Grandmother's Visit to Dentist Inspires Dr. Silvia Dunn

By Lois Thomson

As a child, Dr. Silvia M. Dunn always wanted to be an architect. However, even though she is currently working as an associate to Dr. Timothy Chips at Chips Dental, she can see some similarities between the two professions. Dr. Dunn said that as a dentist, "I've come to appreciate that dentistry is a lot like architecture – you're thoughtfully taking things apart, rebuilding them, and ultimately creating something stronger, and more beautiful for your patients."

She became interested in the profession as a young child in Germany when her grandmother needed a new set of dentures and went to the dentist; prior to that, she had never been in the office as a spectator. But this time, "I was in the room and the dentist eased her into the chair and he talked to her and I saw the process of what he did."

That vision led Dr. Dunn to first become a dental assistant, then a dental hygienist, then work for an orthodontist as an undergrad, "and then I came (to Pittsburgh) because I knew I wanted to be a dentist. I liked being a dental hygienist; I really liked that because I'm a people person and like to talk with people."

Dr. Dunn earned her degree in dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh in 2005, and one of her professors, who also worked part-time at the university, offered her a job. "When he became chair of the emergency department, he asked if I wanted to work there." She said yes. "I wanted to give back to the students, and I teach in the emergency department of the dental school." She added that she "decided to stay (in Pittsburgh), I liked it so much, the people are so nice."

At the emergency department, Dr. Dunn teaches the students as they rotate through their four years of studies: the first two are lectures, then practice in the laboratory on plastic teeth, then the last two working on patients. "The university has a department for emergencies, we have to teach students to manage anything that comes through the door – if someone had an accident, broke their jaw, has a severe toothache with a lot of swelling – because that's going to walk into their practice."

While Dr. Dunn continues her work at Pitt, her main practice is at Chips Dental, where a mutual acquaintance connected her with Dr. Chips, with whom she loves working. "He is very fun, and so extremely helpful and always available. He willingly shares his knowledge. We plan and work on cases together. He invests in my education so I can be the best I can be. It's been a wonderful experience."

For more information, call (724) 443-5710 or visit www.chipsdental.com.