GET TO KNOW YOUR PDA Board of Trustees
John Kiessling , DMD FIFTH DISTRICT
We need to identify the mix of services , advocacy and benefits that appeal to a demographically diverse profession , help our colleagues see the value in membership and entice them to join and maintain their membership .
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist when you were younger ? If not , what did you want to be when you grew up ? No , I did not . As a young person I was sure I wanted to be a forest ranger . I was born in northcentral PA . I was surrounded by and roamed the mountains , forests and streams . Perhaps that had an influence on me .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? As is so often the case with any organization , a small group of people often provide a majority of the leadership . I have reaped the benefits of this wonderful profession and I feel a duty to provide something in return with my goal to keep our profession unified , independent , strong and rewarding .
When and where did you attend dental school ? Temple 1982 - 1986 .
Where do you currently practice ? Harrisburg , Hershey and Palmyra .
DR . KIESSLING ’ S PERSONAL STORY
He grew up in South Williamsport , PA until age 15 . His father ’ s job transfer then landed him in Hummelstown . Dr . Kiessling said , “ The move proved fortuitous , for that is where I met my wife of 38 years , Jill .”
Dr . Kiessling has two younger siblings , Mark and Jamie . He and Jill have three children , Jacob ( 31 ), Greta ( 30 ) and Emma ( 26 ). They have a grandson , Caleb , age 2 , with two more grandchildren on the way .
His hobbies are fly fishing , fly tying , guitar and spending time at his cabin on Little Pine Creek . He has served in leadership capacities as President of his church congregational council , President of a local youth baseball league and multiple committees and task forces , “ generally never saying no to anyone who asks me to serve .”
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I am a gentleman farmer although some would leave out the gentleman part .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? If I had to pick THE most challenging issue facing dentistry - in my opinion , it is massive student doctoral education debt that promises to only grow for future generations of dental school graduates . I believe this debt burden has the potential to alter traditional practice models and make the success that I was so fortunate to achieve less attainable for future generations .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? I believe our biggest challenge is finding a way to reverse membership loss . We need to identify the mix of services , advocacy and benefits that appeal to a demographically diverse profession , help our colleagues see the value in membership and entice them to join and maintain their membership .
I have a small sheep farm that was started when my children were small and active in 4 H club . They quickly lost interest and I continued to trudge on without them . I do find relaxation and enjoyment in doing barn chores and lambing season .
Who was your greatest role model ? My grandfather – my mother ’ s father . His nickname was Goody and he exemplified that in every way . He was well liked by everyone who knew him , loved his grandchildren unequivocally , had a quick wit and served for many years as the President of the South Williamsport High School school board .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ?
Warren Buffett
Dr . Kiessling said , “ It seems like just yesterday that I was categorized as a new dentist . I ’ ve accumulated a lot of knowledge and experiences over the years . One of my greatest professional joys is sharing that with my colleagues and particularly new dentists .”
16 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL