Amanda S. Sonntag, DDS, MAGD
“I’ve learned to slow down and really assess the whole patient — not just treat one tooth at a time.”
Compass Dental, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
Growing up, Amanda S. Sonntag, DDS, MAGD, got to see her dad in action at his dental practice. She admired his kind and comforting manner with patients.
“I loved the idea of getting to help patients and make them feel as comfortable as he made me feel while I was at his office,” Sonntag said.
She recalled a memorable patient experience where she was able to do just that.
“We had an autistic patient who didn’t have a great experience at another office in the area,” Sonntag said. “The parents and I spoke, and eventually we were able to do a knee-to-knee exam. We were able to get the patient to open wide and have no fear of us looking in his mouth. We had won him over. It felt incredible giving the whole family an experience like that.”
Sonntag credits her commitment to CE with helping create such high-quality patient experiences.
“By focusing on a goal like obtaining my MAGD, I became dedicated to learning and growing as a dentist,” Sonntag said. “I’ve learned to slow down and really assess the whole patient — not just treat one tooth at a time.”
In addition to balancing continuing education and clinical work, Sonntag is involved in Pennsylvania AGD leadership.
“What got me involved in Pennsylvania AGD was just being asked,” Sonntag said. “Sometimes it’s just about showing up.”
As the Pennsylvania AGD president-elect, she plans to provide mentorship and high-level education tailored to the needs of new graduates, recognizing the challenges they face in balancing schedules and commitments.
In addition to being involved in organized dentistry, Sonntag recently opened her own practice, Compass Dental. She said balancing all the hats she wears in the practice as an owner as well as outside of the office as a mom, wife and coach is a juggling act that’s worth all the challenges it brings.
“I really love what I do and enjoy sharing it with anyone who will listen.”