Ely Family Dental

Our primary focus at Ely Family Dental is to help you and your family to live a happier life. Science has found that the health of the teeth and gums relate to the wellness of the whole body, including nerve and brain function. At Ely Family Dental we look at the whole picture, and we aim to exceed your expectations in care and comfort.

We operate with state of the art technologies. Our doctors and staff have undergone many hours of training and experience and continue to be up to date on the latest technology and science as it pertains to oral health.

Start today, and let us help you and your beautiful smile stay on-track for a healthy future!

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Anonymous Patient
Administrative

I cannot say enough praise to Dr. Chopp and her team at Ely Family Dental! I needed some extensive dental work and have a fairly high level of “dental phobia.” Dr. Chopp and her team helped alleviate my fears and got me through the procedure. The exceptional level of Dr. Chopp’s knowledge, skill, and competence is enhanced by the depth of her compassion, true caring, and gentleness. Her team of hygienists and assistants are top-notch and create an atmosphere of competence, calmness, and trust. Our town is truly blessed to have a provider of her caliber. Ely Family Dental is the S.W.A.T. Team of Ely:

Spectacular 
With 
All 
Teeth!!

Richard K
Administrative

I have more dental visits ahead of me, which I am actually looking forward to. Crystal Chopp, DDS, has been a blessing to me. She is taking very good care of me and has inspired me to take better care of the teeth I have left. And she has been a wonderful person I have come to know in my life. Thank you, Doc!

Zach H

High-tech and beautiful equipment, wonderful staff. I feel very well taken-care-of. I have had about 10 fillings and a crown, so far. Treatments have held up well and my teeth are happy!

John C

After multiple concussions, it became a lot harder for me to fall asleep and stay asleep. I discovered in a sleep study that I have a mild case of sleep apnea and started considering solutions. I didn’t want a C-PAP because of movement restriction – the TAPS appliance sounded much better to me. The whole procedure to get the mold of my teeth and bite repositioner was easy, it only took about 30 minutes. Once I got the TAPS appliance, it did take some getting used to. For about the first week and a half my jaw was a little sore and achy when I woke up. Once I adapted to it, I have had no further pain. I’ve had the best sleep since I sustained my TBI. I fall asleep faster and usually only wake up once per night. The quality and length of my uninterrupted sleep has drastically improved.

I wake up feeling well rested and alert. I have much more energy and less severe migraines. I would highly recommend considering a TAPS appliance if you have trouble sleeping. I couldn’t be happier with mine.

A Word from Dr. Chopp

My goal as a dentist is to help all of those in need; to create better oral health as well as overall health in our community and beyond. Patient comfort is my number one goal. While individual wellness is of paramount importance, I am also deeply invested in community wellness. This is why I will always accept state-funded insurances. Everyone deserves care and access to care. Furthermore, my drive to support community wellness compels me to give back in other ways. Our team at Ely Family Dental strives to do what we can to support community-led and community-supporting initiatives. We are here for you.

Crystal Chopp

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Employee Bios

Crystal L. Chopp, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Dr. Chopp has been working in the dental field since 1998. She assisted briefly before going into hygiene school. After four years of practicing hygiene, she knew she wanted to further her education to become a dentist. She worked full time and went to school at Indiana University. Dr. Chopp obtained her Doctoral of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2015. Her goal in coming up to the Iron Range was to bring modern dentistry and compassion; Dr. Chopp is driven to do her part to support our community.

Spencer Wihlm

Associate Dentist (DDS)

Spencer Wihlm grew up in Mason City, Iowa, and attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, for his undergraduate career. Spencer was then accepted to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree with a public health distinction in 2023. He was drawn to Ely, Minnesota, for its close-knit community and adventurous culture; Spencer looks forward to officially joining the Ely Family Dental team this summer.

Mariah Anderson

Registered Dental Hygienist

Mariah graduated as a licensed dental hygienist in 2016 from Lake Superior College in Duluth. She knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, thanks to an older sister who is a registered nurse. Mariah ended up pursuing dental hygiene, and has loved her career ever since. She is passionate about oral health care and enjoys helping patients love their smiles.

Emily Seipke

Dental Assistant

Emily loved going to the dentist growing up. Since then she’s always planned to do something dental related. After high school she attended Vermilion Community College for 2 years graduating with her AA. She attended Hibbing Community College and graduated in May of 2024 from the dental assisting program. Emily plans on taking her board exams to earn her certification and becoming an LDA while working for Ely Family Dental. One day she hopes to go back to school for dental hygiene as well.

Erin Backe

Dental Assistant

Ever since Erin was a little girl she’s always had an interest in teeth. Erin graduated from Northeast Range High School in Babbitt, where she completed PSEO courses in school. Erin attended Hibbing Community College where she completed the dental assisting program. After interning for Dr. Chopp she fell in love with dental assisting and what Ely Family Dental can offer. She strives to understand patients feelings and make them as comfortable as possible.

Christine Hakala

Office Manager

Christine went to Mesabi Community College generals and then to Lake Superior College for a degree as a medical administrative assistant. She interned at a community mental health center in Duluth and ended up working there for 17 years, working her way up from secretary to office manager to practice manager. When the opportunity to work with Dr. Chopp arose, Christine was eager to learn all about the dental field. She loves working in Ely, and with the exceptional team at Ely Family Dental.

Jocelyn Majerus

Front Desk Staff

Jocelyn went to college in Madison, Wisconsin for psychology, and went on to work for several different companies. She spent the last 20 years working in insurance. Her experience working in insurance has prepared her well to tend to the Ely Family Dental front desk. Jocelyn manages our complex appointment schedule and supports patients by helping them understand their insurance benefits.

Kayla Holm

Front Desk Staff

Kayla is a well-practiced registered nurse of 12 years. She decided to make a job change to be better available to raise her young family. Kayla’s nursing background makes it easy for her to develop a quick rapport with our patients. If you call the practice, it is likely you will speak to Kayla at the front desk! When not at work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her kids, reading, hunting for agates and gardening.

Terri Pylka

Marketing Specialist

Terri brings a wealth of experience in sales and marketing, coupled with a deep passion for health and wellness. She has joined the team to lead our marketing efforts and serve as the Technician for our latest rejuvenation equipment, EMFACE and Exion. When she is not spearheading marketing initiatives or treating a patient, you’ll find her warmly greeting you at the front desk. Terri finds immense joy in treating her patients and making their well-being her top priority and boosting their confidence through transformative rejuvenation treatments. She is also a dedicated board member of the Spiritwood Foundation, committed to enriching the lives of those battling Alzheimer’s and dementia. Outside of work, she finds calm and serenity at their RV on Lake Vermilion with her husband, grown children, and their senior rescue dog, Daisy.