Somerville Dentist Named Volunteer Hero by Mass. Dental Society

Somerville dentist Dr. Rosie Wagner has been recognized as a William McKenna Volunteer Hero by the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a statewide organization serving nearly 5,000 member dentists.

Since 1996, the MDS and the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society have been honoring local dentists who have dedicated their enthusiasm, talents, and countless hours to the community, the MDS, and the profession of dentistry. The Volunteer Hero recognition is named in honor of the late Dr. William H. McKenna, a model of volunteerism within the Society and a driving force behind the development of the Yankee Dental Congress, New England’s largest meeting for dental professionals.

Dr. Wagner was acknowledged by her peers for substantial contributions to organized dentistry at both the state and local district levels. She is actively involved in the MDS, serving as chair of the Middlesex District Dental Society, and is a member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Wagner’s volunteer efforts on behalf of the Society have included hosting a networking event at her practice that was promoted and sponsored by the MDS Women in Dentistry Committee.

“We treat members of the community every day and go home feeling great about the connections we’ve made and the treatment we’ve completed,” Dr. Wagner said. “However, we’re members of a larger industry of professionals, and only after we’ve connected to one another can we examine the larger picture: How are dentists viewed by the community and by each other? What resources do we need as dentists that can help us give back and help grow our practices to make a difference in the most effective way?”

Dr. Wagner founded a start-up family practice in Somerville that focuses on treating patients with dental phobia, dental avoidance, and those with fear of judgment. She also is co-chair and founding member of the Massachusetts Oral HPV Prevention Taskforce. She lectures frequently at local dental schools and provider meetings on reducing HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers through education and prevention. She also is a subject matter expert for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health through the Oral Health Equity Project.

Prior to building her own practice, Smiles by Rosie Family Dentistry, Dr. Wagner worked as an associate dentist at a pediatric dental office. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her DDS degree at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Wagner also completed a general practice residency at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a 5,000-member professional association and statewide constituent of the American Dental Association, is dedicated to the professional development of its member dentists through initiatives in education, advocacy, the promotion of the highest professional standards, and championing oral health in the Commonwealth. For more information, visit massdental.org, and follow the MDS on Twitter @MassDental.