By Robert Blankenship

Dr. Eric Peterson has announced the grand opening of his first dental practice, Peterson Dental, in January 2011. Peterson Dental is a family and cosmetic dental practice located in Leeds, near Bass Pro Shops and The Shops of Grand River. Dr. Peterson strives for complete patient comfort while using the latest in dental equipment in a calm, friendly atmosphere.

The practice features:

• heated massage dental chairs covered in soft-ultra leather

• flat screen televisions with cable channels in all patient rooms

• a friendly and caring staff that knows your name

• soft, calming colors and décor

• the latest in dental equipment and materials

Peterson Dental will begin by operating two days per week, Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will expand as demand increases. The dental practice will be a preferred provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Delta Dental insurances, but also accepts other insurances by request. Peterson Dental is a member of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Peterson has worked for other area dentists, most recently in Hoover, Gardendale and McCalla. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, but his love for helping others through the medical field won out. He decided to attend UAB Dental School where he became President of the American Student Dental Association. Dr. Peterson is now a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and was recently invited to become a member of the Birmingham District Dental Society. He and his wife, Nicole, look forward to becoming a part of the Leeds community