I raced on a 26 ’ sailboat in a two-day regatta on Lake Ontario , winning first place in our division .
I was co-captain of the University of Pittsburgh Cheerleading squad that competed in the1985-86 Ford National College Cheerleading Championship in Hawaii .
Dennis Zabelsky , DMD TENTH DISTRICT
Who was your greatest role model ? My dad was and continues to be my greatest role model . He inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry . I never saw him come home from work in a bad mood . He always seemed happy , and was excited to explain challenging cases . He viewed every challenge as an opportunity to learn something new . He believed that dentistry is a great profession , and that being in control of your career is very important .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Although he died in 2008 , I would have enjoyed spending a day with Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch , author of the “ Last Lecture .”
I have been a dentist for over three decades ; and in my practice as an orthodontist , it ’ s been very rewarding to have the opportunity to increase patients ’ confidence by improving their smiles . I ’ m grateful and proud to be a member of the dental profession .”
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 ? I wanted to be a dentist since my junior year in high school .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? I wanted to improve the profession .
When and where did you attend dental school ? Temple University ; graduated 1985
Where do you currently practice ? Munhall , Pa .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? I feel the most challenging issues facing dentistry is government and insurance Intrusions .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Membership .
DR . ZABELSKY ’ S PERSONAL STORY
Dr . Zabelsky grew up in Munhall , Pa . He has one brother . He married his wife Marilyn ( Kindergarten crush ). He has a special niece , Laura , a nephew Neil and his wife Meg and their kids Kellan and Conor , with a grandniece on the way ! He is also close to his cousin Tom , his wife Elizabeth and their children Lana and Tommy .
Dr . Zabelsky enjoys golfing , attending sporting events , the Pittsburgh Steelers , Penguins and Pirates , and shooting sporting clays .
He is involved in Rotary , Ambulance Board , Salvation Army Board , the Knights of Columbus and the Dental Task Force of Allegheny County .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I made Cotton Candy at Kennywood Park ; made work gloves at Pittsburgh Glove Company ; learned to swim when I was 35 years old ; got my Middle name when I was 40 years old . I was a Daisy and Brownie troop Leader ( Girl Scouts ).
Who was your greatest role model ? My wife ’ s father ( Dr . William Mortimer ), my wife ’ s step father Dr . Jay Wells III , and my Father , William J . Zabelsky , Sr .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Thomas Jefferson
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 21