Since 2001, Dr. Kip Etheridge has been providing excellent dental care in Battle Creek, Michigan. Our team provides a friendly, warm atmosphere that empowers individuals to strive for optimal health. We are committed to providing compassionate care using progressive technology and continuing education.
We offer non-surgical treatment of gum disease, digital x rays and preventive care of adults and children. All new patients receive a treatment plan that is unique to their health, desires and needs. Our office provides tooth colored fillings, crowns, bridges and restores implants. Cosmetic dentistry includes tooth whitening, veneers, smile enhancements and full mouth reconstruction. We also offer root canals, complete and partial dentures, oral sleep appliances and treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.
Feel free to stop by and see our office. We moved into our new facility in 2012, it was designed around our patients and their comfort. It is conveniently located, just 2 blocks north of Columbia Avenue, on the corner of Capital Avenue Southwest.
I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry in 2000 and returned to my hometown. In March 2001, Dr. Richard Rivard sold me his dental practice and in January 2009, I acquired the practice of the deceased Dr. Dominic Cannatti. My journey has led me to many wonderful experiences and friendships. After graduating, I joined the Oakridge Study Club; which is comprised of excellent dentists and specialists all from the Battle Creek area. It was there that I learned one of the most valuable lessons ever; it was that I did not graduate from Dental School knowing everything! I was so impressed with the clinical skills/knowledge of my colleagues; but I was more impressed at how they interacted with their patients. This was where my professional career improved by visiting the Pankey Institute, in Key Biscayne, Florida.
During a span of over 7 years I would spend one week a year at the Pankey Institute. It was there that I learned about comprehensive care, that every patient is unique and that it is my obligation to listen to their needs and provide the necessary treatment that the patient desires. The human body is an amazing feat of engineering and the mouth is the gateway to the body. Dentistry is not just drilling on teeth; it is improving the lives and health of our patients.
I learned occlusion (how the teeth come together and function), restorative dentistry (crowns and fillings) and splint therapy (treating an individual who has Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). The Pankey Institute also instills that I cannot just have a professional life, that there must be balance between Family, Health and Spirituality.
I have the best profession in the world, providing Dental Healthcare in Battle Creek, Michigan. When I was a child, many hours of my day was spent drawing and enjoying the artistic side of my brain. It was while I was working towards my Eagle Scout, on my Dentistry Merit Badge, in Boy scouts, that I spent some time with my childhood Dentist. I discovered that you can blend science/medicine/healthcare with artistry, as you might say I was hooked.
I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry in 2000 and returned to my hometown. In March 2001, Dr. Richard Rivard sold me his dental practice and in January 2009, I acquired the practice of the deceased Dr. Dominic Cannatti. My journey has led me to many wonderful experiences and friendships. After graduating, I joined the Oakridge Study Club; which is comprised of excellent dentists and specialists all from the Battle Creek area. It was there that I learned one of the most valuable lessons ever; it was that I did not graduate from Dental School knowing everything!
I truly enjoy my team and patients. We make every attempt to listen to our patients desires and needs, and then formulate a plan of action to meet those desires and needs, using the most advanced materials and techniques available.
I realized at a young age, third grade to be precise, that this was going to be my calling. In 1999, I graduated with my Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene, from the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry. My career choice has enabled me to improve patients health and I could not think of anything more rewarding.
My role, at Etheridge Dentistry, is one of wearing many hats. I am considered the Chief Financial Officer, so that means I handle much of the day to day operations; which permits my husband to focus on patient care and planning. My other responsibility is filling in for our hygienists, our assistant, and front office when needed. Continuing education is always on my list. We are continually learning and what a great way to keep oneself informed of the newest material, techniques and sometimes changes to how we advise our patients.
Education is extremely important and I have a passion for helping when and where I can. I enjoy going to the elementary schools and educating the children about their oral health. It is amazing to hear and see what they have remembered year after year and it allows me to build on that.
I always wanted to do something in the medical field growing up. I didnt know exactly what I wanted to do until I got a few years of college under me. I was discussing career paths with my father one day and we started talking about Dental Hygiene and I decided right then that it was the career for me. I had never worked in a dental office before going to hygiene school so I was going in blind and loved it from the very beginning.
I graduated in 1996 from Loy Norrix High School, then attended Michigan State University for a short time but decided to come back to Kalamazoo. I attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College where I earned my Dental Hygiene degree in 2002. I began my hygiene career subbing for a short time in dental offices as well as had a permanent position in Kalamazoo for a year after I graduated. I then joined the Etheridge Dentistry team in 2003. Its been a wonderful experience working for Dr. Etheridge and being able to be a part of his team and growing practice.
I graduated in 1998 from Bellevue High School and was always interested in the health care field. After several years at Central Michigan University, I transferred to Kellogg Community College and chose Dental Hygiene as my career path. I earned my hygiene degree in 2004 along with my Associates Degree in Allied Health. I joined the Etheridge Dentistry team later that same year and couldnt have asked for a better team! My co-workers are more like family and they mean the world to me. They are caring, understanding, and have a good time even on difficult days. I enjoy being a hygienist and working with my patients one on one, getting to know them personally, and working with them to improve their oral health.
I attend many continuing education courses each year and am always striving to learn new information to help my patients. I love that my position allows me to choose how often I work, which is two days a week so I can be home more with my family.
My husband, Jack, and I were married in 2007. I have two stepsons, Cody and Gaige. Together, Jack and I have two more boys, Westin and Parker. They keep me very busy, but when I do get a free moment I enjoy reading, gardening, photography, camping and fishing.
I love my career choice in dental hygiene where I get to connect on a personal basis with my patients of all ages. I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 25 years where I have worked both in South Carolina and in Michigan. I graduated from Ferris State University in 1985. In addition, I have received my certification in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Sedation.
Over the years I have met many wonderful patients who I continue to enjoy educating in their dental care. I am dedicated to staying current with the latest technology in the dental field. I strive to keep our office environment comfortable and friendly so that our patients are satisfied with their treatment.
I have been a dental assistant since 2006 and absolutely love my job! Thanks to my father and sister, dentist and periodontist, I found my love for dental assisting at the age of 16. I did on the job training and eventually earned my CDA. I truly enjoy helping patients feel more relaxed in the dental chair and getting to know them personally. Its a great feeling when you can help someone fall in love with their smile. I think dentistry is fun and creative, so I love when I get to do work in the lab. I feel so lucky to have found such an amazing and fun team to work with!