Southmoreland alumnus brings smiles to Scottdale

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Abby Whitlatch in Features // 0 Comments

When Dr. Jennifer Siwula Gill was in 6th grade at Southmoreland Elementary School, she did a career project. Little did she know the career she chose, dentistry, would later become her future employment.

“I chose dentistry at that time because a nice smile has always been important to me,” Dr. Siwula Gill said. “That was the beginning of my career path.”

Dr. Siwula Gill later went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine for both undergraduate school and dental school with her undergraduate degree being in dental hygiene.

After graduating from dental school, Dr. Siwula Gill then completed a residency at the University of Maryland for further training. Dr. Siwula Gill now owns her own dental practice in Scottdale on Pittsburgh Street.

“I returned to Scottdale after completing my education because I enjoy serving the community where I grew up,” Dr. Siwula Gill said. “I had a wonderful mentor dentist, Dr. Thornblade, in Scottdale and am honored to be practicing here.”

Six years ago, Dr. Siwula Gill became the dentist for Southmoreland School District.

“I enjoy seeing the students and educating them when I can on how to improve oral health,” Dr. Siwula Gill said. “Oral health is the beginning to overall health.”

Dr. Siwula Gill wants to educate Southmoreland students on dental health, especially sugar in drinks.

“My dental team and I have put forth efforts to educate our community of the amount of sugar in our common drinks,” Dr. Siwula Gill said. “Can you imagine pouring a glass of water, then pouring half a cup of sugar into that glass before drinking it?”

She also wants Southmoreland students to protect their smiles when playing sports.

“If you play a sport, especially a contact sport, you should wear a protective mouthguard,” Dr. Siwula Gill said. “Many mouth injuries occur during sporting events and many of these injuries could be prevented with a simple mouthguard.”

Dr. Siwula Gill is also raising three students in the Southmoreland district.

“Scottdale is a wonderful place to raise a family,” Dr. Siwula Gill said.