Since 1982, Dr. Ingrid Toothman has served Greene, Washington, and Fayette counties on several levels of dentistry. She has worked every aspect of the profession, from dental assistant to dental hygienist, and grew up in the family dental laboratory. She went on to own her own practice, and it was through hard work she was able to pursue a career she was passionate about.
“I feel lucky and fortunate that I was able to do what I wanted to do, be successful at it, and carve my own path,” said Toothman. “I have taken care of everybody, I have made house calls, I have gone to hospitals, I have gone to schools, I have had a private practice and worked in Public Health.”
Toothman studied at The University of Pittsburgh’s two-year dental assistant/dental hygiene program before moving on to dental school on a scholarship through the National Health Service Corps. Her first job would land her in a little town called Bobtown, Pennsylvania, where she would get her first introduction to Greene County.
“My first job was in Bobtown, and I didn’t know much about the town,” said Toothman. “I saw a population of 1,000, and I said I can wipe out tooth decay in Bobtown in two years. Well, that didn’t happen. I have been trying to wipeout tooth decay throughout my entire career, and I haven’t been able to.”
After working two years in Bobtown, Toothman would go into her own practice, opening Toothman Dental in 1984. For over 40 years, she served as a private practice in Waynesburg, helping patients of all ages. She never believed she would own her own practice, simply because she didn’t want to manage it. However, it was her hardworking nature that helped her thrive.
“The thing about me is I have always been a hard worker, and I always say I won’t ask you to do something unless I can do it myself.” I overheard my sixth-grade teacher talking to my mother, and he said Ingrid can do whatever she wants to do. Since then, that’s always been my motto – ‘If I want to do it, I will get it done’. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity.”
While Toothman Dental is closed, Dr. Toothman still actively works in Greene, Washington, and Fayette Counties as the Dental Director to Centerville Clinics. She helps run five dental sites, and Centerville Clinics has 12 Medical sites and provides primary and specialty care, mental health, pharmacy lab, and x-ray services to 40,000 patients across Western Pennsylvania. Her advice to the future dentists of the county is to take a chance and work hard.
“I think it is a particularly good career for women,” said Toothman. “When I started out there were 18 women out of 108 in my dental school class, and seven of us were dental hygienists. When I moved here in 1982, there were 26 dentists in the county. Today, not counting me, there are eight. Greene County needs dentists, and I would encourage those interested to pursue that path.”
