Welcome to Our Practice
Ben Peterson, DDS & Kevin Baker, DDS
4232 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311
(515)-277-4461 info@wavelandfamilydental.com
Ben Peterson, DDS
Dr. Peterson grew up in Cedar Falls, IA. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Exercise Science in 2004. He continued his academic pursuits at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where he graduated in 2008. Dr. Peterson worked as an associate dentist for seven years prior to purchasing the practice of Dr. Tom Zisko in 2015 and then partnering with Dr. Baker in 2017.
Dr. Peterson believes in giving back to the community and has held several volunteer positions throughout the years. He has worked with the Good Samaritan Dental Clinic as well as the Iowa Mission of Mercy providing free dental service to people who otherwise could not afford it.
In his free time, Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends. He and his wife Emily are the proud parents of three children Max, Greta, and Liesl.
Kevin Baker, DDS
Dr. Kevin Baker is a native of Canton, Ohio and attended Ohio University for his undergraduate studies. He graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2009. After dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Iowa Hospital Dentistry Institute. After completing his residency, he worked for two years at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio, becoming the Assistant Chief of the Dental Service. He entered private practice in June of 2012..
Dr. Baker enjoys educating and providing practical solutions to patients regarding their oral health care needs. Dr. Baker is a member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association and the Des Moines District Dental Society, where he has served as President, Chair for Iowa Mission of Mercy and executive board member. When he is not treating patients, he is spending his time in continuing education to ensure that he is up to date on the current research, trends and technology in the dental field. He also volunteers his time with several local organizations, especially coaching at Beaverdale Little League.
Dr. Baker and his wife, Christa, have two children, Anna and Drew. Dr. Baker spends most of his free time with family activities but also enjoys many hobbies including fishing, skiing, running and biking.
Anna, Office Manager
Anna joined our office in 2022. She was raised in Dexter, Iowa and currently resides in Johnston with her husband Lantz, her sons Zakry and Jayson; and their dog Ozzie. She has over 24 years experience in the dental field. When she is not in the office, Anna enjoys travelling and spending time together with family.
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Meredith, Scheduling Coordinator
Meredith joined our team in 2020. She currently lives in Ankeny and has a diverse background in dental office administration. Her family lives in Iowa including parents, siblings and her two nieces which she enjoys spending time with. She has a fiance, Dan, and a cat, Nalah. She mostly enjoys relaxing and spending quality time at home with family.
Tamara, Dental Hygienist
Tamara joined our office in June 2022. With over 30 years of dental hygiene experience, Tamara has worked as a dental assistant earning her Dental Assisting diploma from Mankato Technical Institute in 1986. Tamara later received her Dental Hygiene degree from Hawkeye Community College in 1990 and has been working as a dental hygienist since. Tamara was raised in Burt, IA but resides in Ames. When she is not in the office, she enjoys her time with her grandchildren, taking daytrips with friends, finding exercise in small hikes and walking. Tamara has two daughters, Rachel who lives in Wisconsin and Katie here in Ankeny who is married with children.
Lorrie, Dental Hygienist
Lorrie and her husband, Mark, live in Maxwell, IA. She has been a full-time dental hygienist in the practice since 2001. She is originally from Adair, Iowa and she received her dental hygiene education at DMACC. Lorrie’s daughter, Jess, is married to Rob and they have two sons, Justin and Tyler. Her second daughter, Ashleigh, is a RN at Mercy Medical Center and lives in Des Moines. Lorrie attends St. Mary’s Church in Elkhart and has become an avid exerciser at Farrell’s in Ankeny. She is a huge animal lover and has three dogs and one cat at home. She enjoys going to her grandsons’ sporting and school events, gardening, reading, and watching Notre Dame football.
Holly, Dental Hygienist
Holly is originally from Des Moines and currently lives in the Urbandale/Johnston area. She joined our practice in 2018. She completed her dental hygiene training at DMAAC, Ankeny Campus. She has two rescue dogs and enjoys time outdoors and camping. She also enjoys art and being creative, travelling and learning about other cultures and languages, and time with friends and family. She is always on the go and is a big Hawkeye Fan.
Karlee, Dental Hygienist
Karlee is originally from “small town” Van Meter and currently resides there. She received her dental hygiene education from DMAAC, finishing in 2017. She is married to her husband Tyler and has 2 children. She also has several pets including 2 dogs, 3 cats and 5 chickens. Karlee’s hobbies include kickboxing, kayaking, 4-wheeling, camping, fishing, horseback riding and travelling. She especially likes hitting the beach while traveling. Most importantly, she likes spending time with family and friends.
Lisa, Dental Assistant
Lisa lives in New Virginia, IA with her husband Pat. She has been with the practice since 2009 and received her dental assisting training at DMACC in Ankeny in 1993. She enjoys time with her dog Millie. She is a huge fan of the Iowa Barnstormers where she regularly attends games and can sometimes be caught ringing the cowbell to cheer them on. She is also an Iowa State Cyclones fan.
Joan, Dental Assistant
Joan lives in West Des Moines. She has two children, Morgan & Christopher, as well as four grandchildren. Joan attended the San Antonio College of Medical & Dental Assistants and joined the practice in 1996 as a full-time dental assistant. Joan attends Experience Church in Des Moines. She also has a home-based network marketing business. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, singing, acting, photography, videography and, most of all, creating memories with her grandkids.
Darrian, Dental Assistant
Darrian joined our team in 2020. She currently lives in Des Moines although she is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo where she received her education and certificate in dental assisting. She enjoys time with her sisters and parents. Her hobbies include kayaking, biking and hanging out with friends and family.
