January/February 2026 January/February 2026 | Page 27

Dr. Nicholas Seigel
Get to Know Your PDA Board of Trustees

Dr. Nicholas Seigel

Fourth Trustee Region
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist? If not, what did you want to be when you were growing up? I did not know that I wanted to be a dentist until I was in college, but I always knew I wanted to do something science-related. I shuffled around between a wide range of career paths, from mechanical engineer to marine biologist, to orthopedic surgeon, to architect, to wild game veterinarian. Fortunately, I reached out to and shadowed people in all these fields, helping me discover that dentistry is where I belong.
When and where did you attend dental school? Penn Dental class of 2021.
Where do you currently practice? I am a general dentist in Lansdale.
What motivated you to become involved in organized dentistry? I first became involved in organized dentistry with the American Student Dental Association. As I was finishing dental school and prompted with the decision of continuing my involvement with organized dentistry, I learned of its many personal and professional benefits. Dentistry is an incredible and rewarding profession. I like having a direct impact on strengthening this profession, allowing us to provide for both our patients and our families.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession? Insurance reimbursement rates. It is no secret insurance companies have a lot of legislative power. When they are able to dictate procedure coverage and slash reimbursement rates, our patients suffer and we suffer. The most direct way for us as dentists to regain some control is through organized dentistry.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry? Membership. Our power is in our numbers.
Dr. Seigel’ s personal story
Dr. Seigel grew up in Jamison, Pa., and has a brother, Zack.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy rooting on Philadelphia sports teams and the Miami Hurricanes( my alma mater). I also enjoy kayaking, dragon boating, fishing, and working out.
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn. I briefly held the record for heaviest baby born in Doylestown hospital. 11 pounds 5 ounces.
I was very close to becoming a wild game veterinarian in South Africa. This was the career I was pursuing right before dentistry. During a summer break between college semesters, I spent eight weeks shadowing vets over there and realized it wasn’ t quite my cup of tea. Currently, with the help of the friends I made in South Africa, I am working on an outreach trip to provide dental care to people who do not have access.
Who was your greatest role model? My Grandfather. He passed when I was 5, so I didn’ t know him very long. However, I was raised hearing endless stories about him from friends and family, and observing how everyone spoke so fondly of him. He was a great man, and his memory sculpted me into the person I am today. He was also a dentist, and I am grateful that I have a stronger connection with him through our profession.
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with? Bernie Parent. He is the greatest goaltender the Philadelphia Flyers have ever had, helping bring home both Stanley Cup championships.“ Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent.”
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 25