Dr. Russ Peterson grew up outside of St. Cloud in the country, where he learned to enjoy fishing, skiing, snowmobiles, cars, and just being outside. He attended St. Johns University and then the University of Minnesota to receive his DDS degree in 2008. Upon graduating dental school, he did a 1 year Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), where he worked side by side with dental specialists and oral surgeons, to further educate and learn advanced skills in oral surgery, trauma, special needs dentistry, and medical management of patients with complex and usually life-threatening conditions. It was an experience and knowledge basis that can only be described as priceless, and a good fit for what he brings to his patients and our office.

Dr. Russ (as many know him by) joined Peterson Dental Associates in 2009. His enthusiasm for dentistry and his desire to bring the highest quality dental care to his patients has led him to implement paperless charting, digital x-rays, new materials, techniques, surgical implant placement, and now cone-beam (or 3 dimensional) x-rays. He has advanced his training at places like the Zimmer Institute for implant training, White Cap Institute for implant training, and numerous Hiossen Implant sponsored courses. With a desire to stay current and continually progress, but also a practical approach to the mouth and oral health care, Dr. Russ strives to make Peterson Dental Associates a top tier provider for its patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Russ thoroughly enjoys the outdoors. Be it fishing in the summer, or time in the garage during the winter to get ready for summer boating, Dr. Russ always keeps busy. Though he has had a curse of catching a yearly dogfish on fishing opener, with a little help, more walleye have been entering the boat as of lately. The fall of the year is Dr. Russs favorite season, as the pheasant, duck, and deer seasons give a welcome reason to enjoy the outdoors.

Dr. Jacoby Hernick grew up in the suburbs of South Minneapolis. At a young age, she knew she wanted to be a dentist all because of a childhood toy (Play Doh Dr. Drill N Frill). In high school, she participated in various activities, including soccer, homecoming court, and academic volunteering programs. She then went on to compelte her bachelors degree in biology and French at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Upon completion, Dr. Hernick attended Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconson. Succeeding graduation, she fulfilled a one-year residency at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida where she continued to mature and develop her knowledge in the dental field with a wide variety of patients.

Following her residency in Florida, Dr. Hernick accepted a position back in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she had called hom for more than five years. After realizing she was not going to convert into a Packers or Brewers fan, her home state was calling her back to enjoy the company and comfort of childhood friends and family.

Dr. Hernick is excited at the opportunity to work with Peterson Dental and return close to home. She believes providing quality dentistry with a smile. Shes excited to treat people of all race, age, orientation and gender. She is looking forward to learning and growing with you and your family!

Grew up in St. Paul where he learned to play hockey, fish, ski, and sail. He attended the University of Minnesota where he received his DDS degree. Since then, he has been practicing dentistry in St. Cloud for 30 plus years. He brings experience to his work, emphasizing quality, health minded care in the interest of the patient. He does so with an emphasis on new materials, technologies, and quality dental products, all in accords with his philosophy of doing the best for the health of the patient. Much time is spent yearly on continuing dental education to bring this knowledgeable approach to his patient treatments.

When outside the office, Dr. Peterson enjoys his home out in the country, his family, and the joys of the outdoors. Be it floating in the boat hoping a fish will bite, heading to the mountains on a ski trip with his son, or the time spent on the sailboat hoping for wind, all are passions of his. Lately, he has been in a mileage race over the winter season, in an attempt to see how many miles his cross-country skis can make in a season. This past season he topped 150 miles, and hopefully more for the upcoming snow.

Kristi has been a dental hygienist since graduating from SCTC in 2011. Prior to being a dental hygienist Kristi was a dental assistant since 2002. Kristi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising and reading.

Kelsey graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2013 with her bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene. She recently moved to the area from Fargo, ND where she was born and raised. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends, reading, and cheering on her favorite college football team. Go Bison!!

Michelle has been with Peterson Dental Associates since 2003. She has a 20 year old son who still keeps her busy. In her spare time she enjoys spending it with family and friends, reading and boating.

Angie has been a dental assistant for 15 years and has been with Peterson Dental Associates since 2016. She is married and has two children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Brook graduated from St. Cloud Technical and Community College in 2016. She moved to the cities after graduating and worked there for 4 1/2 years. She moved back to the St. Cloud area to be closer to her family and friends. She enjoys being outdoors roller blading, biking, running, and snowboarding in the winter.

Crystal graduated from SCTCC in 2018 with a dental assisting degree and is one of our patient coordinators. She has been with Peterson Dental Associates since 2019. Crystal resides in Sartell with her son and miniature schnauzer, Willy. She enjoys exercising, spending time with her friends and family and reading.

Amber graduated in 2006 with a bachelors degree in dental hygiene from the University of MN. She has worked part time with us since 2016. She resides in Becker with her husband and two girls. In her spare time she is always with her animals, enjoys reading and being at the lake in the boat.

Angie is one of our patient coordinators, she has been working in the dental field since 2013. She enjoys watching her son play baseball. They also enjoy watching hockey and going to games together. Her favorite activities are spending quality time with friends and family, going to concerts and playing with her new puppy.

Tracy is our insurance coordinator, she graduated from Rasmussen College in 2011 with a degree in Health Information Technology. She resides in Sauk Rapids withher husband, two children and two dogs. In her free time she enjoys reading, biking, watching football and baseball and spending summer weekends at the lake.

Heather has worked for Peterson Dental Associates since 1995. She completed the dental assistant program through SCTCC. Heather started at our office as a dental assistant lab float, transitioned to a patient coordinator, and has been the office manager since 2011. She has enjoyed taking on new and different roles within the office. Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter, which keep her busy with their activities.