Morton's Hometown Dental Office

Smalltown Dental is a family-friendly group of dentists serving Morton, IL, and surrounding areas, including Groveland, East Peoria, and Peoria, IL.

At this office, you’ll find Dr. Pete Smidt, Dr. Katie Henderson, and Dr. Seth Braker all of whom are experts in their field. Some of our dental services include teeth cleanings, emergency exams and treatment, extractions, fillings, and fluoride treatments.  

Schedule an Appointment Today (309) 263-2781.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Our providers and the rest of the staff are all committed to providing personalized dental care. We utilize cutting-edge equipment and methods because we want to ensure you’re getting the services you need.

We’re particularly proud of the technology we use at this office. This equipment allows us to detect dental concerns at early stages, treat your dental issues with precision, and ensure you’re getting the absolute best service as quickly as possible.

When you visit our office, you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most state-of-the-art dental care. We offer general, pediatric and cosmetic dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

We know it can sometimes be difficult to take kids to the dentist. That’s why we work so hard to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

We’ve worked with many children over the years, and over that time, we’ve come to understand how to help kids who struggle to stay still or worry about going to a dentist.  

Once kids are comfortable in the office, we provide the dental services they need. This includes cleanings, mouth guards, fillings, extractions, and more. We’re committed to helping your child maintain their wonderful smile. That’s the Smalltown Dental promise.

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Meet the Team

Smalltown Dental Morton on Fourth

Katherine Henderson, DMD

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Katherine Henderson, DMD

Doctor

Dr. Katie attended Millikin University for her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Millikin. After her bachelor’s degree, she completed her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at SIUE Dental School. In her free time, Katie enjoys running, playing the piano, and spending time with family. Dr. Katie and her husband Bret enjoy walking their dog, hiking, and fishing.

Seth Braker, DDS

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Seth Braker, DDS

Doctor

Born and raised in Morton, IL Dr. Braker grew up working in his family’s construction company. After a job shadow in high school he fell in love with dentistry and knew that is what he wanted to pursue. From high school he graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in biology before earning his doctorate of dental medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is passionate about general dentistry, implant dentistry and furthering his knowledge with continued education.

Outside of work, Dr. Braker loves to mountain climb, travel with his wife and son, and spends most of his free time working on their fixer-upper farmhouse.

Pete Smidt, DDS

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Pete Smidt, DDS

Doctor

Dr. Peter Smidt graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in biology and chemistry before earning his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. He completed rotations at the Peoria County Health Department, the Lawndale Christian Center in Chicago, as well as a dental mission trip to Jamaica.

Dr. Smidt is a member of the:

  • American Dental Association
  • Illinois State Dental Society
  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Peoria District Dental Society
  • Illinois Academy of General Dentistry
  • Tazewell County Dental Clinic
  • International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals

Dr. Smidt is committed to furthering his education in dental surgery, dental implants, and root canal therapy through regular continuing education courses, including:

  • E4D Technologies
  • Engle Institute
  • The Pankey Institute
  • Spear Education

Dr. Smidt has a daughter, Cambria, and a son, Lofton. In his free time, Dr. Smidt enjoys dental mission trips, playing and coaching athletics, hunting, playing the piano, and passionately following the St. Louis Cardina


Kaylee

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Kaylee

Hygienist

Kaylee is a Registered Dental Hygienist with an Associates degree in Applied Science from Illinois Central College. She enjoys taking time to educate her patients on oral health and creating a great dental experience for her patients. When Kaylee is not in the dental office she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Cody and their son Rowan!

Shaynah

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Shaynah

Hygienist

Shay attended Illinois Central College from 2014-2019 where she earned an Associate's degree in Applied Science of Dental Hygiene as well as an Associate's degree in Science for Secondary Education. She has specialized training in laser bacterial reduction, local anesthetic, and in-house whitening. Her favorite part about her job is making patients smile! In her free time, Shay enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends. She is currently engaged to her fiancé Chris. Together they share a daughter Maisie, two cats, and a dog. They are also expecting twins this coming October!

Ashley

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Ashley

Hygienist

Ashley attended Illinois Central College where she received her Associate Degree in Applied Science – Dental Hygiene. She then continued her education by receiving special training in anesthetic treatment, soft tissue lasers, Zoom! whitening and nitrous oxide. She has been working in the dental field for 14 years and loves getting to know her patients on a personal level. She is also passionate about teaching patients about their oral health and how to maintain a beautiful smile. Ashley is married to her husband Tim, and they have 2 children, Reed and Reese. In her free time, Ashley enjoys baking, crafting, going to her children’s sporting events, canoeing, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Janelle

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Janelle

Hygienist

Janelle is a graduate from Illinois Central College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science-dental hygiene.  She has been working as a hygienist for 13 years.  She has a passion for making each dental visit comfortable and educational for her patients.  She finds her job rewarding when patients walk away from an appointment, confident with their smiles, and properly educated on how to maintain healthy oral hygiene. When away from the office she enjoys life, in rural Tremont, with her husband Brent and four children, Londyn, Tyra, Cason, and Clay.  Some of her favorite family memories are centered around the outdoors, whether that be camping, boating, being at the beach, or hiking in the mountains.

Katie

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Katie

Hygienist

Katie is a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Dental Hygiene. Katie is married to Matt and together they have 3 children. Lexie is a nurse living in Bloomington and newly married.  Her younger 2 kids still live at home, Ellie is a full-time college student and Tate goes to Morton High School. She has a cute dog named Kit and a playful cat named Bitty. She spends most of her free time with friends and family, loves to be outside, loves baking and LOVES watching her son play baseball! Katie enjoys helping patients feel relaxed and comfortable while teaching them how to properly care for their teeth and gums. Her certifications and extended training include:

  • Nitrous oxide sedation
  • Local anesthesia
  • OSHA

Jacquetta

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Jacquetta

Hygienist

Jacquetta is a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science ― Dental Hygiene. She regularly supplements her education by attending continuing education courses. She and her husband, Brad, have three children ― Kelsey, Whitney, and Noah ― and eight grandchildren. When away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, boating, reading, and traveling. Jacquetta loves the personal interactions with her patients. She loves the personal touch she adds to their experience while caring about and educating them during their visit.

Kelsey

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Kelsey

Dental Assistant

Kelsey completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute in 2023. Kelsey is certified in Infection Control, Radiology, HIPPA, and CPR. Before falling in love with dentistry, Kelsey had a passion of babysitting and serving her community near and far. What she loves most as a Dental Assistant is enjoying seeing patients’ smiles improve and helping them feel more confident. In Kelsey’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her two puppies: Ruthie and Athena. Kelsey also enjoys shopping, gardening, baking, cooking, and beekeeping!

Hannah

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Hannah

Dental Assistant

Hannah completed her dental assistant certification at MTI in the fall of 2022. She is CPR certified. Before falling in love with dentistry, Hannah worked at her hometown’s daycare for over 3 years. She couldn’t be happier with the work she is doing now and it brings her daily joy knowing she is helping patients by bringing a smile back to their face. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys going on walks outdoors, Cardinal games and time with friends and family.

Rebecca

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Rebecca

Dental Assistant

Rebecca has been a Dental Assistant for almost 7 years. She has 2 children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves cooking and shopping. What Rebecca loves most about the dental field is educating patients and taking care of them.

Caitlin

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Caitlin

Dental Assistant

Caitlin completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute in 2020 and is CPR certified. What she loves most as a Dental Assistant is working alongside the doctors, as well as meeting and providing for the patients. In Caitlin’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her two goldendoodles: Cash and June. At the office, Caitlin enjoys connecting with the patients every day and making sure each one of them leaves with a smile on their face!

AJ

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AJ

Dental Assistant

Ashley (AJ) has been a dental assistant at Morton Dental Center since the summer of 2018. She is thankful to be able to work at an office that’s patient-centered and has a friendly team. Ashley is married to her husband Brett, and they have two daughters, Jovie and Jayda. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.

Krystin

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Krystin

Business Team

Krystin graduated from Illinois State University in 2006 and has put her business skills to good use working on the Business Team at Morton Dental for 10 years and then moving to Alabama and working in the Real Estate world! She is now back in Central IL and working with her favorite team at Smalltown Dental on Fourth. Krystin and her husband Casey have three kids, Ramsey, Knox and Hutch. She loves spending her free time going to their various sports and activities and they keep her very busy! She also enjoys reading, cooking and traveling with her family.

Becky

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Becky

Business Team

Becky graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota and has been in the dental field for over 15 years. She is proud to work at Smalltown Dental and enjoys listening to the patients' needs and concerns; which she makes a top priority. She also finds it rewarding to work with such an amazing staff that focuses on bringing happy, healthy smiles to all of their patients. Becky enjoys spending time with her family: Scott (Husband), Rachel & Nicole (Daughters), and son-in-law Jon. She also enjoys reading, dancing, gardening, traveling, and most importantly – meeting new people!

Susan

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Susan

Business Team

Susan earned her bachelor's degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, and puts her business skills to good use as Treatment Plan and Appointment Coordinator. She brings years of medical office experience to her position.  Susan enjoys the people she works with at Morton Dental Center, as well as our patients. Her friendly and helpful demeanor is evident in her communication with patients, in the office or on the phone. Susan and her husband have three daughters: Delanie, Natalie, and Gabby. She enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Stephanie

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Stephanie

Business Team

Stephanie graduated from Illinois Central College with a certificate in Dental Assisting. She has been a part of the dental field for over 30 years.  She has several years of experience as a Dental Assistant but loves her role on the Business Team. Stephanie and her husband Chad, have three kids: Mason, Alec, and Lydia. Stephanie’s time away from the office is spent with her family. Stephanie loves helping the wonderful patients at Morton Dental Center and looks forward to working with her great co-workers.

Brandi

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Brandi

Business Team

Prior to joining the Smalltown Dental Team, Brandi worked in recruiting for manufacturing, clerical, and professional positions for 5+ years and truly has a passion for matching candidates with their dream jobs. She enjoys being the first face new employees see when they start their journey with Smalltown and watching each individual grow within their role. In her free time, Brandi likes to go hiking and kayaking with her husband, Derek, cuddling with her black lab, Hudson, and spending time with family.

Troy

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Troy

Business Team

Troy absolutely loves his job! He claims he has the best job at Smalltown Dental, because when he shows up he's there to fix things, and when he leaves everyone is happy! He is full of energy and always positive. Troy has one daughter and two amazing grandchildren that he can't get enough of. When he's not maintaining our offices, he loves to weightlift, golf and go to church.

Jenna

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Jenna

Business Team

Jenna has a degree in education from Eastern Illinois University. Seven years ago she found a passion in the dental field. She started building her dental career while working with patients and insurance companies as a billing specialist in an oral surgeons office. She joined Smalltown Dental in 2022 to further her career as the Insurance and Audit Manager. Jenna is married to her husband, Ryan, and is a stepmom to his three boys. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family and friends, doing home projects, spending time outdoors and binge watching her favorite shows.

Tami

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Tami

Business Team

Prior to joining the Smalltown Dental Business Team in November 2021 Tami was an orthodontic assistant for 2 years and an orthodontic manager for 1 year. She is CPR certified, DANB Certified in Radiology and Infection Control. Her dental assisting certification came from Midwest Technical Institute, she as well has a bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University. Tami looks forward to continuing her education in her dental career while being a support system to her Smalltown Team Members. When not working with Smalltown Dental she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is a people person at heart and truly enjoys bringing joy to people helping making their smiles beautiful.

Tori

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Tori

Business Team

Tori has been assisting for 4 1/2 years. She is CPR Certified and completed her Dental Assistant Certification at Midwest Technical Institute. She really enjoys building relationships and getting to know each patient on a professional and personal level. Tori’s expanded functions include: -Nitrous Oxide Sedation-E4D Technologies-ZOOM!TM WhiteningShe is married to her high school sweetheart Seth, and together they have a daughter, Skylar. Tori loves spending her free time with family, friends, being outside, and shopping.

Jessica

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Jessica

Business Team

Jessica is a graduate of Illinois Central College in Applied Science-Dental Hygiene. She worked as a hygienist for the past 9 years and is currently working on a bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene Education and Management. Jessica is married and has a daughter. She enjoys time with family, camping, and being outdoors.

Vanessa

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Vanessa

Business Team

Vanessa Buchheit is the Chief Operations Officer for Smalltown Dental and has devoted nearly 20 years to the dental industry. Before becoming a COO, Vanessa spent years developing dental teams by working side-by-side with them in a national consulting role. Using her real-world professional experience coupled with her mastery of the business, Vanessa can ensure that our operations at Smalltown Dental support superior patient care and maintain employee satisfaction. In her free time, she loves traveling and spending time with her family.

Tess

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Tess

Business Team

Tess graduated as a Global Scholar from Bradley University with a degree in Advertising and Marketing. She enjoyed playing soccer at Bradley and studying abroad in England and Italy. Smalltown Dental - Her experience lies in branding, content creation and graphic design. Her professional life has taken her all over the country from working in CGI Illustration for Caterpillar in Peoria to on-mountain marketing for Vail Resorts in Colorado. She also remote-built a design campaign for a series of restaurants in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. In her free time, she loves coffee tasting and traveling with her husband, Stephen and son, Cash.

Luke

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Luke

Business Team

Luke graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University and has been in the medical field serving as a manager for 13 years. He is also the president of the 7309 Knoxville Condo Association. In his free time, Luke is the Morton Potters Boys Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach and has been in that role since 2006. Luke is a member of Morton Rotary and a chairman on the Gameball Run committee. Luke is married to his wife Erin and they have 2 children, Briggs and Kenzie. He enjoys hunting and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Vanessa

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Vanessa

Business Team

Vanessa started with Smalltown Dental as Business Team in Tremont, IL then transitioned to practice manager at Smalltown Morton. She then grew to be the practice manager at Smalltown Kids as well and is now the Regional Manager. Vanessa has enjoyed the opportunity to meet all the teams, build relationships with so many team members and grow within the company. Prior to that she has experience as an office manager in a chiropractic office and an orthodontic office. She was also the co-founder and CFO at Aerial Athletics for 6 years. Vanessa is married to her husband Mark and his 2 kids keep them busy with basketball, baseball, and softball. Vanessa and Mark volunteer frequently with community events and St. Jude. In her small amount of free time Vanessa also loves to travel and spend time with family & friends.

Drew

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Drew

Business Team

Drew was born and raised in central Illinois. He has been in the dental field for over 12 years. Drew is certified in Oral Conscious Sedation. When he is not in the dental office, Drew enjoys spending time with his daughter camping, fishing and canoeing. He loves music and enjoys collecting vinyl records, cooking, and playing the harmonica in his spare time. Drew looks forward to coming into work at Smalltown Dental every day. He says he has been lucky enough to make lifelong friends with his coworkers!

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