Meet Dr. Maedot Semo
Dentistry, to me, is about far more than teeth. It's connected to a person's overall health, comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Helping patients see that connection is one of the most important parts of my job.
I've learned as much from my patients as I have from my formal training. I try to meet patients where they are, whether its childhood dental trauma, dental anxiety, or just not knowing where to start. Listening first, then treating, is how I practice. Helping people feel comfortable and genuinely in control of their own care is the part of dentistry I find most rewarding.
My interest in this field started early after seeing firsthand what limited access to dental care could do and, more importantly, what good dental treatment could restore: someone's health, their confidence, their ability to simply enjoy a meal. Mentors along the way, dentists who clearly loved what they did, showed me that this profession could combine my interest in science with a real chance to make a difference in people's lives.
I earned my DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency at West Jersey/Virtua Hospital. I've practiced in the greater Philadelphia area for over two decades, and I treat continuing education as an essential part of my professional growth. Dentistry doesn't stand still, and neither do I!
Outside the office, my time belongs to my family - my husband, two children and my pets. I strive to live a healthy, active life through exercise, mindfulness, and plant-based eating, and I love being outdoors, whether hiking or in the garden. Music, reading, and stress-reduction practices round out the rest of my time. Travel matters a lot to me as well, by giving me a broader view of people, different lifestyles, and cultures beyond my own.
The past two decades have brought several changes to the dental field, and informing the public of new research, procedures and solutions is something I value about my role in the community. For eleven years, I have done this as an Expert Contributor on dental health in two local community magazines - Garnet Valley Living and Chadds Ford Neighbors.
I'm also proud to have volunteered with the World Dental Health Organization, providing dental care in Kenya's Maasai Mara region, an experience that reinforced everything I believe about compassionate, accessible dentistry. You can learn more about the important work done by the WDHO here!