Dr. Dale Spadafora is a Master in dentistry literally. He has served as Director of Continuing Education in the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry and currently serves on the Advocacy Committee. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, he was one of the youngest dentists to achieve Mastership status, an award earned by less than one percent of dentists in the country because it is so difficult to attain. The initials after his name (MAGD) signify Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, meaning he has taken more than 1,100 hours of continuing education beyond dental school, and he has passed a stringent examination. Since achieving the award in 2002, Dr. Spadafora continues to accumulate over 100 continuing education hours each year.
With these prestigious qualifications, you can be assured you are in the hands of an accomplished dentistsomeone in the top one percent of his profession. In the entire state of Pennsylvania, only 70 dentists have achieved the Mastership status.
After he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University, Dr. Spadafora obtained his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In 1991, he completed a general practice residency at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio.
He received a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1998, The Master Award in 2002 and the highest recognition of all, The Life Long Service and Recognition Award in 2016. Currently there are only about 300 dentists that have achieved this honor.
In addition to awards and positions previously noted, Dr. Spadafora has also been the recipient of several honors. For the last several years he has been named Top Dentists in Pittsburgh Magazine. He was named one of Americas Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council of America, is listed inBest of the United States(www.bestofus.com), named in The Best of the BestDentistry inThe Herald
Our practice was established in Hermitage, PA, in 1992 in the former office of Dr. Jack Anderson. In 1998 our office burned down in the Hermitage Square Plaza fire. We rebuilt and moved in our current location in the Oakmont Professional Center in December 1999.
From our dcor and large windows that allow natural light to flow throughout the office to our beverage bar complete with coffee, tea, and water, our office is designed to make our patients feel at home and relaxed.
Patients love our team because were open, caring, and people-oriented individuals who are willing to do whatever is necessary to provide proper care and treatment to our patients. Every member of the team was chosen by Dr. Spadafora for education, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
Office ManagerTeresa has been with our office since 1998. She started working with Dr. Spadafora while attending high school, and at the time, her duties included front office efficiency and customer service. Since then, Teresa has made an amazing progression to become our office manager. She is highly cross-trained and can assist Dr. Spadafora, as well as perform her front office duties. This has made her a wonderful asset to the office. Teresa has advanced knowledge in handling insurance and scheduling. She also invested in many hours of continuing education to become adept in the clinical aspects of dentistry. Additionally, Teresa is concerned about the well-being of our patients and will do everything possible to make a patient feel comfortable and at ease. She is especially detail-oriented and strives to be a perfectionist! In her spare time, Teresa enjoys motorcycling, boating, and hanging out at her pool with friends and family.
Dental Hygienist (RDH)Jennifer is a 2002 graduate of Youngstown State University with an associates degree in Dental Hygiene. She earned her EFDA certificate in Florida. Jennifer eventually returned to the Shenango Valley to be closer to friends and family. Upon returning to the area, Jen worked as an assistant, then as a dental hygienist for five years in a specialized periodontal practice. She joined our practice full-time in 2003. Jennifer is routinely praised for her gentleness, thoroughness, and kind nature. Her skills and expertise are some of the best weve seen. Jen continues to expand her knowledge in dentistry through many continuing education courses. She and her husband, Chuck, enjoy traveling, sporting events, and spending time with their friends and family.
Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)Shelbi has been with our office since 2013. After graduating from Reynolds High School, she attended Theil College and then decided to continue her education at Ross Medical School graduating with a degree in Dental Assisting. She then traveled across the state every week to Harcum College in Philadelphia to pursue her EFDA certification. This certification allows her to perform several expanded functions, such as placing fillings. She is highly motivated, detailed and hard working. Above all she is very caring and makes our patients feel comfortable and at ease. Shelbi enjoys music, the outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
