Dr. Kip Etheridge, DDS
“I have the best profession in the world, providing Dental Healthcare in Battle Creek, Michigan. When I was a child, many hours of my day was spent drawing and enjoying the artistic side of my brain. It was while I was working towards my Eagle Scout, on my Dentistry Merit Badge, in Boy scouts, that I spent some time with my childhood Dentist. I discovered that you can blend science/medicine/healthcare with artistry, as you might say “I was hooked.”
I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry in 2000 and returned to my hometown. In March 2001, Dr. Richard Rivard sold me his dental practice and in January 2009, I acquired the practice of the deceased Dr. Dominic Cannatti. My journey has led me to many wonderful experiences and friendships. After graduating, I joined the Oakridge Study Club; which is comprised of excellent dentists and specialists all from the Battle Creek area. It was there that I learned one of the most valuable lessons ever; it was that I did not graduate from Dental School knowing everything!
I truly enjoy my team and patients. We make every attempt to listen to our patients’ desires and needs, and then formulate a plan of action to meet those desires and needs, using the most advanced materials and techniques available.
Renae Etheridge, RDH, BS, CFO, Dental Hygienist
I realized at a young age, third grade to be precise, that this was going to be my calling. In 1999, I graduated with my Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene, from the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry. My career choice has enabled me to improve patients’ health and I could not think of anything more rewarding.
My role, at Etheridge Dentistry, is one of “wearing many hats.” I am considered the Chief Financial Officer, so that means I handle much of the day to day operations; which permits my husband to focus on patient care and planning. My other responsibility is filling in for our hygienists, our assistant, and front office when needed. Continuing education is always on my list. We are continually learning and what a great way to keep oneself informed of the newest material, techniques and sometimes changes to how we advise our patients.
Education is extremely important and I have a passion for helping when and where I can. I enjoy going to the elementary schools and educating the children about their oral health. It is amazing to hear and see what they have remembered year after year and it allows me to build on that.
I have 4 beautiful children and in my spare time I enjoy swimming, golfing, crafting, and sewing.
Erin, RDH – Dental Hygienist
I graduated in 1998 from Bellevue High School and was always interested in the healthcare field. After several years at Central Michigan University, I transferred to Kellogg Community College and chose Dental Hygiene as my career path. I earned my hygiene degree in 2004 along with my Associates Degree in Allied Health. I joined the Etheridge Dentistry team later that same year and couldn’t have asked for a better team! My co-workers are more like family and they mean the world to me. They are caring, understanding, and have a good time even on difficult days. I enjoy being a hygienist and working with my patients one on one, getting to know them personally, and working with them to improve their oral health. I attend many continuing education courses each year and am always striving to learn new information to help my patients.
I live in Bellevue with my two boys, Westin and Parker. They keep me very busy, but when I do get a free moment I enjoy reading, gardening, photography, camping and fishing.
Gena, RDH – Dental Hygienist
I love my career choice in dental hygiene where I get to connect on a personal basis with my patients of all ages. I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 35 years where I have worked both in South Carolina and in Michigan. I graduated from Ferris State University in 1985. In addition, I have received my certification in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Sedation.
Over the years I have met many wonderful patients who I continue to enjoy educating in their dental care. I am dedicated to staying current with the latest technology in the dental field. I strive to keep our office environment comfortable and friendly so that our patients are satisfied with their treatment.
I have been married to my husband, Ken, for over 25 years and we have two children, Kaila and Gunnar. I have a beautiful granddaughter named Addilyn. I enjoy reading and walking in my spare time.
Maria, RDH – Dental Hygienist
I graduated from Kellogg Community College in 2018 and received my Dental Hygiene Degree along with my Associates Degree in Allied Health. I am Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Sedation certified. I am happy I chose dental hygiene as my career because I enjoy working with patients and getting to know them personally. I love educating my patients on the importance of their oral health and giving them a great experience with the care that they need. I joined the Etheridge Dentistry team in the fall of 2024 and have been loving it since day one! Everyone is helpful and very passionate about what they do.
I’ve been married to my husband, Ricardo, for over 9 years. We have 3 beautiful children, Kimberly, Alanna, and Ricardo. They keep us pretty busy but we enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors, watching movies, and doing fun family activities.
Jana, DA – Dental Assistant
I graduated from high school in 2016 and I had no clue what I wanted to do like anyone else. Thankfully, I found out I LOVE to help patients with their nerves and jitters that some people get when it comes to the dental world. Growing up in my dental office was amazing. I want that same experience for you when you are with me 🙂
In my free time I love to be outside with my husband Jake, and playing fetch with our dog, Tate. (I’m a lucky girl and got a puppy and a ring on the same day!!)
I’m very blessed with my big, loving family and amazing friends and a beautiful God-son. My husband and I bought a tiny farm house in the winter of 2022 between a corn field and a bean field in Athens. I love my garden, especially when it’s full of veggies and flowers. We also spend a lot of time on the water fishing.
Chloe, DA – Dental Assistant
I always loved dentistry and knew that It was a career I wanted to pursue. I graduated from a Mississippi dental assisting program in 2019, started assisting chair side right away and have loved it ever since! Shortly after meeting my husband, who is actively serving in the Air Force, we had the opportunity to be stationed in Puerto Rico for a year and a half. We have now been in Michigan for 2 and a half years and I have loved living in snow for the first time in my life.
In my free time I enjoy crocheting, documentaries and exploring the outdoors with my husband, Freddy and daughter, Sofia. We look forward to our yearly adventures visiting our family in Puerto Rico, Mississippi, and Orlando.
We recently added two new members to our family, a little Persian cat named Winston and a Presa Canario named Charlie. I joined the Etheridge dentistry team in the fall 2024 and I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with. Everyone is so nice and we all share the same passion for patient care and treatment.
Rachel, Scheduling/Insurance Coordinator
After graduating from high school in 2010, I was unsure which career path I wanted to take. Over the years I have dabbled in a range of professions but in 2017 I started my career in Orthodontics and fell in love with the dental field and have been doing it ever since. I joined the Etheridge Dentistry family in the summer of 2024 and have enjoyed getting to know the wonderful patients and making sure they get the top-tier customer service that they deserve. On top of that, working with a team that truly cares about the patients and the work that we do is what makes Etheridge Dentistry feel like home.
When I am not at work; I enjoy spending time with my two long-haired dachshunds, Pippa and Oliver, and doing anything outdoorsy. Depending on the season you can find me camping, hiking, hunting, snowboarding or working on a variety of house projects (I love anything hands-on and learning new skills.) I am also an avid traveler and always looking for my next adventure.
Hillary, Scheduling/Financial Coordinator
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with both people and paperwork, a combination that seemed unconventional at first. After graduating high school, I pursued studies in business and accounting at Great Lakes Christian College. However, the arrival of my first child shifted my focus to raising my three children.
When the time came to return to the workforce, my first role in office administration was a transformative experience. I then started in dentistry in 2011 and It ignited a passion for managing the busyness of an office environment while connecting with people. Since then, I have found immense joy in the dentistry field, where I can combine my love for computer work with meaningful interpersonal relationships.
In the summer of 2024 I started working at Etheridge Dentistry and feel I have found my work home. For me, dentistry is not just a career; it’s a fulfilling journey that allows me to make a positive impact in the lives of patients every day.
I currently live in the Richland area with my husband and our sweet French Bulldog, Loki. The three of us enjoy doing everything together, especially spending time outdoors—camping, hiking, and traveling wherever the road takes us. I also cherish living close to my grandkids; the joy I feel when I’m with them is simply unexplainable.
