PETE ZIEGLER | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Pete is the owner and sole practicing dentist of Ziegler Family Dentistry. He provides routine and emergency dental care while educating patients on how to take their health into their own hands. Recently, he and his team have started a program to volunteer with different local organizations every month.
Since 2018, Pete has volunteered with Donated Dental Services and Kansas Mission of Mercy to provide free dental care to those in need. He is actively involved in the 20/30 Club, where he tracks and raises money for local organizations that directly benefit the children of Shawnee County.
Pete also supports many Catholic churches in Topeka. At his home parish of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph, he proudly sponsors their biggest fundraiser and gives several hours of time to help with the set-up and planning of the event.
What do you love most about your work?
Day to day, it’s working with my hands. The highlight of my days are when I completely change someone’s life with a new smile after years of hiding their teeth.
What should one never take for granted?
Time. As a working dad, it sometimes feels as if I rarely see my boys during the week because by the time I get home we have about an hour before baths and bedtime routine get started. I am blessed to have Fridays off work to spend all day with them, but I still cannot believe how fast they are growing up, even in three-and-a-half years.
What do you collect?
Bourbon. My wife would tell you I need to stop buying it, but I would argue that you can never have too much. It is a collection at this point, and I love to have friends over to let them try different kinds.
