Dr. Craig Peterson, DMD, admitted to being a little nervous, on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, “Day One” at the Morrison, IL, dental office of his sister, Dr. Mindy Hochgesang. At the same time, he is very excited for the opportunity to work alongside her and continue to strive to serve his patients, to the best of his ability. Dr. Peterson is proficient in, and enjoys, all aspects of general dentistry.
What work experience has he gathered? After receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, he stated, “I knew I wanted to do community health service first, to give some of my time.” He declined seven job offers–at other community health care centers–before choosing Kenosha, WI, CHC. His task was to treat under-served populations and those with no Medicaid benefits or dental insurance. “It was great as far as the experience [he received].”
What will he bring to this dental practice? “My experience is broader. I encountered some things that help me relate to patients of every culture, background, and socio-economic group. I was able to relate to those people and their life struggles.” Dr. Peterson’s religion shapes his relationships. He explained it gets him to a place of serving the people and God and helps him “treat all people the way I would like to be treated. They have the same…value. People aren’t just a number.”
What is his expertise? “What I like to do is extractions! Because of [the Wisconsin Health Centers] experiences, I became pretty proficient in it.” Eleven other dentists there helped develop his skill. “I feel I’m pretty good at keeping people calm and being gentle; that’s kind of who I am.” He enjoys “crowns, bridges, and dentures. It’s pretty rewarding changing a person’s smile.”
Does he have a professional goal? Dr. Peterson wants to study implant surgery, by taking Continuing Education Courses. “They are offered all over,” he said.
While working as a summer campus ministry intern, he met an intern who later became his wife. On July 17, 2011, he married Lauren in St. Louis, MO. They were blessed with a daughter in October 2014. Eliana, 11 months old, is described as “both energetic and pensive, a perfect mix of both her parents.”
Numerous interests include “hunting duck, geese, and deer and most sports: running, golf, slow pitch softball, and basketball. I’m a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan!” He roots for the Denver Broncos, because his wife’s family does, and the Indiana Hoosiers. “We are very involved with our church,” he added. In the past they helped lead college and teen ministries.
Dr. Craig Peterson need not have been apprehensive. Dr. Hochgesang previously had stated her brother “is an extremely skilled dentist who is very genuine, honest, and full of compassion and integrity. I can’t wait to have him here! We have always been very close and the best of friends.” They will collaborate on alternate days at both the Davenport, IA, and Morrison practices.
The name of both practices has been changed to Cornerstone Family Dentistry.
When will he work in Morrison? For the first two weeks, Dr. Peterson will be on staff in Morrison, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After that, his hours will remain the same on Wednesdays and Thursdays only. Dr. Hochgesang will be in the local office Mondays and Tuesdays. They will alternate days in Davenport.
Cornerstone Family Dentistry is taking new patients. Appointments with Dr. Craig Peterson can be made by calling 815-718-6558. Both dentists may share patients if necessary.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Dr. Peterson graduated Salutatorian from Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, IL, in 2005; he excelled in science. After high school he majored in Biology at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. He graduated summa cum laude in 2009 and completed an accelerated program.
He attended Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in Alton, IL. During that time, Dr. Peterson became a Christian and worked one summer as a campus ministry intern. He graduated cum laude in 2012 and began his first dental position at a community health center in Racine, WI. At the Kenosha, WI, Community Health Center, he was fortunate enough to serve low-income communities and participate in a wide variety of both standard and emergent procedures.