Currently we have 12 teams throughout
the Commonwealth. We serve children
of all ages, from Head Start through high
school, all at no cost to the school or district.
The school nurses that we work closely
with recognize the value we bring to
their students. They know firsthand that
many of the children we treat would
not receive any dental care otherwise.
Although it is a non-traditional path,
being an in-school dental care provider
is rewarding.
Work-life balance
Some of the things I enjoy most about
my position are the work-life balance
and the flexibility. I choose to work three
days a week, but full-time is always an
option. I never work nights, weekends or
holidays. My workday conforms to the
school schedule, so I am finished treating
patients when the school day ends.
This is usually by 3 p.m.
No administrative stress
With this job I don’t have the stress and
hassle of running my own practice. We
have an incredible support team that
handles all of the administrative details
including parental permission, insurance,
credentialing and staffing. We have other
departments that handle supplies and
equipment maintenance. I complete the
records related to patient care. Our team
leaders are trained to make the visits run
smoothly from an operational standpoint.
Variety
Every day is different. I am able to visit
different schools, work with different
team members, see new children and
work with a variety of school nurses.
Occasionally we stay in one school for
multiple days depending on the number
of students who need care. I get to see
many towns and areas that I likely never
would have seen otherwise throughout
the Commonwealth.
Camaraderie
Our in-school dental teams generally
consist of a licensed dentist, a registered
dental hygienist and a dental assistant.
My team can vary from day-to-day, but
there are several key people I work with
overall. I thoroughly enjoy the teamwork
aspect and having a shared goal of
providing care to the children who
need us most.
Suitable for every
career stage
A job as a dentist in an in-school
program would be a great option for just
about anyone in any stage of their career.
For someone just starting out, it immediately
offers a high volume of patients. At the
midpoint of my career, I’m enjoying the
part-time option and shorter workdays.
A mobile dental program could also offer
the perfect solution for dentists wanting
to transition out of a practice due to a
sale or semi-retirement. Dentists who
simply want to supplement their current
income can also benefit from joining an
in-school dental team a few days a week.
For those who like to travel, mobile dentistry
offers a locum tenens option as well.
Fulfillment
I feel good at the end of each day. There
is no set schedule so there is no
“watching the clock.” I am thankful for
the opportunity to help a large number
of children in a short amount of time.
Being a provider of school-based dental
care allows me to provide a positive
dental experience and to help instill
lifelong healthy habits.
I have a strong sense of
accomplishment knowing
I am improving lives –
one small smile at a time.
Being a school-based dental provider
is something I highly recommend.
To learn more about in-school
dental program career opportunities,
visit MobileDentists.com/careers.
Cynthia A.Iseman, DMD,
Smile Pennsylvania, has
earned degrees from the
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine and Saint Francis
University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. She is a
Fellow of the International College of Dentists
and a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Dr. Iseman works three days a week as an
in-school dental provider bringing preventive
and restorative care to students in the
Harrisburg area. She is a former Seventh
District Trustee of the Pennsylvania Dental
Association.
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