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?
I wanted to be a dentist for as long as
I can remember. My paternal grandfather,
T.J., graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania dental school in 1924
and received a certificate in Oral Surgery
from Cook County Hospital in Chicago.
Pap allowed me as a child to stand in
the corner of his operatories on a stool
and observe. I was always fascinated
with the work he was doing and I knew
that it was something I aspired to be.
This led me to pursue a seven-year
college/dental school degree with the
University of Scranton and the University
of Pittsburgh.
What motivated you to pursue a
career in organized dentistry?
I joined ASDA my first year in dental
school and have been involved in
organized dentistry ever since. I enjoy
the camaraderie of being with colleagues.
It also gives me a chance to give back
and make a difference in our profession.
When and where did you attend
dental school?
I attended the University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine, graduating
in 1993. I completed a general practice
residency from The VA Hospital in
Wilkes-Barre the next year.
Where do you currently practice?
I practice at the Black Creek Dental Center
in Nuremberg. It is a Federally Qualified
Health Center and is a part of Rural
Health Corporation of Northeast PA.
What do you believe is the most
challenging issue facing dentistry
as a profession?
The most challenging issue facing
dentistry as a profession is there is a
disproportionate amount of disease
seen in minorities, the working poor
and the elderly. I believe the financial
factor is the reason most of these people
forgo dental care – either they have
no dental insurance or just can’t afford
it. The access to care is a hot topic with
the threat of mid-level providers coming
to the state.
What do you believe is the most
challenging issue facing organized
dentistry?
The most challenging issue facing
organized dentistry is third party insurance
companies. They are dictating to dentists
what treatment we can provide to our
patients; some plans do not provide
enough compensation for a procedure
to cover our costs. While our overhead
expenses are rising we see companies
like UCI reducing payments. The insurance
companies have the ability to change
their policies at will.
What do you think is the single
greatest achievement in dentistry
over the past 150 years of PDA’s
history?
I think one of the greatest achievement
in dentistry is the fluoridation of
community drinking water which has
led to a major decline in tooth decay.
With childhood caries being the single
most chronic childhood disease, we
need to fight to keep fluoride in the
water and add it to areas that don’t
have it.
Dr. Tacelosky’s story,
In Her Own Words
I grew up in Mahanoy City, Pa., in the heart
of the anthracite coal region. I have three
younger brothers. Tony lives in Chambersburg,
Andy in Greencastle and Matt lives in Mahanoy
City. I have two nephews, Carter and Parker,
and a niece Janie.
My daughter, Katie, is a senior at Marian
Catholic High School. She plans on
attending college and majoring in
chemistry with the goal of becoming a
dermatologist. My son Nicholas, is a junior
at Marian and intends on pursuing a
degree in accounting.
When I’m not in the office you can find me
with my children and enjoying their activities.
Katie swims competitively since she was 5
and Nicholas is an avid golfer. My hobbies
include reading and spending time outside.
I feel very blessed to wake up every day to
spend time my family and to be able to go
to work doing something I love.
Name some fun/interesting things about
yourself that others would be surprised
to learn.
All my life I have been an avid Pittsburgh
sports fan – Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and
of course Pitt!
I’m a Parrothead at heart having seen Jimmy
Buffett more times than I am willing to admit.
I have two Shitzus – Libby Lu and Princess.
Who was your greatest role model?
My greatest role models were my maternal
grandparents who always put family first.
They worked hard in factories all their lives
and always gave it their all. They were
selfless helping anyone in need.
What famous person would you most
like to spend a day with?
I would like to spend a day with Malala
Yousifazi. Her strength is amazing and she
continues to fight for girls to get an
education in all corners of the globe.
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