies
Engle Institute
The Pankey Institute
Spear Education
Dr. Smidt has a daughter, Cambria, and a son, Lofton. In his free time, Dr. Smidt enjoys dental mission trips, playing and coaching athletics, hunting, playing the piano, and passionately following the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dr. Katie attended Millikin University for her Bachelor's degree in Biology. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Millikin. After her Bachelor's degree, she completed her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at SIUE Dental School. In her free time, Katie enjoys running, playing the piano, and spending time with family. Dr. Katie and her husband Bret enjoy walking their dog, hiking, and fishing.
Dr. Seth Braker attended dental school at the University of Illinois at Chicago and recently completed a rotation at the Peoria County Health Department. He was born and raised in Morton and went to Illinois State University where he graduated with a degree in Biology. Seth met his wife, Brittany, on a mission trip to Jamaica and they are nearing their fifth year of marriage. Seth enjoys spending time with his dog, biking, camping, and mountain climbing.
Job Titles:
- Insurance and Audit Manager
Jenna has a degree in education from Eastern Illinois University. Seven years ago she found a passion in the dental field. She started building her dental career while working with patients and insurance companies as a billing specialist in an oral surgeons office. She joined Smalltown Dental in 2022 to further her career as the Insurance and Audit Manager. Jenna is married to her husband, Ryan, and is a stepmom to his three boys. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family and friends, doing home projects, spending time outdoors and binge watching her favorite shows.
Job Titles:
- Registered Dental Hygienist
Lori is a registered dental hygienist that has been in dentistry for 20 years. She has 2 daughters & 1 fur baby Libby a golden doodle. Her happy place is being outdoors golfing, biking, walking, working in the yard. The most rewarding aspect of her job is building personal relationships. "It is a blessing to be on SD's team because they value each patient as an individual as well as taking pride in delivering the highest standard of care. I strive to inform/educate & empower patients to get involved in their well-being.
Rebecca has been a Dental Assistant for almost 7 years. She has 2 children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves cooking and shopping. What Rebecca loves most about the dental field is educating patients and taking care of them.
Stephanie graduated from Illinois Central College with a certificate in Dental Assisting. She has been a part of the dental field for 29 years. She has several years of experience as a Dental Assistant, but loves her role on the Business Team. Stephanie and her husband Chad, have three kids: Mason, Alec, and Lydia. Stephanie's time away from the office is spent with her family. Stephanie loves helping the wonderful patients at Morton Dental Center and looks forward to working with her great co-workers.
Susan earned her bachelor's degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, and puts her business skills to good use as Treatment Plan and Appointment Coordinator. She brings years of medical office experience to her position. Susan enjoys the people she works with at Morton Dental Center, as well as our patients. Her friendly and helpful demeanor is evident in her communication with patients, in the office or on the phone. Susan and her husband have three daughters: Delanie, Natalie, and Gabby. She enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Business Team ( Practice Manager
Prior to joining the Smalltown Dental Business Team in November 2021 Tami was an orthodontic assistant for 2 years and an orthodontic manager for 1 year. She is CPR certified, DANB Certified in Radiology and Infection Control. Her dental assisting certification came from Midwest Technical Institute, she as well has a bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University. Tami looks forward to continuing her education in her dental career while being a support system to her Smalltown Team Members. When not working with Smalltown Dental she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is a people person at heart and truly enjoys bringing joy to people helping making their smiles beautiful.
Job Titles:
- Business Team ( Marketing Director
Job Titles:
- Business Team ( Training Coordinator
Tori has been assisting for 4 1/2 years. She is CPR Certified and completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute. She really enjoys building relationships and getting to know each patient on a professional and personal level.
Troy absolutely loves his job! He claims he has the best job at Smalltown, because when he shows up he's there to fix things, and when he leaves everyone is happy! He is full of energy and always positive. Troy has one daughter and two amazing grandchildren that he can't get enough of. When he's not maintaining our offices, he loves to weightlift, golf and go to church.
Job Titles:
- Business Team ( COO
- Chief Operations Officer for Smalltown Dental
Vanessa Buchheit is the Chief Operations Officer for Smalltown Dental and has devoted nearly 20 years to the dental industry. Before becoming a COO, Vanessa spent years developing dental teams by working side-by-side with them in a national consulting role. Using her real-world professional experience coupled with her mastery of the business, Vanessa can ensure that our operations at Smalltown Dental support superior patient care and maintain employee satisfaction. In her free time, she loves traveling and spending time with her family.