I’ve been practicing general dentistry since 1975 all but one year in Hardwick. My wife, Deborah and I live in Hardwick just a stones throw away from the office. My two daughters graduated from Hazen Union School and college and now reside in Washington State and California respectively.  We have a Granddaughter Allison and a grandson Jacob. Deborah and I have two dogs Bo and Kussana who give us much joy. We enjoy our grandchildren, our two dogs Bo and Kussana, skiing, sailing, camping and getting together for musical "jam sessions" with family and friends. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at St Lawrence University and my doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia PA. Professionally I’ve always been thrilled by being on the leading edge with the new and innovative materials and equipment. These most recent renovations have given me the opportunity to bring some of the latest in dental technology to my practice. I’m thrilled to be able to practice dentistry surrounded by the best the industry has to offer— after nearly 30 years my practice is still very exciting. The CAD/CAM porcelain system, which I use for direct placement of porcelain crowns, inlays and veneers, has been one of the most incredible innovations that I’ve added to my practice. This system and process requires a great deal of didactic learning; I am pleased that we have been successfully utilizing it for the past four years.

To conclude,  I am grateful for the wonderful staff here and the continued dedication to our patients' dental care.  If you need quality dentistry, please consider contacting us. We look forward to meeting you!

Karen Gates – Registered Dental Assistant

I wear many hats at the Hardwick Dental Group.  As a full time registered dental assistant I work very closely with Dr. Richter and our patients.   I grew up In Springfield, Vermont and graduated from Castleton State College.  While participating in a martial arts class I met my husband Michael. In 1996 I relocated to Hardwick where we now reside with our daughter Taylor. I worked for the Vermont State Judiciary for 5 years and then for a law firm in Burlington.  Making a decision to work closer to home I left the law firm and came to the Hardwick Dental Group. This job is wonderful. I couldn’t ask for a nicer group of people to work with.  In my “spare” time, I volunteer with the Hardwick Area Community Coalition, and ELF. I hope to become more involved in teaching dance (and I’d really like to find more time to cook!) 

Sarah P. Withers – Registered Dental Hygienist

I have been with the Hardwick Dental Group Since April of 2001. I graduated from the University of Vermont in 1994 and have been a practicing Dental Hygienist ever since. I love being a Dental Hygienist.  I strive to make my patients (dental) health care experience the best it can be. I am fortunate that I work in an office that affords me the opportunity to do just that.  I live in Walden with my husband John and my four-year-old son, two cats, Homer and Lester and a dog, Lady. My son and family take up most of my free time.  I am currently the leader of the local TOPS Chapter.   We enjoy camping and fishing — especially ice fishing, hunting, gardening and crafts when time permits.

Kristine Peeler – Registered Dental Hygienist

Kristine is back! A Registered Dental Hygienist, Kristine has returned to the Hardwick Dental Group where she was from 2002 to 2005. She is very pleased to be back after a brief sabbitcal as a landscape gardener. An avid herbalist and water color painter. Krisitne is much loved by our patients.

Mary Ainsworth – Appointment Coordinator

As the Appointment Coordinator for the Hardwick Dental Group my job is full of challenges each and every day. I’ve been “juggling” Dr. Richter’s time now for nearly 17 years. There have been many changes in the past 17 years!   I think the one of the most challenging for me was when we decided to automate & computerize our appointment system. Going from my trusty old appointment book to a colorful, bright box sitting on the top of my desk, that would beeeep…. at me every time I did something it didn’t like was very intimidating.  Now we (the computer and me) have a great relationship and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I graduated from Hardwick Academy in 1961 and in the same year married my husband of 44 years, Stanley. We have one daughter, two sons, three grandchildren and a great-grandson. We have been “happy campers” for 19 years at a campground in Randolph, Vermont. Family and friends often visit and we share many happy times.  I belong to St Norbert’s Parish and am an active member of Catholic Daughters.  I am also involved in several other organizations doing charity work through out the greater Hardwick area.

Diana Kapusta – Office Assistant/Insurance Benefits Coordinator

I’ve been with the Hardwick Dental Group for nearly two years. I must admit that I had some hesitations about working in a dental office. I had experience working in a medical office environment but never in a dental office. Having some phobias of my own when it comes to dentistry I wasn’t sure I could do it. It took me less than two weeks to set the doubts free. Hardwick Dental Group is a great place to be.  My family and I lived in Hardwick where I ran a day care.  We relocated to Morrisville in 2000, where, I am proud to say, my husband Jim and I built our log home. I have a son, 17, a daughter 13 and a stepdaughter age 21.   I graduated from CCV in 2003 with an associate’s degree in office management and secretarial.  I enjoy gardening, reading, cooking and spending time with my family, and am active in my daughter’s softball program.  I enjoy working at the Hardwick Dental Group and truly feel part of something very special.

Rita G. Richardson – Practice Administrator

Working at the Hardwick Dental Group for nearly 10 years now has been an experience. The individual challenges that I am faced with each and every day in addition to our challenges as a team to consistently provide our patients with the very best in dental care makes coming to work each day an adventure.  Prior to working at the Hardwick Dental Group I worked in both the hospitality and insurance industry.  I grew up in Hardwick and graduated from Hazen Union School.  In 1990 I married my high school sweetheart, Russell and now live in Woodbury with our two children. I am very active in various organizations and community events and also help to run our family landscaping business. In my spare time I enjoy running, hiking, playing soccer and spending as much time as I can with my family and friends.  Working at the Hardwick Dental Group truly is wonderful. HDG has people that you can trust, respect, and can laugh with.  It is a great place to come to every day and I feel very blessed to be part of it.