FYI

Each quarter, we highlight dental professionals and office staff who have been nominated by their peers in recognition of their exceptional work for both their patients and their communities. We’re proud to announce our latest winner, Dr. Saniya Setia.

Dr. Setia is a dentist in Marysville, Pennsylvania. We talked to her recently about her background, practice and community work.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up and went to school in India, and in 2015, I moved to Colorado to start dental school.

I practiced in Atlanta for some time and then moved up to Pennsylvania and recently had a baby girl.

I also teach an aesthetic dentistry course to other general dentists in the area. I've lectured on aesthetic dentistry and how to build a practice in a rural area with multiple modalities at various conferences. That's one thing that I'm really proud of.
 

Why did you decide to become a dentist?

I always wanted to be in health care. I never thought of any other profession because my dad's a doctor and I always wanted to be like him.

However, on the other hand, my mom was an architect, and so she was very artistic. As I was growing up, I picked up a lot of talents: painting and crafts. Whenever a career counselor would talk to me, they always thought I should do something that would utilize my artistic talent.

However, I could not have picked a better profession for myself. I think my parents helped me see the right direction and let me explore dentistry more. As a result, I'm extremely happy where I am today.

Tell us about your practice.

My practice is very much targeted towards addressing the comprehensive needs of patients. So, if a patient comes in, I'm not just telling them, “Okay, you need this one filling done or you need this one crown or one tooth extracted.”

We take the time and educate our patients about their entire mouth. We've done radio talk shows; we've gone out in the community and participated in events to educate people on how dentistry can benefit them.

I have a great support team. I have two dental assistants and three hygienists. I helped them go back to school and get their expanded function dental degrees, so they could serve this community better, because we see a lot of patients. I want to make sure access to care is available.

We offer a lot of nutritional counseling here too. We do a whole consultation appointment to discuss how the food patients eat will serve their body and fuel it properly.
 

What would you say is unique about your practice?

Educating people on the connection between oral health and systemic health. My hygienists are so good about talking to patients about why they are coming to the dentist to get their teeth cleaned and giving them all the information about systemic health issues.


All my team members are committed to looking at patients’ overall health. We consider each other as a part of this community, and we're responsible for their health. We're not just dentists. We're making sure that our community lives long, happy, healthy lives.


I think as patients seek more comprehensive dental care, the demand for technology increases, too. I'm really trying to work a lot on technology and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the practice to get rooms cleared up, to make sure that things get submitted accurately and give them accurate treatment plans.

You mentioned technology. How does embracing AI benefit your practice and your patient care?

Digital dentistry has really helped with being able to see more patients. We do a lot of aesthetic planning, implants, all that kind of stuff in our practice, so technology really helps us streamline and visualize smile designs even before they're here.
 

How can what you do at your practice influence the entire industry?

I'm really passionate about my role with the American Dental Association (ADA). I sit on the House of Delegates and influence a lot of the policy making and legislature for dentists and allied health professionals.

Currently, the focus of my work with the ADA is identifying solutions to address workforce issues that are impacting access to care.

You’re clearly very passionate about your community and helping others in the industry. Can you tell us more about that?

My dad was very dedicated to medicine and gave back through philanthropy. I just grew up witnessing his excellent work ethic, how he communicated with the whole community and how he was respected by everyone and I wanted to follow suit.

We participate in a lot of activities in the community. Annual events like the Give Kids a Smile program with the ADA. We visit schools to do presentations. Then, we invite kids who do not have dental coverage to our practice and offer to treat them at no cost.

Every year, I donate a smile on my birthday. I'll do a smile makeover for a patient, whether it's crowns, dentures, whatever they need.
 

What's some advice you would give to somebody who's just graduating from dental school?

Well, I think the most important thing is that education doesn't stop after dental school graduation. Invest in good continuing education courses because dentistry is changing every day. Technology is getting so much better, and you need to keep up with that.

The other thing, which I always advocate for, is to go find opportunities and serve in areas where they need you. Seek out personal stories of your patients and how you've changed their lives. I can think of 20 instances where I've been able to have an impact on their lives through dentistry. Don't just chase after the financial aspect of being a dentist.

I want to be a role model and show people that the opportunities are endless and you can build your business anywhere, whether it's in a metropolitan or rural area.

Thank you, Dr. Setia, for taking the time for an interview and for all that you do for your patients and your community. Congratulations on being chosen as a Smile Star.

You can visit the website for Dr. Setia’s practice for more information.

Do you know someone who should be a Smile Star? Nominate them online or email us at smileaward@delta.org with their contact information and the reason your nominee should win this award.