Meet the Team at Topeka Dentistry

Dr. Carrie B Peterson, DDS

Owner, Dentist

Although Carrie was born in Texas, she was raised in Southwest, KS. She has lived in Lawrence since 2000 and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in Human Biology and University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry with a DDS degree.

She has been practicing dentistry since 2009. Carrie loves helping patients become more confident with an improved smile. 

Outside of the office, Carrie loves spending time with her family. She and her husband have three busy children; their activities and schools keep them very busy!

Carrie does enjoy running, cooking, and reading when she has a few moments of free time. She also enjoys volunteer work—donating time to Kansas Mission of Mercy, a free, two-day dental clinic across the state each year, and serving on the planning board when the event was held in Topeka.

Dr. Peterson donates her time to KS Dental Lifeline, Donated Dental Services, and to her children's schools as well.

Dr. Benjamin Rutherford, DDS

Owner, Dentist

Dr. Rutherford was born and raised right here in Topeka, so he's always willing to give out recommendations if you ask. He earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from Washburn University in 2004, and his DDS from the University of Missouri in Kansas City 2008. Dr. Rutherford graduated in the top 10 of his dental class, and he's always continuing his education and training. 

When he's not working, you'll find him spending time with his wife and three children. All of his children are active in sports, and they spend lots of time making that a possibility. He also likes to exercise and play golf when possible.

Feel free to ask questions about his education, training, or golf game!

Dr. Derek R. Michael, DDS

Dentist

It was a conversation with a dentist while in college which sparked Dr. Derek Michael's interest in dentistry and prompted him to change his career path. After completing his degree in Biology at Emporia State, the Osage City native attended the University of Kansas City School of Dentistry. His commitment to excellence was evident while in dental school he completed a competitive honors rotation in restorative dentistry.

Dr. Michael's favorite part about being a dentist is getting to know about the person behind the smile while providing them with the best, and most comfortable care. Keeping abreast of the latest advances in dental treatment options, materials, and technology are a top priority of Dr. Michael and the practice. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Topeka District Dental Society. 

When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Michael enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, their son, and family dog, Maclin. Dr. Michael spends a great deal of time completing DIY house projects. However, he does find time to attend most Chiefs' games and to get in a few rounds of golf when he can. 

Jodi

Office Manager

Jodi discovered her love for dentistry when she started dental assisting in 1985 with the original owner of this practice. After a few years and different positions, she became office manager in
1998.

Jodi definitely considers this community her home.  Many of our patients have become friends. She enjoys the way our team works together to care for our patients.

When not working, she loves spending time with family and friends. She and her husband have two daughters and two grandsons. They like to spend time outside, especially attending sporting events.

Vicky

Insurance Coordinator

Originally from Oklahoma City, OK, Vicky moved to Topeka with her family in 1976.  She graduated from Shawnee Heights High School and has been with us since May of 1981. 

Vicky loves continuously meeting new people through this practice and catching up with patients that have been part of Topeka Dentistry for as long as she's worked here.

Sara

Scheduling Coordinator

Originally from Humboldt, Kansas, Sara received her education from Humboldt high school, along with medical insurance billing and coding from Allen County community college.

Sara has been working with us since 2005. Topeka Dentistry feels like home for her. She has met so many great people working here, from her awesome co-workers to the amazing patients. She enjoys seeing and helping people every day. Sara truly loves her job and feels blessed.

When not working, she loves spending time with her husband and daughter and watching her daughter play sports, particularly softball. She enjoys getting back home to visit family as much as they can and spend time in the country and the outdoors. Family time Is priceless.

Jennifer

Hygiene Coordinator

Since joining our team in 2024 as the hygiene coordinator, Jennifer has provided exceptional customer service to our patients. Her communication skills and bilingual abilities have been an asset to our practice. Jennifer works hard to develop and coordinate our dental hygiene department. 

When not at work, Jennifer spends her time chasing around her 1-year-old son. 

Nicole

Dental Assistant

Nicole is a veteran in the dental field. She completed the Certified Dental Assistant program at Flint Hills Tech School. She has been in practice for decades as both a dental assistant and a lab technician. She has accumulated a great deal of experience within oral surgery offices. She especially enjoys surgery and has been excited about the dental implant technology offered at Topeka Dentistry. Nicole enjoys helping patient transform their smiles and how that can enhance a patient's life. She also feels satisfied that her skills can help alleviate pain. Nicole enjoys coming to work each day to help patients and she enjoys seeing her co-workers. She is an avid reader and enjoys spending time at home with her family. 

Lyndi

Dental Assistant

Lyndi has been with us for over five wonderful years. Her favorite part of her job includes the variety of each day, patient, and cases—but by far what she loves most about her job is helping to give someone back their smile!

Outside of work, she likes spending time with her family and friends, watching her kids play sports, working out, and playing and watching volleyball. 

Kelcie

Dental Assistant

Kelcie, a Topeka native, joined our practice after a long history in restaurant management. Her ability to multitask and her cheerful disposition have allowed her to be successful within the practice as both a hygiene department assistant and a clinical chairside assistant. She has discovered her passion for dentistry and plans to attend FHTC to study dental hygiene. Ensuring that patients receive the best care and have the best dental experience is her priority at Topeka Dentistry. She loves learning new things and acquiring new skills. Kelci's hobbies include going to the gym, spending time with her boyfriend, and drinking cocktails. 

Tisha

Dental Assistant

Topeka Dentistry is honored to have Tisha as a clinical chairside assistant. Since being in the dental field starting in 2001, she has amassed a great deal of experience assisting the doctors while providing exceptional dental care and filling different positions within the front office. Tisha understands each role in the office and how those roles impact the patient experience. Her favorite thing about practicing in her hometown is positively impacting the health and smiles of our patients. When not working, Tisha enjoys spending time with her family.

Treasa

Dental Assistant

Treasa has been a clinical chairside assistant for nearly 20 years. She received her Dental Assisting Certificate from Flint Hills Tech in 2004. Her knowledge and eagerness to help others has made her a valuable addition to Topeka Dentistry. Outside of working Treasa loves spending time with her three children and active in Karate at S.O.M.M.A. 

Mandy

Dental Assistant

Mandy, born and raised in Topeka, has been a clinical chairside assistant since 2018. She recently joined our office and has been a wonderful addition to our team and patients. Mandy discovered her passion for dentistry after having braces when she was younger and decided then that she wanted to help play a part in changing people's smiles positively too. When Mandy isn't working she is spending time with family and friends, enjoying pool time at her parents home, reading, and putting together puzzles. 

Veronica

Hygiene Assistant

Topeka Dentistry is lucky to have Veronica as our dental hygiene department assistant. Her credentials are impressive as she is nitrous oxide and Nomad certified. She provides support to our hygienists and our patients, ensuring a smooth appointment. Born in Durando, Dgo Mexico, Veronica particularly enjoys helping overcome the language barrier that exists for our Spanish-speaking patients. She remembers how difficult is can be to not understand English and translating fills her with joy. "Making patients smile" is the favorite part of her day. Veronica enjoys going home to her family. She spends her time cleaning her house and listening to music. 

Morgan

Sterilization Technician

Dreaming of working in the dental field since middle school, Morgan is fulfilling her dream currently by working in our office as our sterilization technician, ensuring all dental equipment and instruments are properly sterilized, all while attending college and actively pursuing her ultimate goal of becoming a dental hygienist. 

Ashley

Registered Dental Hygienist

Ashley received her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Washburn University and Johnson County Community College. She is proud to have earned the Distance Learning Teacher of the Year award.

Ashley has been with us for over 13 fun-filled years; she loves the people she gets to interact with and taking a patient from bad oral health to excellent oral health.

She lives on a farm in the Leavenworth area with her husband and five kids. You can often find her outside on the weekends with the cows or horses. There are avid runners in her family, so if they are not out on the farm, they are at a race somewhere almost every weekend!

Bethany

Registered Dental Hygienist

Bethany was born in Escanaba, Michigan, where she lived until she was 11 when her family moved to Clay Center, Kansas. She graduated from Clay Center high school, where she met her now-husband!

She spent two years at Kansas State University in Pre-health and two years at UMKC School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program, earning a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene.

She loves spending time with her husband, Logan, and two boys, Miles and Whitt. They like to take their two Labrador retrievers on walks and play outside. They also love visiting their families on the weekend and going to KSU sporting events through the fall and winter.

John

Registered Dental Hygienist

Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, John received his education from Concorde Career College (Associates), Minnesota State University (Bachelors), and he is working on his Masters in Health Administration. 

John has been with our practice since October 2016, and we look forward to many more years with him!

Josie

Registered Dental Hygienist

Josie has received her education and training from Flint Hills Technical College. She worked with us as an assistant before she became a registered dental hygienist. 

Josie loves getting to interact with patients and help them with their oral health and smile. She also loves seeing families grow up and forming a bond with them.

In her spare time, she has three dogs, a Great Dane, a Boxer, and a German Shorthaired Pointer. She and her husband love to go wild bird hunting with their GSP, Sam. 

Taylor

Registered Dental Hygienist

It was the mentorship from a great hygienist and the helpfulness of her childhood dental office which sparked her interest in becoming a dental hygienist. Taylor is from Rossville, KS and attended Flint Hills Technical College, receiving her registered dental hygienist degree. Being able to help her patients love their smiles and helping them to understand the dental world a little better brings her joy. She loves being able to connect with different people every day. In her free time, Taylor loves to play with her dog Knox, spend time with her husband, read, and do craft projects. 

Monica

Registered Dental Hygienist

Monica is from Meriden, KS. She brings that small-town friendliness into each appointment with her patients. She attended the University of Missouri- Kansas City dental hygiene program, receiving her degree in 2018. Prior to becoming a dental hygienist, Monica was a clinical dental assistant in an orthodontic office. Getting to know her patients and building relationships with them are Monica's favorite things about her profession. She is an animal-lover and has two dogs, Zeke and Hank along with 3 cats. She enjoys going on runs, walking her dogs, and golfing. Monica spends most of her free time with her friends and her growing family. 

Trista

Registered Dental Hygienist

Trista was born and raised in Topeka and is happy to help the people of her hometown achieve oral health was a dental hygienist with Topeka Dentistry. She started her career in dentistry with roles in the business office and as a dental assistant many years ago. After attending Shawnee Heights High School and Washburn University, she earned her associates degree in dental hygiene. Getting to know her patients and helping them achieve the best oral care are Trista's favorite things about working in the dental field. She stays busy when not at work by spending time with her kids and attending their sporting events.