Dr . Seth Walbridge
Second District
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 ? Yes ! I grew up in a small town in Northeast Ohio . Our local dentist always had fun in the office and it seemed he really enjoyed what he did . That was the main driver for me wanting to become a dentist .
When and where did you attend dental school ? I attended Temple University from 2006 until graduation in 2010
Where do you currently practice ? I currently practice in Easton , Pennsylvania and also teach in Bethlehem , Pennsylvania .
What motivated you to become involved in organized dentistry ? I am definitely a camaraderie person . I became involved initially just as a way to be social with my fellow colleagues . From there I was appointed to the ADA New Dentist Committee at the national level and would eventually serve on the ADA Board of Trustees as the Chair of the ADA New Dentist Committee .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? Wellness at a variety of levels . This includes mental wellness , physical wellness , and financial wellness among others .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Communication for me is hands down the biggest challenge . We are lucky to have such a tremendous team at PDA , but it is always a challenge on a national level to communicate in detail what is being done for members . There is so much happening at all levels that members are not seeing unless it is spoon-fed to them . Furthermore , non-members are always benefiting from the work of organized dentistry that is constantly overlooked or simply taken for granted . Look no further than the Covid pandemic and the variety of legislative successes that would not be possible without our PDA team . It ’ s important to communicate our successes in a climate where only negatives are communicated on social media .
Dr . Walbridge ’ s Personal Story
Dr . Walbridge grew up in Conneaut , Ohio until the age of 18 and has lived in various areas of Pennsylvania since . His older sister , Sara Beth Walbridge , is a costume designer in Hollywood and has worked on various TV shows and movies . “ She is definitely the cooler sibling !”
He has been married to his wife Kelly for 11 years . She is a Critical Care Physician / Anesthesiologist . They have 2 sons named Eli ( 4 year-old ) and Ike ( 1 year-old ). They also have a rescue dog , a Chow / Pitbull mixed breed , named Lulu .
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ( hobbies )? What community activities are you involved in ? My family is very active ! We have over 10 acres of land and are always doing something to keep our bodies moving , such as exercising , walking the dog , playing sports or enjoying the outdoors . We live in the Lehigh Valley where the outdoor activities are never ending . I enjoy music and playing the guitar / bass guitar to unwind after a long day of dentistry and “ dadding .” I am involved in the MOM-n-PA clinic where I have been running the dental triage unit for years now .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn .
• I helped to develop an anti-fog dental product called “ Fogheadz ” with some friends from my hometown . It has been a great little side project and has helped thousands of dentists , assistants , and hygienists nationwide .
• I teach part-time at a dental hygiene program , and also teach an anesthesia course . The most fun thing I probably do in dentistry is teaching hygienists how to do dental injections . Needless to say it gets pretty wild , and it ’ s always fun to see their confidence grow with their injections throughout the years .
• I am obsessed with anything Birthday Cake or Funfetti . My wife says I need to grow up when it comes to this , but I refuse !
Who was your greatest role model ? Easily my father . He ’ s smart , tough , and a tremendously hard worker with stained / calloused hands . If I can be half of the man / father he is then I will be doing just fine !
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Any astronaut that would be willing to let me go into outer space with them ! Has there been a dentist in space yet ?
Dr . Walbridge said , “ I am a huge mental health advocate and am always available to those who need help or guidance for finding care . It ’ s okay to not be okay ! Everybody matters , or nobody matters .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 15