Our team strives to make each dental appointment a positive experience.
Not only do we hire team members with outstanding professional skills, but we also ensure that our team is compassionate and friendly, so you feel comfortable while you are with us.
What Set's Us Apart
At our dental office, we believe that exceptional care starts with experience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to your comfort. With nearly three decades of combined experience, our two full-time dentists in Hermitage, PA, bring a wealth of knowledge to every patient interaction. We stay ahead of the curve by continually incorporating the latest advancements in dental techniques and technologies, ensuring that you receive the best possible care.
What truly sets us apart is our comprehensive range of services, which means you can take care of your smile all in one place. From preventive and general dentistry to advanced cosmetic treatments, BOTOX, dental implants, and custom night guards, we’re dedicated to providing a complete dental experience tailored to your needs.
Understanding that your time is valuable, we offer evening hours to make dental visits as convenient as possible—no need to miss work or dinner to maintain your oral health.
We invite you to learn more about our team by reading our biographies below. We’re excited to meet you and provide the quality care you deserve!
Deanna Thomas, DMD, FAGD
Dr. Deanna Thomas is the proud owner and dentist of our practice, which she founded in 2003. With a commitment to providing exceptional dental care, Dr. Thomas has built a reputation for both her expertise and compassionate approach to patient care.
Dr. Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University before pursuing her dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After completing her education, she served with distinction in the U.S. Navy and Pennsylvania National Guard for 21 years, retiring in January 2016. Her military service has instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and dedication, qualities she brings into her dental practice every day.
Dr. Thomas remains deeply committed to serving her community, offering top-tier dental care, and ensuring that each patient feels comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout their treatment.
She is currently an active member member of:
- Academy of General Dentistry, where she received the Fellowship Award
- Mercer County Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- Pennsylvania Dental Association
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Thomas enjoys a variety of hobbies, including photography, scuba diving, exploring new technology, studying maps, and maintaining an active lifestyle through fitness. Her diverse interests reflect her curiosity and passion for both creativity and adventure.
"I am experienced and confident in providing patients with dental care that makes them look and feel their best!
I enjoy being able to offer dental care to those who could not otherwise afford it because I know that patients cannot be completely healthy without the proper oral care.
We provide education and training to others who are interested in the dental profession and consistently mentor others in dentistry.
Staying current is important. We incorporate the latest technology in the practice allowing us to provide the best care available to our patients.
We are very fortunate to have some of the must colorful, fun, supportive, and understanding patients. I also appreciate that we have an awesome team of professionals who make all of this happen!"
Noelle Peters, DMD
Dr. Noelle Peters has been a valued member of our practice since 2013. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also received a Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate. Driven by a passion for dentistry, Dr. Peters continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, earning her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Following dental school, Dr. Peters completed a one-year residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, where she received advanced training in oral maxillofacial surgery, implantology, endodontics, and dental trauma. This residency experience further honed her skills and deepened her commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care for all her patients.
Before joining our practice, Dr. Peters gained valuable experience working in a private practice in Mercer, PA. Her comprehensive knowledge and expertise make her an essential part of our team, where she continues to deliver exceptional dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Dr. Peters is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental advancements and is committed to helping her patients achieve optimal oral health.
Dr. Peters is an active member in:
- American Dental Association
- Pennsylvania Dental Association
- American Academy of General Dentistry
- Mercer County Dental Society, President
When Dr. Peters is enjoying her free time, you can find her spending time with her husband, Josh, and their sons, Thomas and Andrew! She and Josh also enjoy attending country concerts, Pittsburgh sporting events, outdoor adventures, and exploring new biking trails.
"I love getting to know our patients personally and meeting new ones. I enjoy helping people overcome their dental fears and learn to love their smile again.
Working alongside Dr. Thomas and our team makes every day fun!"
Leia
Dental Hygienist
Leia has been a valued member of our team since 2008. With a wealth of experience in dental hygiene, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University in 1989. Over the years, Leia has honed her skills in both general dentistry and periodontal practices across Virginia, California, and Pennsylvania.
A dedicated professional, Leia is an active member of the American Dental Hygienist Association and has served in leadership roles at both the state and local levels. Since relocating to the Shenango Valley from California in 2000, she has built lasting relationships with patients and continues to be passionate about helping them maintain their oral health.
Outside of work, Leia enjoys an active lifestyle, including biking, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She loves spending quality time with her two children, Alexa and Madison, as well as her pets. Leia’s compassionate nature and commitment to her patients make her an integral part of our practice, and she looks forward to helping you achieve and maintain your best smile!
"I have been practicing dental hygiene at Thomas Family Dentistry since 2008. I love coming to the office every day and working in such a state of the art facility with dentists that truly care about the treatment they provide, and are excellent at what they do. I look forward to each day with my patients and love to mix in fun with our treatment and education. Our patients are not just patients, they are our friends."
Jennifer
Dental Hygienist
Jennifer has been a valued member of our practice since 2004, bringing over 20 years of experience and expertise to our team. She is a 2002 graduate of Youngstown State University, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Prior to becoming a hygienist, Jennifer earned her EFDA certificate in Florida, which gave her a strong foundation in dentistry before transitioning into her role as a hygienist.
After returning to the Shenango Valley to be closer to family and friends, Jennifer worked as a dental assistant and spent five years as a dental hygienist in a specialized periodontal practice, further expanding her skills and knowledge. She is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry and regularly participates in continuing education courses.
Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with her husband, Chuck, their family, friends, and their beloved dogs. We are proud to have Jennifer as part of our team, and her passion for patient care makes her an invaluable asset to our practice.
"I love being a dental hygienist and working with people of all ages! My coworkers are some of the most compassionate and professional people I know. "
Jessie
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Jessie has been a valued member of our team since June of 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for patient care. Jessie continued her education at Choffin Career and Technical Center in Youngstown, Ohio, where she completed the Dental Assisting Program and graduated as a Certified Dental Assistant in 2016. After earning her certification, Jessie gained valuable experience at St. E's Dental Clinic in Youngstown and at an oral surgery practice in Pittsburgh, further developing her skills in various areas of dental care.
Since joining our practice, Jessie has become an integral part of our team. In addition to her previous expertise, she further enhanced her skills by completing Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) training through Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center. This advanced training allows Jessie to perform fillings and other various tasks in our office, providing even more comprehensive care to our patients.Jessie’s dedication to patient care, combined with her extensive training and experience, makes her an invaluable asset to our practice. We’re proud to have her as part of our team and look forward to the continued excellence she brings to our office every day!
When she's not providing exceptional care at Thomas Family Dentistry, you'll likely find Jessie staying active and enjoying life. Whether she's at the gym, exploring the great outdoors, or spending quality time with her family and friends, Jessie believes in maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Her positive energy and love for life shine through both in and outside the office, making her a joy to work with and an inspiring team member.
"What I love most about my job is seeing the change in patients' confidence when they are finally happy with their smile! I'm also very fortunate to be surrounded by such positive and well educated co-workers!"
Chrystal Prager
Dental Assistant/Receptionist
Chrystal joined our talented team at the end of 2023 and has quickly become an invaluable part of our practice. Originally from Brackenridge, PA, Chrystal brings years of experience in the healthcare field, having earned her certification from the Career Training Academy in 2012. With a strong background in both general dentistry and oral surgery, she’s well-versed in providing exceptional care to our patients.
When she’s not assisting in the dental office, Chrystal embraces her free spirit and loves spending time outdoors. Whether kayaking, camping, or enjoying live music at concerts with her two children, Chrystal finds joy in nature and family activities.
We’re thrilled to have Chrystal on our team, bringing her knowledge, warmth, and passion for patient care to our practice.
"I enjoy getting to know the patients and seeing them walk out with a smile on their face."
Wendy
Dental Assistant
Wendy has been an essential part of the Thomas Family Dentistry team since 2021. Graduating from Slippery Rock University in 2000 with a degree in Exercise Science, Wendy brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for patient care to our practice. Before joining us, she worked for 7 years as a Certified Orthodontic Assistant, gaining invaluable experience that has helped her become a wonderful asset to our office.
Known for her warm and friendly personality, Wendy’s ability to connect with patients and make them feel at ease is one of the many reasons she’s so well-loved by both staff and patients alike. Outside of the office, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, Pete, and their children, Hayden, Ava, and Evangeline. You can also find her outdoors, kayaking, hiking, or shopping with her family. Wendy’s love for animals extends to her beloved pet, Winston the golden retriever.
We are lucky to have Wendy as part of our team and are grateful for the care and positivity she brings to our patients and our office every day!
“I love working in dentistry and helping patients improve their smiles! The Thomas Family Dentistry team is so much fun!”
Shanequa
Receptionist
Meet Shanequa, our friendly and dedicated Front Desk Receptionist who has been an essential part of our team for 7 years. Shanequa resides right here in Hermitage and has a bachelors degree in human resource management from Geneva College.
Specializing in billing and insurance, Shanequa ensures that all of our patients’ administrative needs are handled with care and efficiency. Her expertise in navigating insurance policies and billing processes makes her a valuable resource for both patients and staff.
When she’s not assisting patients or handling insurance claims, Shanequa enjoys spending time with her two children and unwinding at the beach—her favorite place to travel. She also loves shopping for the latest trends and singing her heart out at karaoke.
"I love this office because I was welcomed as family from the very beginning, Thomas Family Dentistry is like a family and always makes me feel at home, even though I'm at work!"
Shanequa’s warm personality and attention to detail make her a key member of our office, and she’s always here to help with a smile.
Samantha
Receptionist
Samantha is the friendly face you'll often see greeting you at the front desk or the voice on the other end of the phone when you call our office. Joining our team in early 2020, she quickly became the backbone of our practice with her ability to juggle a variety of roles with ease. Whether it's scheduling appointments, managing client needs, or providing top-notch customer service, Samantha does it all with a smile.
A proud graduate of Brookfield High School in Ohio, Samantha has a wealth of experience in customer service and client management, making her an integral part of our team. Her dedication and warmth ensure that every patient feels welcomed and well taken care of.
When she's not at the office, Samantha enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and two pups. You'll also find her curled up with a good book or out enjoying the great outdoors, camping with her family. Samantha’s easy-going nature and passion for connecting with others make her a wonderful addition to our team, and we’re lucky to have her!
"What I love most about my job is meeting all of our wonderful patients. I love being from the area and seeing people I haven't seen in a long time! Coming to work everyday is easy because my coworkers are so awesome and make each day enjoyable!"
Our Doctors
Dr. Deanna Thomas, DMD, FAGD and Dr. Noelle Peters, DMD
Our Hygienists
Nikki, Jen and Leia
Our Assistants
Jessie, Wendy and Chrystal
Our Receptionists
Samantha and Shanequa