Meet the De Pere Smiles Team
Let’s Introduce Our De Pere Dentists
Chris Peterson, DMD
Why did Dr. Peterson choose dentistry?
“I love interacting with my amazing patients, working with my hands, and providing value to people through the work I get to do everyday! Getting to meet and help young families has also become a passion of mine and luckily I get to do this by treating infant lip and tongue-ties to help with breastfeeding issues.”
What’s the best part of De Pere Smiles?
“The best part of going to De Pere Smiles is interacting with my patients and wonderful team members! I enjoy coming up with a treatment plan fitting a patient’s individual needs and helping them achieve optimal oral health.”
“My parents always told me to ‘treat others the way you want to be treated’ and I always follow that motto when it comes to treating my patients.”
I am married to the love of my life, Rachael, and have three wonderful children, Audrey, Louie, and Greta. When I get time, there is nothing I love to do more than bow hunt for trophy whitetail deer each fall. I also enjoy fishing, playing basketball, and watching/cheering for the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, and Badgers.
My Dental Experience:
- Have advanced training from national leaders in treating infant lip and tongue-ties
- Received advanced training in general dentistry by completing a one year General Practice Residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in both Milwaukee and Green Bay
- Volunteer at N.E.W. Uninsured Dental Clinic
Dental Memberships:
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Wisconsin Dental Association
- Brown-Door-Kewaunee Dental Association
- American Dental Association
Maggie Priebe, DDS
Why did Dr. Priebe choose dentistry?
“As a marathon runner, health and physical wellbeing have always been a part of my life. I aspired to choose a career that focuses on the same principles – dentistry proves to satisfy that! Everyday I strive to promote my patient’s health and give them the tools to succeed in the long ‘run’.”
What’s the best part of De Pere Smiles?
“Imagine your favorite local restaurant or café in which you’re greeted with familiarity, a smile and comfort upon entering. DePere Smiles is that to me. It is the atmosphere that is one of my favorite things about the practice. We desire to truly get to know our patients so that their dental needs are best met in a friendly, welcoming environment.”
After living outside of Wisconsin for a few years, I’m excited to be back and serving patients in my native state! I grew up in Wausau, WI and then headed to the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in biochemistry, graduating with honors. In addition to academics, while at Mizzou I ran cross-country and track & field. Though I enjoyed my time in the lab engaging in research as a biochemist, I knew that I wanted to work directly with others and chose to pursue my dental degree from the University of Michigan, where I graduated. I then returned to Wisconsin to advance my general dentistry skills during a one-year residency working with veterans at the Milo C. Huempfner VA Clinic in Green Bay. I am grateful every day that my academic journey has guided me to a position where I am able to help others
When I am not in the dental clinic, you can find me on a running or hiking trail. I have kept my passion alive for distance running and continue to race half and full marathons. I have completed four of the world marathons—Boston, Chicago, New York and Berlin—and hope to complete the remaining two– London, and Tokyo – in the next few years. I have also developed a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty here in northeast Wisconsin and elsewhere during my travels through hiking. Whether backpacking on the Appalachian Trail or a day hike at our local Baird’s Creek, I am always ready to explore.
My Dental Experience:
- Completed a general practice residency focusing on oral surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, implantology, and restorative dentistry while serving the veteran population
- Gained experience in a hospital setting treating medically complex patients and patients with severe dental anxiety
- Serve on the Oral Health Partnership board to help pediatric patients and explore how dental care plays an essential role in non-profit organizations
- Regularly participate in continuing education to better myself as a clinician and therefore better my patients
Dental Memberships:
- Wisconsin Dental Association
- Brown-Door-Kewaunee Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Dental Honor Society)
- Xi Psi Phi Alpha International Dental Fraternity
Jack Orzepowski, DDS
Why did Dr. Orzepowski choose dentistry?
“I love both the art and science of dentistry, as well as working with patients to build their perfect smile! I also love getting to help patients improve their daily lives—whether it’s fixing a broken tooth or alleviating that nagging tooth pain. I value each relationship that I make with my patients and building trust together through their care.”
What’s the best part of De Pere Smiles?
“De Pere Smiles is a family, and we’re all here with the same goal in mind: do the right thing for our patients. I love going to work in such a warm and welcoming environment, as well as working together with a team that is always ready to go the extra mile!”
I’m happy to be back in the Fox Valley and serving my community! I grew up down the road in Appleton, WI, and then attended Marquette University, receiving both my undergraduate and dental degrees. After graduation, I moved to Philadelphia, PA, and completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center, where I gained training in surgery, endodontics, and implant placement. I believe strongly in keeping up with the constantly-changing dental field and am eager to chat with you about the latest and greatest.
I am married to my best friend, Taylor, who is a dentist in nearby Hortonville, WI. When we’re not talking about teeth, we both love to travel, golf, ski, hike, and catch our favorite bands on tour. We both couldn’t be happier to be settling down in the Fox Valley!
Dental Memberships:
- American Dental Association
- Wisconsin Dental Association (Fox Valley Dental Society)
- OKU Dental Honor Society
- Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
Meet Our Dental Team in De Pere, WI
Why do you like working at De Pere Smiles?
“I enjoy coming into work every day with an awesome group of people in a fun environment. I love tackling the new challenges that are presented to me every single day.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love staying active and busy with hunting, fishing, music, reading, and sports. I love watching any of our stellar Wisconsin sports teams!”
I was born and raised in Kimberly, WI, where I have lived for most of my life. I graduated from St. Norbert College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. I also played four years of college basketball while at SNC, where I was fortunate enough to win honors for the “Academic Athlete of the Year” in 2013.
What do you do outside the office?
I have been a huge sports fan my entire life and often times you can find me watching and cheering on my favorite Wisconsin sports teams, or attempting to play those various sports myself.
I value the relationships with family and friends the most and enjoy spending time with the people closest to me. I love being outdoors while fishing, hunting, or enjoying nature. I am a music fanatic, and although I avoided reading at all costs when I was younger, I now love to relax with a good book.
Front Desk
Why do you like working at the front desk at De Pere Smiles?
I enjoy chatting with the patients and sharing a laugh. If I am able to put a patient at ease, it makes my day. Also, working side by side with this warm, kind, caring and fun group of dental professionals just adds to the likability of this position.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My husband and I enjoy spending time with our daughters, son-in-law and future son-in-law, as well as extended family. Volunteering for various groups also keeps us busy. Simple pleasures like a day trip to Door County with our Westie, Chloe, is also a favorite.
Insurance/Billing Specialist
What do you enjoy most about working in the dental field?
I love working with patients to help educate them so that they can make an informed decision and helping them work through their insurance benefits so that they can get the care they need.
What do you enjoy most about working at De Pere Smiles?
De Pere Smiles is an amazing place to call my work home. I love getting to know all of our patients and I am proud knowing that they will be taken well care of because everyone here is a great family team that works amazingly well together!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with the family, listening to music and every once in a while, going on an adventure!
Dental Assistant
I have been at De Pere Smiles for four years. I’ve been a dental assistant for 11 years, and I love every second of it because it’s great being part of such a hardworking team who can still manage to laugh and have fun with our patients.
Why do you like working as a dental assistant?
I enjoy getting to know all of our patients and helping them feel comfortable at their appointments. No day is ever the same and I learn something new every day.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy camping, spending time with my family and friends, and being active with my 6-year-old daughter, Scarlet. A few of our favorite things to do are go bike riding, eat sushi, and of course cheer on the Chicago Cubs.
Dental Hygienist
Why do you like working as a dental hygienist?
My family has a joke that I am the only person they know that knew what they wanted to do at 10. Yes, I am that crazy tooth lady. I love being a hygienist. The one on one with my patients is rewarding and I love being able to make a difference in their health. There is nothing more exciting as a hygienist than being able to make a patient smile and know that you made that happen. The other part of my job is working with a great team to make it happen every day. We have the best at this office.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to go to country concerts, it is a time I get to spend with my daughter and friends. If not at home you can find me in the Northwoods, my parents live in the upper peninsula and spend time on Lake Superior. I am a true crime buff and I love watching or reading about real events.
Dental Assistant
I’ve been an assistant for 10 years now and have enjoyed it immensely! There is just something about helping someone and having them leave with a smile on their face that makes what we do so enjoyable!
Why do you like working as a dental assistant?
I like working in a team environment that allows us to work hard and still have fun together while also having fun with our patients. The De Pere Smiles team is always striving for the same goal for our patients health and happiness!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a mom of three and love spending time with my family. The kids keep my husband and I pretty busy! We like going camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and pretty much anything outdoors!
Dental Assistant
Why do you like working as a dental assistant?
What I like about working as a dental assistant is how hands on it is! I love that it keeps me moving and allows me to get to know patients. I am always learning something new everyday!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time up north at my cabin in Lakewood, WI. This is always a nice getaway to relax and unwind! We like to spend our time on the boat all day whether it’s fishing, going on cruises, or hanging out in the water! It’s my favorite place to spend time with family and friends. If there is one thing you need to know about me it’s that I love sushi! Its likely you will hear me talking about how much I enjoy trying new places and trying to convince others to try it!
Dental Hygienist
Why did you choose De Pere Smiles?
I chose De Pere Smiles because it has the most friendly, welcoming atmosphere from the moment
you walk in. Each staff member truly values each patient and makes their experience in the dental
chair the best it can be. I love how everyone works amazingly as a team to ensure patients leave with
a smile!
Why do you like working as a dental hygienist?
I love working as a dental hygienist because it allows me to form relationships with each patient and
provide experiences that are both enjoyable and comfortable, so they can truly look forward to their
visits. I also love making balloon animals for any kids that come in because it always puts the
brightest smiles on their faces! Every day, it is a goal of mine to leave patients feeling happier and
more relaxed than when they first walked in!
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love spending time in the sun by going golfing, hiking, and boating. I also love
spending time with my family and friends, traveling to Upper Michigan, painting, and baking.
Dental Hygienist
I have been at De Pere Smiles for 23 years. We are a close-knit team who work well together. We try to throw in some fun and laughter throughout the day with our patients.
Why do you like working as a dental hygienist?
Being able to get to know my patients and their families throughout the years. I try to treat patients as individuals educating them on how to improve their dental habits.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like hiking, running, traveling, crafts, going to sporting events, and spending time with my husband, daughters, and friends.
Dental Hygienist
Why did you choose De Pere Smiles?
The second you walk in the doors of De Pere Smiles, it is evident that you’re in great hands. The front
desk staff, assistants, hygienists, and doctors work as a team every single day. It is refreshing and
exciting to be part of a team that is always striving to provide the best.
Why do you like working as a dental hygienist?
I enjoy being a Dental Hygienist because it allows me the chance to make a difference (big or small)
with every patient I encounter. I have the opportunity to enhance my patient’s understanding of the
connection between our oral health and our overall health. As a child, my dental team treated me
with care and compassion, thus allowing me to gain confidence. I knew from then on that I wanted
to be able to provide that type of care for others!
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my niece – being an auntie is so fun! Visiting the UP with our dog, Nash, is one of our favorite weekend hobbies. In addition, I love listening to podcasts and trying new coffee spots.
Dental Assistant
What is your favorite thing about the dental industry?
I love being able to develop a relationship with patients as well as assist in creating a comforting experience for them. This way, taking care of their dental needs comes with ease for them, and that is something that has become very important to me since starting work in dentistry.
Why did you chose De Pere Smiles?
I chose De Pere Smiles because we share the same core values and I want to do my part in giving our patients a wonderful dental experience.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to spend time outdoors. Whether it is camping, riding ATVs, or even attending a local music show on the summer patios. Otherwise, any time spent with my family is always a wonderful time.
Dental Hygienist
Why did you choose De Pere Smiles?
From the moment I first walked through the door, I immediately knew that I wanted to become a
part of De Pere Smiles. I was warmly welcomed, they value their patients and the office is fun to
be in. Everyone – including doctors, hygienists, assistants, and admin staff, is confident in the
level of care they are providing.
Why do you like working as a dental hygienist?
What I love the most about being a dental hygienist is that I get to build relationships with
patients while caring for their oral health. Dental hygiene is definitely a passion of mine, but also
making a patient feel comfortable and heard is one of my top priorities.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?
Before De Pere Smiles I was a dental assistant for three years at a local oral surgery office while
going to dental hygiene school. When I’m not at work I like to golf and visit family and friends in
Luxemburg. I was even lucky enough to shoot my first hole-in-one at Irish Waters in the summer
of 2023. Ask me about it next time you are in the office!
Front Desk
What do you enjoy most about working in the dental field?
Not everyone looks forward to going to the dentist. I enjoy seeing their new perspective after visiting with our providers and the rest of our awesome staff. I like helping patients see that it actually can be a pleasant experience going to the dentist!
What do you enjoy most about working at De Pere Smiles?
The thing I enjoy most working at De Pere Smiles is the team. Everyone is so eager to make you feel so comfortable and at home. It is very refreshing working with a great staff and our amazing patients.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and St. Bernard, Bruno, at our cottage up north. We all enjoy spending time out on the lake enjoying the sun.
Operations/Billing Assistant
Why did you choose De Pere Smiles?
I am excited for the growth opportunities that De Pere Smiles offers and that the patient experience is our first priority. You can really feel the positivity radiating from everyone who works here-both in the workplace and toward the patients. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be apart of such a great team!
Why do you like working in the dental industry?
I love having the opportunity to work with people and impact them in a positive sense. I think it’s important that your experience with a dental office should always be a positive one, whether it’s in person or on the phone! Additionally, I love to learn new things that help me better myself in my role in order to positively impact the patient experience. You really do learn something new everyday in this industry, and that’s what keeps it interesting and enjoyable.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a huge game person- board games, video games, card games- you name it. You will often find my fiancé and I playing either a video game in our free time or playing the card game ‘Magic the Gathering’ with our friends.
Dental Hygienist
Why did you choose De Pere Smiles?
As soon as I walked into the building the atmosphere was so welcoming! Everyone was so friendly and down to earth. It felt like a big family. Everyone made my decision very easy on choosing De Pere Smiles and I couldn’t be happier with my choice and becoming a member of a great team!
Why do you like working as a dental hygienist?
Ever since I was little going to the dentist was one of my favorite things. I loved getting my teeth cleaned and building a relationship with my hygienist. I decided to pursue my career in dental because of my love for it as a kid, but also to build relationships with my patients and to educate and bring my patients to lead healthier lives. It makes my day getting life updates from patients and also seeing improvements on oral health from education that was given. Every day is something new and makes being a hygienist enjoyable!
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m originally from the U.P. I moved to the area about 5 years ago. I have been in the dental field for about 9 years now. I was an assistant first and decided to further my career in hygiene. I have a daughter who keeps me very busy and in my free time I like to read, spend time with family, camping, and cooking.