Nearly Five Decades of Pediatric Dentistry — and Still Passionate About Helping Practices Succeed
Dr. Rhea Haugseth has spent nearly five decades doing what she loves—caring for children, building and leading dental teams, and helping advance the profession of pediatric dentistry.
But along the way, she learned something dental school never taught her: providing excellent dentistry and running an excellent dental practice are two very different things.
During 35 years as the owner of a private pediatric dental practice, Dr. Haugseth experienced the same challenges today’s practice owners face—finding the right people, training them effectively, developing leaders, communicating expectations, creating systems, managing change, and keeping an entire team moving in the same direction.
She also discovered what happens when those pieces come together.
A well-trained, confident team doesn’t just make the doctor’s life easier. It changes the entire practice.
That experience became the foundation for much of Dr. Haugseth’s work today—helping pediatric dentists and their teams benefit from the lessons, systems, and practical strategies she spent decades developing and refining.
From Pediatric Dentist to Leader, Educator & Advocate
Dr. Haugseth’s commitment to pediatric dentistry has extended far beyond her own practice. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in advancing the profession, educating dental professionals, and advocating for the oral health of children.
She served as President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in 2011–2012 and has served as an AAPD National Spokesperson since 1989. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and has held numerous leadership positions within organized dentistry throughout her career.
Her commitment to leadership development has also included participation in the inaugural class of the AAPD Leadership Institute and the Advanced Leadership Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
As an educator and speaker, Dr. Haugseth has presented to dental organizations, universities, study clubs, pediatric dental teams, and professional groups across the country. Her programs combine practical experience, humor, and strategies that attendees can take back and use in their practices.
Despite decades of leadership, teaching, and professional involvement, Dr. Haugseth has always remained grounded in the realities of everyday pediatric dental practice.
Turning Experience Into Resources for Others
Dr. Haugseth has always believed that knowledge is most valuable when it can be shared and put into practice. That belief led her to create programs and resources that address two challenges she repeatedly saw in pediatric dental practices: finding well-trained team members and giving existing teams the tools they need to succeed.
In 2013, she founded the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School, creating a hands-on training program designed specifically to prepare dental assistants for the unique demands of pediatric dentistry.
She later founded the Pediatric Dental Team Association (PDTA) to provide pediatric dental practices with ongoing training, practical systems, leadership resources, and tools they could use every day to build stronger, more consistent teams.
Today, her work continues to evolve as the needs of pediatric dental practices change. Through the PDTA, speaking, consulting, and the development of pediatric dental assistant training programs, Dr. Haugseth continues to share what she has learned throughout her career with the next generation of pediatric dentists and their teams.
Still Connected to the Profession She Loves
Selling her private practice did not mean leaving pediatric dentistry behind.
Dr. Haugseth has continued to work clinically in pediatric dental practices, giving her the opportunity to experience firsthand how practices, teams, parents, and the challenges of delivering care continue to evolve.
She remains actively involved in organized dentistry, speaks to dentists and dental teams across the country, mentors colleagues, and continues developing resources to address the real-world challenges pediatric practices face today.
Her enthusiasm for pediatric dentistry—and for helping the people who make exceptional pediatric dental care possible—has never changed.
What has changed is how she shares what she has learned. Today, her focus is on helping the next generation of pediatric dentists and their teams avoid having to figure everything out the hard way.
Professional Highlights
- Past President, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- AAPD National Spokesperson since 1989
- Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Inaugural Class, AAPD Leadership Institute
- Advanced Leadership Institute, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- Founder, Pediatric Dental Team Association
- Founder, Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School
- National speaker and educator
- Professional Fellowships: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Interested in Having Dr. Haugseth Speak to Your Organization?
Dr. Haugseth brings practical experience, humor, and real-world strategies to presentations designed for dentists, dental teams, and professional organizations.