Part-Time Faculty Profile: Dr. Katherine Strong at EIOH
In the heart of Rochester, New York, Dr. Katherine Strong finds her calling on the SmileMobile, a mobile dental clinic that brings essential dental care to children who might otherwise go without.
Dr. Strong's commitment to her work and her ability to connect with children have earned her high praise from her colleagues. Dr. Sangeeta Gajendra, a fellow pediatric dentist, lauds Dr. Strong's dedication and her knack for interacting warmly with the young patients on the SmileMobile.
Dr. Strong's journey to the SmileMobile began when she was looking for a part-time opportunity in a public health setting. She reached out to Dr. Ritu Shah, who not only helped her with her cover letter and interview tips but also became a valuable mentor. The two first met at a Monroe County Dental Society scholarship luncheon during Dr. Strong's second year of dental school.
In addition to her work on the SmileMobile, Dr. Strong works full time as a pediatric dentist at Twelve Corners Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Brighton. She is also a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Strong's commitment to her community extends beyond the dental chair. She serves as a director on the board of the Monroe County Dental Society (MCDS) and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Dental Society. This year, she and Dr. Taylor Squires reinstated the MCDS Careers in Dentistry program for local high school and college students.
The EIOH SmileMobile program, where Dr. Strong volunteers, helps eliminate barriers of access to care by going directly to elementary school students in Rochester. Many children in the city are in need of dental care, and the SmileMobile may be the only time some of them are seen by a dentist.
Dr. Strong's passion for dentistry began during her undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, where she developed an interest in the field by shadowing dentists in general dentistry. She is also a fellow of the American Laser Study Club.
Dr. Strong's dedication to her patients and her community is evident in her work. She enjoys working with the pediatric residents on the SmileMobile and even recalls a personal connection to the clinic, having received care at the Howitt Urgent Care Clinic as a freshman.
For Dr. Katherine Strong, serving her community is not just a job, but a responsibility as a healthcare provider. She continues to make a significant impact on the lives of children in Rochester through her work on the SmileMobile.
In her dedication to serve her community, Dr. Katherine Strong also engages in education-and-self-development, as she is a fellow of the American Laser Study Club. Furthermore, she contributes to the health-and-wellness sector beyond dentistry by reinstating the MCDS Careers in Dentistry program, focusing on career-development for local high school and college students.
