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 ?
As a child I wanted to be a farmer , so it is very fitting that I ended up in Lancaster , Pa .! I started thinking about dentistry when I was 16 . My aunt and uncle are both dentists and I would shadow and work at their office over the summer . I wanted a career that included science , working with people and utilizing my hands skills . Dentistry fits the bill .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? I always strived for leadership roles throughout my life and ever since I have been involved it has given me more than I could have imagined . I have found some of the closest mentors and friends through organized dentistry . I owe a lot to where my career is to organized dentistry .
When and where did you attend dental school ? University of Pittsburgh Class of 2016 . I also got my MPH while in dental school !
Where do you currently practice ? I actually do not have a home base right now but am looking to purchase a practice !
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession One issue more specific to Pennsylvania is the decreasing number of dentists we have in the state . We have 3.5 dental schools in this state and incredible residency programs and no one is staying to do dentistry here . I think there are a multitude of factors , which is why it is such a challenging issue . I believe the solution involves dentists at the local level , organized dentistry , the schools , the board , and even legislation to increase reimbursement .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? “ The way we have always done it .”
I , like [ ADA Executive Director ] Dr . Ray Cohlmia , fight this phrase a lot . Growing up with two mechanical engineers I was taught to always rethink and reevaluate when results are not what we want . If we keep going the way we are then organized dentistry will become obsolete . I believe it is also important to give new leaders power to make those changes and try new ideas . I am deeply humbled to be the first New Dentist Trustee and my hope is at some point , this role will not be needed because there will be a larger diversity in age on the board .
DR . KLINGENSMITH ’ S PERSONAL STORY
I grew up in Corning , NY , raised by two mechanical engineers that grew up in the Pittsburgh area . I have one brother , Luke who is a sound engineer and professor . He is married to my sister-in-law who is more like a sister , and they have the most perfect niece an aunt ever could ask for .
I am married to an incredible man named James and we have two standard poodles named Luca and Oliver .
Though most of my friends would say organized dentistry is my hobby , I also enjoy hiking , lifting , knitting and crafting in general . I do love to tie dye , which is why my Instagram handle is @ thetiedyedentist . Also I have been taking nose work classes with my poodle Oliver to hopefully be at a competition level someday .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I had my own research project in undergrad on the immune system of lobsters .
I went to college on a partial choral scholarship . My goal in life is to go to every National Park in the United States . I have run four half marathons . I used to spend most of my free time in a dance studio .
Who was your greatest role model ? I do not have one singular role model , but many that shaped me : my mother taught me patience , my Mema taught me to be present , my Grandma taught me grit , my aunt taught me professionalism , my dad taught me work ethic , my brother taught me how to make people laugh , my Pappap taught me joy and my Grandpa taught me happiness .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Sara Bareilles because I am pretty sure she would be a fun person to hang out with and I would love to sing with her .
Dr . Klingensmith said :
Though my career has had a lot of ups and downs , I have gotten through them with my community of dentists . Young dentists : find an in-person community ! Though the internet is wonderful and I cannot talk enough about the friendships I have made throughout the country , make those connections in your local community ! You do not know when you are going to need them .
More seasoned leaders : Please raise up your younger leaders and give them the space to grow and provide change . Put them in charge and be there as a mentor ! Ask them a question and then listen to the answer .”
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 19