When it comes to your health I try to treat every patient like family. That's why I take the time to explain all aspects of your care to you, make sure you are comfortable in our office and treat you how I would want to be treated.

I believe in a comprehensive, family-focused approach to dentistry. That means taking care of your entire familys teeth, gums and jaw both clinically and cosmetically. Its why we do so many different procedures here in our office and its why we enjoy seeing patients of all ages and from so many great areas like Leeds, Moody, Birmingham, Trussville, Pell City, Springville, Oneonta, Odenville, Homewood and Mountain Brook. We know your time is valuable, so we want to make your visit convenient.

When I opened Peterson Dental in 2010, I looked for ways to help everyone feel more at home. So we have massaging and heated dental chairs, a coffee bar and bottled water available and we can play movies or music to help you relax. We even painted the walls soothing colorsyour comfort is that important to me.

I also spend a good amount of time on continuing education each year to help make your visit to the dentist's office pain-free.I attend the annual Hinman Dental Conference in Atlanta each year,where I learn about the latest techniques and equipment. I also attend regular lectures here in Birmingham. You could choose to see anyone for your dental care, so when you come to Peterson Dental, I take it as a personal complement and challenge to give you the comfort and care you deserve.

Getting to know my patients is one of the best aspects about being a dentist. But its easier for us to chat if you know a little about me. I love spending time with my beautiful wife, Nicole, and our two sons, Harris and Brennan. We enjoy the outdoors whether thats playing tennis together or just relaxing at the park. I love to cookwhen Nicole lets me help her in the kitchen! Shes a great cook, thats why I also love to workout. And I especially love grilling outside during college football season or anytime its above 32 degrees for that matter. I also have a big love for music and enjoy playing guitar.

I graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, then attended UAB Dental School and graduated in 2009. While there I became President of The American Student Dental Association. I'm a member of the American Dental Association,the Academy of General Dentistry and the Birmingham District Dental Society.

Your teeth are often one of the first things people notice about you! Therefore, I promise to be honest and give you the best options. Ill help you choose the right treatment that suits your wants and needs. Being honest, open and truthful is incredibly important to me, so together, well look at your x-rays, Ill explain procedures and I promise to listen so that we can work together towards your dental goal.

This might be surprising, but I initially ruled out dentistry because I thought dentists would just breeze in for a few minutes after getting your teeth cleaned or even worse, buckle down on treatment without any hint of a smile. Just like a dental chicken, I didnt want any part of that.

My mind changed completely when I shadowed a fantastic dentist who not only took extra time with patients, but also made anxious people feel comfortable even when having dental treatment. Peterson Dental is like that and thats one of the reasons I chose to practice with Dr. Peterson!

Each patient is different, so I try to do a little investigating to find out what type of patient you are. If you feel fearful and out of control, I wont start treatment until you are ready, and Ill stop whenever you need a break. You may want to know every detail about whats happening. Im a nerd at heart, so I have no problem talking about the details of dentistry. Or maybe you dont want to know anything and prefer to be distracted. If thats the case, I will be vague, quiet if you like, or tell stories and sing along to songs playing on the radio. My wonderful singing will definitely distract anyone from dental anxiety!

The point is that I can easily cater the situation to your needs. Rest assured no matter what environment you need, youll always get the same high-quality dentistry youve come to expect from Peterson Dental.

In my spare time I really enjoy hanging out with my parents. They risked their lives to travel here from a small town in Vietnam in hopes of a better life. They are some of the most humble and hardworking people I know and I deeply love and respect them. On the other end of the spectrum, I have a cat named Corbit, who probably should be called Beyonc because she is such a diva!

I also love to travel with friends and eat adventurous food. My friends and I always eat way too much together. To work that off, I love to be active, workout and see the outdoors. I also enjoy curling up with a book, watching TV, drawing, painting and, most of all, napping.

Annette, aka The General, uses her masterful experience to keep the entire office running smoothly. Since 1982, shes done nearly every job in dentistry, from starting out as a dental assistant while in high school (only a few years ago!) to a licensed hygienist to managing the busy front desk.

Annettes expertise makes her a valuable part of the Peterson Dental team. Her knowledge shines when shes going over complex treatment plans with patients. She breaks down information so that its easy to understand.

I love people and I see my job as a mission field, Annette said. Most people dont like the dentist so anything I can do to make them feel at ease, welcome and a part of the Peterson Dental family is what I enjoy doing most.

Outside work, Annette spends time with her husband, Bill, whom she married in 1982. She also has a wonderful son, Andrew, who is married and expecting their first child! She has a wonderful daughter Anna Katherine who is also married. Annette also spends time with her three brothers, with whom she is very close. In her spare time she enjoys teaching a college and career Sunday school class, cycling, swimming, mowing the grass and rooting for the Auburn Tigers.

Kristin got her start in dentistry in 2005 at a young age. She started her dental career in high school after growing up around dentistry her whole life. In fact, both her mom and sister have successful careers in the dental field, so it was a natural fit!

Kristins heart for her work is one of the things that sets her apart. She truly loves taking patients smiles to the next level by using the latest tools and techniques to achieve the healthiest teeth possible.

I take my work very seriously, Kristin said, but I also love that I work at a place where we can laugh together. I consider my work family part of my family. My patients are just a natural extension of that. I love helping people feel confident about their smile.

Outside work, Kristin is living the farm life with her husband, Steven, and two children, CJ and Charleigh Piper. Her family grows and changes often, as they open their arms to area foster children. In her spare time, (how does she have spare time?!) she loves riding horses, attending rodeos, enjoying the lake, watching the Auburn Tigers and doing anything her children love.

Caitlyn got her start in dentistry in 2010 and has rapidly learned nearly every position in the office from front desk to assisting and, of course, hygiene. She comes from a family of dental professionals, but originally pursued a career in physical therapy. She realized it wasnt her passion, so she changed course and feels that shes finally doing what she was always meant to do!

Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeff, daughter, Josie and their two dogs. She also sees her family and sisters often since they are all very close. She enjoys crafting, painting and doing any project that she can find on Pinterest.

Melissa has been in dentistry since 2006 but didnt always know the medical field was her calling. She went to UAB and studied early childhood education (she absolutely adores children!) but decided a career helping people improve their health was a better fit. She went to UAB Dental Assisting School and loved it so much that soon after she started the hygiene program as well.

Meeting new people every day and helping them is really important to me, said Melissa. I enjoy seeing the transformation when they realize doing a few simple things can really make their dental visits easy!

Family is incredibly important to Melissa. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason, and daughter, Natalie. Shes very close with her identical twin sister and loves spending time with all of her nieces. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and helps lead a youth group.

Kristen got her start in dentistry in 2002 and has learned nearly every job in the dental field from assisting in orthodontics to endodontics. Now shes insurance coordinator and is always helping patients get the most bang for their buck.

Nicole is new to the dental field, its her second career, but she has been involved with building Peterson Dental from day one. In her previous career, Nicole spent more than 10 years in the local television industry, as a show creator and writer behind-the-scenes. It was time well-loved and well-spent as she now heads up marketing and business efforts for Peterson Dental.