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?
My father was a dentist, but I did not
consider it until I was a junior in
college. He was pretty excited when I
finally considered it. I had a lot of
catching up to do in college.
What motivated you to pursue a
career in organized dentistry?
John Coole, DMD
Sixth District Trustee
Responsibility to our profession. I
have had numerous young people
considering a dental career that have
observed at my office.
Dr. Coole’s
personal story
Dr. Coole grew up in Mansfield, Pa., and
has two sisters and a brother. He and his
wife have two teenage daughters that
keep them very busy.
He describes himself as an outdoor
person, who enjoys hunting, hiking, and
stewardship activities. He is a member
of a committee that raises money for the
Pennsylvania elk herd in Benezette, Pa.
Name some fun/interesting things
about yourself that others would be
surprised to learn.
I never wanted to go to college until I
worked for a furniture moving company.
I considered being a dental technician.
When and where did you attend
dental school?
The University of Pittsburgh;
graduated in 1998.
Where do you currently practice?
Mansfield, Pa.
What do you believe is the most
challenging issue facing dentistry
as a profession?
Over regulation and third party
control over patient’s decisions.
What do you believe is the most
challenging issue facing organized
dentistry?
Members recognizing the value in a
collective voice and realizing that
they as an individual can’t do as much
good.
What do you think is the single
greatest achievement in dentistry
over the past 150 years of PDA’s
history?
Our ability to not only treat existing
dental conditions, but prevention of
dental caries through education and
fluoridation.
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