Penny Kearns3 months ago
★★★★★
Always a great experience! Friendly and kind staff
Meet Dr. Welles, Dr. Wasleske and the caring hygienists, assistants and front-office team who make every visit to Weston Smiles Dental comfortable and personal.
OUR DENTISTS
General Dentist
Raised in Wausau, Dr. Welles graduated from Wausau East High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biology. Staying true to his Wisconsin roots, Dr. Welles completed his dental education at Marquette University School of Dentistry. Serving four years as class president, he graduated summa cum laude with his DDS degree in 2015.
He was awarded a four-year scholarship from the National Health Service Corps and completed his service in Madison, Wisconsin. Growing up as the son of a nurse, Dr. Welles was drawn to healthcare and dentistry, specifically, due to its unique combination of medicine and patient care. The ability to establish long-term relationships with people across generations is truly something he values. Dr. Welles enjoys working with his patients to help turn their dream smile into reality. Dr. Welles is passionate about providing optimal dental care for his patients. He is very active with both the Wisconsin Dental Association and the American Dental Association, serving in multiple leadership roles. He volunteers his time to advance the profession and promote oral health throughout the communities he serves. He also strives to stay on the forefront of dentistry through a variety of continuing education courses. Dr. Welles focuses on individualized comprehensive dental care for everyone he treats. His personalized approach promotes safe, reliable treatment for patients of all ages. He is excited to be practicing in the community where he grew up.
Laying down roots amongst family and friends was an opportunity he didn’t want to pass up. He’s excited by the fact that Weston Smiles provides outstanding dental care with its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered philosophy. Dr. Welles is blessed to have the love and support of family throughout his practice. His wife, Ellie, is a speech therapist working with elementary school students. They have two young sons, Benjamin and Jacob, who are active and full of happiness. They both love to ride along in their stroller exploring all that the area has to offer! The Welles family is lucky to have all of Benjamin and Jacob’s grandparents living in the Wausau area. Outside of his work, Dr. Welles loves participating in anything active. In his spare time, you can find him enjoying the outdoors with his growing family: running, biking, golfing, playing sports – anything that gets him up and moving. He is a passionate fan of all Wisconsin sports and especially enjoys the Packers, Bucks, Badgers, and Brewers.
General Dentist
Dr. Ben Wasleske was born in Stevens Point and raised in Kronenwetter, Wisconsin. A graduate of DC Everest High School, he attended UW-Stevens Point from 2008 through 2013 and graduated magna cum laude with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Applied Mathematics. He went on to attend Marquette University School of Dentistry from 2013 to 2017, graduating magna cum laude with his DDS degree.
Dr. Wasleske’s interest in dentistry grew out of three things: a desire to help people, work in science, and work with his hands. He also loves that dentistry is always growing and advancing as a profession, and there is always room for growth. His philosophy towards dental care is to work with patients as a team to find a comprehensive plan that fits their needs and meets their goals for their dental health. He strives to make patients feel as comfortable as possible and to create a low stress, relaxed atmosphere for dental treatment. Dr. Ben has a passion for helping patients work through dental anxiety and building a positive relationship with dental treatment. He enjoys all aspects of dentistry and is always staying up to date with continuing education. He is involved with Spear Study Club, which consists of other local dentists and specialists who meet monthly to discuss cases and share ideas in a collaborative learning environment.
Having grown up in the Weston area, he is very excited to be able to work as a healthcare provider in his hometown and give back to his community. Dr. Wasleske met his wife, Kaylee, in high school, and they were married in 2017 after 11 years together. Her support throughout his schooling is what Dr. Ben believes has helped him to be where he is today. They now live in Weston with their two young boys, Beckett and Jackson, as well as their golden doodle, Lucy, and their rabbit, Basil. Outside of the office, you’ll find Dr. Ben spending time with family, traveling, playing tennis and golf, catching up on TV shows and movies, and playing his guitar. He enjoys tasting foods from all over the world, especially the sweets!
OUR TEAM
Tap “Read bio” on any team member to get to know them a little better.
Office Manager
Jen joined our team in 2020 and made an immediate positive impact on our patients and staff. Her certification as a dental assistant makes her a versatile and knowledgeable team member who is crucial to our office’s success: On any given day, she might be answering calls, processing patient treatment plans, assisting on a procedure, or conducting a meeting with our staff. Some of the things she loves most about Weston Smiles are our amazing team and doctors, along with the quality of patient communication that goes on in our office. Jennifer works every day to make sure our patients are happy, fully educated about their dental health, and receiving the best treatment possible. Outside of work, Jen enjoys working out, reading, playing with her kids, and just being with family. Fun fact: Jen is certified in dental photography.
Administration
Tayler joined the Weston Smiles administrative team in June 2026. Before moving into her administrative role, Tayler spent two years as a dental assistant, so she understands a patient’s visit from both sides of the office. When she’s not at work, Tayler loves being out on the boat or working on craft projects. She shares her home with her dog, Cooper, and her cat, Kuro. She is a devoted Packers fan, loves a good plate of pasta, and her favorite color is yellow. Christmas is her favorite time of year, so it’s no surprise that her favorite movie is The Polar Express. With her dental assisting background, Tayler is a great resource for patients with questions about their visit.
Administrative Assistant
Mandy, one of the friendly faces you’ll see when you first enter our office, joined our Weston Smiles team in the spring of 2023 and immediately had a positive impact. Originally from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, she graduated from Stevens Point Area High School and went on to earn her degree in Nursing from Mid-State Technical College. What drew her to the dental field is that she enjoys working in healthcare and helping patients with both dental and overall health. Mandy’s previous dental and nursing experience helps provide the knowledge she needs to properly help patients day to day (and she likes to joke that it helps keep most/all of our patients alive in the office). What she enjoys most about working in our office is how close our staff is as a team and how we treat everyone like family. She also loves how much we give back to the community. When she isn’t helping our patients and team, Mandy loves spending time with her family, especially her husband, Tim, and their four children: Taylor, Maddie, Autumn, and Xander. Her interests include traveling to different countries, hunting, fishing, camping, and playing with her family’s two German shepherds: Kaya (a white shepherd) and Mika (a black shepherd).
Administrative Assistant
Shannon is one of the talented professionals making up our administrative team. Born in Ontonagon, Michigan, she moved to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, when she was in the 8th grade. After graduating from Rhinelander High School, she worked in other businesses before making the move to our area and joining our team in the summer of 2023. What drew her to the dental field is that she likes being a part of helping people get the care they need and feeling like she made a difference. Shannon is fun and outgoing, which helps keep our practice a fun place to come to work or visit every day. She’s a very social person, which really sets our patients at ease and makes the administrative work that much easier. What she enjoys most about working at Weston Smiles is that everyone feels like family — she gets to work with an amazing team that’s dedicated to our patients and one another. Outside of the office, Shannon loves spending time with her family, including her husband, their son and daughter, and their brown lab, Tucker. Some of her favorite activities include pontooning, skiing, camping, and riding a motorcycle.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kara is originally from Thief River Falls, Minnesota. During high school, her family moved to our area, and she graduated from DC Everest. She went on to earn her degree in Dental Hygiene from Northcentral Technical College. What initially drew her to the dental profession is her desire to help people. She was later introduced to the idea by a former hygienist who was a family friend. Part of Kara’s overall approach to care is helping people overcome their fear of going to the dentist. In addition to her reassuring manner, she brings to our Weston Smiles office a great deal of experience and an excellent rapport with patients. Her favorite part about working here is the team of dental professionals around her. Outside of the office, Kara loves spending time with friends and family, especially her husband and their two kids. Some of her favorite activities are horseback riding, watching her daughter play hockey, and traveling with family.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Leah was born and raised in Wausau and graduated from Wausau West High School. After a time working in another field, she attended and graduated from Northcentral Technical College with her degree in Dental Hygiene. The dental health profession appealed to her because of the fact that she likes teeth and appreciated that it allowed her a good career in position that was in high demand. She joined our Weston Smiles Dental team in the summer of 2021 and had an immediate positive impact through her experience, skills, and dedication to a positive patient experience. Her knowledge and willingness to help others makes her an invaluable part of our team. Outside of work, Leah loves spending time with her husband and their two rescue mutts, Gertie and Rhoda. Her favorite ways to pass the time are watching true crime shows and podcasts and going to concerts, musicals, and the theater.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Denise was born in Plover, Wisconsin. She graduated from college with her associate degree in Dental Hygiene in 1992. Over the course of her career, she has been licensed in administering anesthetics and laser certified. What made her want to enter the dental field is her passion to help people achieve healthy smiles. She strives to treat not only the teeth and gums but patients’ oral and systemic health, and she is focused on delivering personalized care, addressing and healing each patient’s unique needs. In addition to her 30 years of clinical experience, Denise brings to our Weston Smiles office a patient and compassionate manner, helping our patients to feel at ease and well cared for. Having joined our team at the beginning of 2024, she looks forward to learning more about our multifaceted practice and making connections with our community. Outside of work, Denise loves to spend time with friends and family, especially her husband of 30 years, their three grown children, and their son-in-law. As a family, they enjoy camping, pontooning, and having bonfires. One interesting fact about Denise: she is one of eleven siblings (lucky #7).
Registered Dental Hygienist
Originally from the Detroit area, Kristin moved to Wausau at a young age and graduated from Wausau West High School. She earned her associates degree in general education at UW-Stevens Point. She then went on to graduate and receive her license in dental hygiene and administering local anesthetic from NTC in 2009. What originally drew her to the dental field is her love of working with people and love of everything to do with hygiene. She loves that our staff has great teamwork and always helps one another to make sure patients get the best care possible. She loves her job, her coworkers, being able to treat people like family, and knowing at the end of the work day that people are being treated the way they should be. Outside of work, Kristin loves spending time with her husband of over ten years, Gavin, and their three young children, Madilyn, Lauryn, and Ethan. Some of her favorite activities include cooking, spin classes, and art projects with her kids. Kristin loves being active outdoors.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jenny is a 1994 graduate of Northcentral Technical College, and she has received her certification in nitrous oxide and the use of Diode lasers for periodontal treatments. She joined our team in 2017. She enjoys the overall feel of our office and the teamwork of everyone who works here. She is proud to be part of such a professional and friendly environment. Jenny always strives to be kind and compassionate, treating her patients as she would hope that she and her family are treated. Jenny grew up in the Wausau area, and returned to this area after living in Atlanta for 20 years. She loves being back in Wisconsin. Jenny has one son; outside of work she enjoys spending time with him and the rest of her family and friends, as well as being outdoors.
Dental Hygienist
Bio coming soon.
Dental Hygienist
Bio coming soon.
Dental Assistant
Our dental assistant Joey is originally from River Falls, Wisconsin. After graduating from Baldwin-Woodville High School, she attended UW-Stout for Health & Wellness before realizing she has a passion for the dental field. She worked in dental pediatrics for about two years before starting work in general dentistry. She joined our Weston Smiles team in the spring of 2025, and she plans to continue her education in dental in the future. Some of the things that drew Joey to this field are the feeling of making a difference in someone’s life, as well as connecting with people of all ages. She loves learning about teeth and why dental care is so valuable. She always tries to see herself in the patient’s shoes and understand their concerns and needs. She believes everyone deserves the best dental care and a smile they love, and it’s rewarding for her to be a part of that. Joey is a people person, and her goal is to make patients feel 100% comfortable. She’s hardworking and compassionate, and she’s always anticipating the needs of our patients and our team. Her friendly attitude and willingness to help are great assets to our team. What she enjoys most about working at our office is how every patient is teated with the best care and what’s best for them personally, and she loves how welcoming and friendly we are. Outside of the office, Joey enjoys healthy cooking, working out, hiking, snowboarding, traveling, drawing, painting, drinking iced coffee, and trying new things.
Dental Assistant
Arwyn joined the Weston Smiles team in March 2026 as a Dental Assistant and is passionate about helping patients feel confident and comfortable with their smiles. Originally from Athens, Wisconsin, Arwyn graduated high school in 2025 and is currently attending NTC to pursue her goal of becoming a Dental Hygienist. Having once felt insecure about her own teeth, Arwyn was inspired to enter the dental field to help others feel happy and confident about theirs. She believes building trust and making patients feel comfortable is the most important part of dental care, and she strives to create a welcoming environment where every patient feels cared for and understood. Known for her strong work ethic, empathy, and willingness to help others, Arwyn enjoys learning something new every day and loves being surrounded by a supportive team. Outside of work, she enjoys working out and singing, and she has an extensive background in musical theater. Some of her favorite roles include Annie in Annie, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and a role in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Arwyn is also a proud cat mom to her beloved cat, Max.
Always a great experience! Friendly and kind staff
Amazing staff!! I highly recommend Weston Smiles!
Everyone there is so helpful, and nice!!
Everyone was plesant and did a great job.
My hygienist Kristin did a fantastic job cleaning my teeth. Gentle yet thorough. I will...
The Best People. At the end of the day that does nothing but demand confidence.
dentist and employees are always nice, in every way that counts. Friendly, efficient and know...
They did very well with informing me what was happening and what was wrong! Helped...
My experience was pleasant and timely! Thanks Weston Smiles Team!
They took care of my dental needs. I walked in unsure, but left with the...
Everything was great. Thank you all for making my visit s great experience.
Friendly, knowledge staff and dentists who truly care.
Professional dental work at Weston Smiles, would get teeth work done with Weston Smiles in...
Have really enjoyed my experience at Weston Smiles, and specifically Kara, my hygienist. I would...
Linda was great , the best hygienist I’ve had there. Listened, ask the right questions,...
I have always had a great experience! Dr Ben has been fantastic! Front office is...
I’ve been going to Kristen for many years, and she’s the only person I trust...
It is actually a very pleasant experience every time, more than I ever imagined, thanks...
Always friendly and helpful staff
Excellent service! The orthodontist at Weston Smiles Dental was incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate, putting me...
Really caring about taking care of you and awesome staff . I Highly recommend them
I would recommend Weston smiles Dr Ben, And Dr Andrew. At weston Smile Dr Ben...
Dr Ben and Leah are the best. I don’t hate the dentist going there. Thank...
Professional, Clean, Friendly, Speaks in Patient Terms
My dental hygienist, I think her name was Hailey, was very sweet, good conversation and...
Doctor Welles and hygienists Denise took excellent care of me addressing my immediate needs
I had an issue with a tooth. I stopped in to see if they could...
Had a problem with an upper tooth after I ate and heard a crack. Tooth...
The best dental clinic around!
Knowledgeable, professional, and friendly people. Both ny wife and I feel fortunate to have found...
Dr. Welles is the BEST DENTIST in town. I’ve been seeing Dr. Welles since he...
My hygienist today was spectacular! She was thorough, gentle and always communicated what she was...
Staff was friendly, my dental hygienist Olivia was great and thorough, and Dr. Welles is...
Really appreciate the professional and empathic dental treatment I received today to assure me that...
Great dental visit, Dr Ben and staff are excellent.
The whole staff at Weston Smiles are amazing! They are very helpful and it doesn't...
Friendly people great service and always professional
Kristen is amazing and so thorough. I enjoy my visits very much! Thank you for...
Doctor Ben took the time to explain the next steps needed to complete my dental...
Everything was really nice.
Friendly staff and Dentist , I broke a tooth over the weekend and they got...
Staff is very friendly and professional, could not be happier with the care provided.
Always listens, always gentle!!
Great care, gentle cleaning but very thorough. Highly recommend!
Very friendly, very professional..
Very friendly and professional staff.
Very professional. Everybody is very friendly and great at their jobs highly recommend
Everyone from the receptionist, hygienist and dentist were very kind and professional! I've heard it...
I went in for a teeth cleaning and was one hundred percent satisfied with the...
Everyone Very nice, explained everything that was to be completed in easy to understand language....
Everyone is professional and kind!!
Great staff, you can tell they really care and don't try upselling unnecessary work!
Hygienists are great, doctors are very thorough. Highly recommend Dr.Wells.
Very professional experience. Pleasant hygienist Would recommend her to anyone Enjoyed the visit to my...
Receptionists were very polite and accommodating, dental staff were very professional, cheerful and explained everything...
Always a great job. The staff at Weston Smiles Dental impressed me with their clean...
Everything went smoothly and all the staff were very friendly.
Kara does a fantastic job; explains all aspects of cleaning process and dental health. She...
Nice people, very helpful
This place Rocks they are so awesome couldn't ask for a better experience ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great personable staff! My hygienist was so gentle and thorough. A wonderful experience 😊
Denise explained everything thoroughly and made quick work in doing her job with my teeth.
Always very friendly service!
Knowledgeable and friendly staff, couldn’t ask for a better experience!
Very polite! Explained my procedure well, and gave me options. Very helpful.
Dr Welsh is an excellent dentist who cares that his patients are happy with the...
Scheduled on short notice. My hygienist and dentist were super professional and personable.
The person who cleaned my teeth did a very good kob
Everyone was pleasant and knowledgeable. My questions were answered and I left knowing everything that...
Always very friendly and professional.
Dr. Welles is by far the greatest dentist I have ever had the pleasure of...
I appreciate The Times spent on my teeth and telling. Me what's going on the...
When my temporary crown was put in, I was told if I had any problems,...
Great staff and exceptional service. I always look forward to coming in to get my...
Dr. Wasleske and Team, I was in significant pain from a tooth issue, your team...
Very good experience today thanks.
Great service and flexible scheduling for a follow up appointment
Very professional, and great ppl. Highly recommend
My appointment was very informative and they sent me a referral to take care of...
My hygienist was amazing! Jenny made sure I was comfortable throughout my appointment and explained...
My first experience at Weston Smiles and Dr Welles kind of an emergency appt, but...
It’s never fun when you have to have a crown put on your tooth, but...
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Weston Smiles Dental made my dental experience incredibly smooth,...
Very courteous,polite, caring professional people. The experience was quick, and painless.
Very easy to work with.Truly care about you the patient.
Always kind and friendly staff . Thorough and quality advice on any dental needs ....
My hygienist was very caring and gentle. Cautious if I had tender concerns and proceeded...
I can’t say enough good about Weston Smiles. they do a great job and work...
Hygienist is very friendly and thorough
I’m always well taken care of!
I gave this dentistry 5 stars a while ago, and forgot… But after 5 years...
I so enjoyed the staff and dentist today. They all were very friendly and Dr....
Leah always keeps me abreast of my oral health along with asking about any questions/concerns....
Always very pleased with professional care I receive at Weston Smiles!
Emergency appointment. Got in quickly. Great treatment. I’m so glad I went in.
Welcoming New Patients
Comfortable, personalized dentistry for every stage of life. Tell us how we can help and our friendly Weston Smiles team will take care of the rest.