Women of Note: Dr. Heather Adiska, not your average small-town dentist

by Hope Salyer

Dr. Heather Adiska, an associate dentist at Adiska Family Dental, has deep roots in the community, which will serve her well as president of the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation. Photo credit: Jennifer Cicalo

When you think of local businesses in Stockbridge, Adiska Family Dental probably comes to mind. The practice was started in 1996 by Dr. Gary Adiska, and now his daughter, Heather Adiska, an associate dentist and member of the practice’s business administrative team, has plans of one day becoming a partial owner.

The younger Adiska, a Stockbridge High School graduate, and current Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation President, is a prominent member of the Stockbridge community.

She began a preceptorship program through Northern Michigan University in the late ‘90s alongside a cosmetic surgeon at Marquette General, but quickly realized the field she thought would be most satisfying was not what she wanted.

“Oftentimes, the [cosmetic surgery] patients were sedated and had minimal post-operative appointments,” she said. “It made it difficult to form lasting relationships with patients. From personal experience, I knew the dental field is quite the opposite.”

Adiska says, as a dental professional, you can form personal relationships with patients that last a lifetime.

After graduating from NMU in 2001, Adiska attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Upon graduating as a dentist in May 2005, she became a full-time practitioner at Adiska Family Dental.

“I joined Adiska after graduation because my father owned the dental practice and my mother worked there as well,” Adiska said. “I’ve always been very close to my family, and I knew I would not have a similar opportunity to work alongside such a strong mentor elsewhere.”

Throughout the years, Adiska accepted more responsibility at the practice, and is now one of three members of the business administrative team, where she oversees the general operations of the offices.

“I work on marketing for all four of our locations through social media and print, and I organize promotional events throughout the communities,” Adiska said. “I also provide clinical care to patients, typically as a “float dentist” across our locations, filling in for maternity and medical leaves and covering vacations. I am currently the sole dental provider four days a week in Owosso.”

As if her dental practice responsibilities don’t keep her busy enough, Adiska recently accepted a nomination as president of the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation. She has always loved education, so joining the foundation was a great fit.

“I joke around that if I could earn a decent wage being a full-time student, I would,” Adiska said. “I think it is important that students have a strong educational support system as it is essential for helping them develop skills, knowledge, and habits that will enable them to pursue their goals and overcome challenges.”

Adiska understands that not all students learn in the same ways, or at the same rate, as others, so she loves the opportunities SAEF can provide.

“The Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation helps to provide classroom grants for what is often not your typical classroom learning,” Adiska said. “This enables students to explore education in a non-traditional format, which might enhance their education.”

Former SAEF President Jennifer Hammerberg said she is thrilled Adiska accepted the position.

“Heather brings her home grown, natural way of interacting with and supporting the community,” Hammerberg said. “She has a unique perspective and the ability to lead SAEF to new heights.”

Adiska said it’s important for her to be involved in the Stockbridge community and give back because Stockbridge is her hometown. As a small community, Stockbridge has always been there to support her through challenges and to celebrate her victories.

“The residents of Stockbridge have supported me both personally and professionally throughout the years,” Adiska said. “I cherish the old friendships that developed at a young age, and the new friendships I have found more recently. When I’ve gone through something difficult, people who know me, know my family, or are a part of our business, have gone the extra mile to ensure I am supported.”

While it would appear Heather Adiska has accomplished a lot so far, she said her biggest accomplishment is still a work in progress.

“Becoming a leader whom others can depend on for motivation and support – despite challenges and setbacks –  and developing into a role model for my team, my family, and community members are all things I’m proud of and continue to strive for,” Adiska said.

Asked to choose one aspect of her personality that has been most useful in making her a successful dentist, Adiska said it would be her empathy toward everyone.

“I genuinely care for others, and I think that shows in my personal life and professional career,” Adiska said.

Adiska, who is afraid of spiders, crickets, moths, storms, dogs, horses, and balloons, is proud of the life she has made as a small-town dentist. In her spare time, she enjoys walks through the woods, golfing, and spending time with her family.

Adiska said her biggest goal in life is to teach her daughter Elliyah empathy.

“It’s important to refrain from any verbal comment or action that would make someone else doubt their self-worth,” Adiska said.

The hardest lesson Adiska has had to learn is to step away from negativity and toxic environments while attempting to regain some sense of self-confidence. If there is one thing she wishes could go back and tell her younger self it would be, “Don’t forget, while you’re busy doubting yourself, someone else is admiring your strength.”