Meet the Team

Ely Family Dental is seeking to expand our team. We experience a high volume of new patient inquiries, but our providers are currently at their maximum capacity. We are looking for an additional dentist or dental therapist so that we may serve more members of our community. Our facility can accommodate additional providers; all we need is you! Email info@elydental.com to start a conversation about joining our team today.

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 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 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.

Danielle has always had an interest in teeth. She completed prerequisites at Mesabi Community College, where she also played volleyball and basketball, then transferred to the dental assisting program at Hibbing Community College. Although she originally intended to go into Hygiene, she found she loves the dentistry aspect of the dental field; she feels she is better able to leverage her unique skills when she is helping Dr. Chopp. After working professionally for two years, Danielle went back to school to complete an expanded functions program at the University of Minnesota.

After having various jobs in the restaurant, hospitality, and property management industries, Deanna is excited to enter the world of dentistry. Her work as a dental assistant combines her love for art, science, and working with people.

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 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.