Q+A: Dr. Della Torre Retires After 35 Years At ADT Dental
On Aug 31, 2023, Dr. Della Torre had her last day at ADT Dental, the dental practice she founded 35 years ago. Ready Set Smile is hoping to honor her retirement with a $5k “retirement” fundraiser as well as a quick Q+A about her dental career. Read on below!
RSS: What will you miss the most about ADT Dental?
ADT: My patients and my staff. There are countless fond memories and fun moments serving others and working as a team over many years. As a staff we read our mission statement before our weekly staff meeting. It was about balancing patients' services, caring for each other and financial stability. ADT Dental was built on a patient-centered warm environment in a space filled with laughter. I cannot tell you how many patients said to me, “Everyone is so happy here! You feel it when you walk in the door. That is why I come.”
RSS: What will you miss the least about ADT Dental?
ADT: Trying to get to work in the middle of winter before my 7 am patients.
RSS: What lesson did you learn at ADT Dental that you have carried over to RSS?
ADT: That is easy: The joy of serving others through teamwork.
RSS: What was your greatest accomplishment at ADT Dental?
ADT: Thirty-five years of continuous growth of our practice, our team, and our space while staying current with scientific, technological, and product advancements.
RSS: How did you know it was time to retire?
ADT: ADT Dental and Ready, Set, Smile had grown to a point where I could not oversee both. Being a dentist is physically demanding and I was feeling that stress. Once I made the tough decision, it felt right and I was soon ready to take the leap. I could focus on one entity with less physical pressure. Although I will miss ADT Dental, my purpose remains clear.
RSS: What makes you most excited about RSS’s future?
ADT: I am excited about many things. Top on this list is the work we are piloting with our new affiliate, Apple Tree. Together we are leading a collaboration of private practices, community clinics, educational institutions, and professional associations to increase dental access to underserved children. We are building a coalition of professionals who acknowledge this health disparity but do not have the tools to address it. We have created those tools, and we are sharing them with our professional community.
RSS: Are you thinking about taking up any new hobbies?
ADT: I am trying to simplify my life, not complicate it. If a new hobby is taking better care of myself and my family, then that is it. Friends are trying to get me to play pickle ball, but I am not going there. I love my life-long hobbies of gardening and outdoor activities. I’ll keep those hobbies.
RSS: Name a country you want to visit now that you have the time?
ADT: I have always wanted to visit Vietnam. But really, I would go anywhere.
RSS: What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?
ADT: Jump in and be bold. You can do more than you ever imagined. Listen to others. Maintain your integrity in every decision you make. Have a spirit of goodwill. Be good to yourself.