Dr. Darleen Oleski
Dr. Darleen Oleski
Third Trustee Region
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist when you were younger? If not, what did you want to be when you were growing up? Yes, my first dentist appointment was late; I was four. I thought that all the tools the dentist had and everything he was mixing up … I’ m sure it was simply prophy paste … was so cool!
When and where did you attend dental school? University of Pennsylvania class of 1993. I also did an AEGD at Penn for 2 years and worked in the faculty practice.
Where do you currently practice? I practice with my daughter, Dr. Rachel Kerr Burke, in our two private general dentistry practices. One is in Scranton, and one practice is in Tunkhannock.
What motivated you to become involved in organized dentistry? After working at a community health center and helping them transition to an FQHC, I saw many challenges in public health and institutional dental care. I thought that there must be a better way.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession? Insurance reform.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry? Membership recruitment and retention.
Dr. Oleski’ s personal story
She grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Dickson City, and has one sister, Cynthia, who is a physician. Dr. Oleski is married to Robert Maguire and has two adult children,“ Julia, a veterinarian, who is married to Dr. Nicholas D’ Alonzo. They recently had a baby, our beautiful granddaughter, Vivienne. My younger daughter, Rachel, who practices with me, recently married Attorney Peter Burke. I also have a stepson, Robert Maguire, who is in his senior year at West Chester University studying criminal justice.”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I love gardening, going for long walks, playing with my dogs, knitting and crocheting, and cooking.
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn. I play four instruments. My primary instrument is the oboe, and I have played principal oboe in many orchestras. I have run 10 half marathons and two full marathons.
Who was your greatest role model? Actually, three people. My clarinet teacher from grade school, George Kinsley. He taught me how to set a goal and work hard, consistently and with determination, to achieve it. My father, Ronald Oleski, and my husband, Robert Maguire. Both are amputees and have never let that stop them.
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with? Abraham Lincoln. He thought outside the box and led our country with integrity and perseverance.
24 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL