Meet Your Provider: Kaitlyn Terry, DMD

For Kaitlyn Terry, DMD, the most rewarding part of dentistry is forming relationships with her patients to improve their oral health. 

“My greatest influence, my childhood dentist, taught me how to care for my teeth in a compassionate and supportive way,” Terry says. “Like her, I wanted to positively impact people’s lives and see them frequently enough to maintain close connections.” 

At Zufall Health – Hackettstown, Terry brings those early experiences to her dental exam room each day. “My goal is to help patients feel confident about their oral health,” Terry says. “The dental assistants and I teach brushing and flossing techniques using a mirror so patients can practice for themselves. Often, they return for their next visit excited about their progress using a new technique. That feels like a win for everyone.” 

Terry emphasizes that oral health affects the whole body. Problems like tooth pain or missing teeth can lead to serious health issues, including trouble eating and poor nutrition. But a healthy smile can improve mental health and help manage chronic conditions, like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. 

What excites Terry most about working at Zufall is the opportunity to apply her passion for service. Many of her patients come in experiencing discomfort, pain, and missing teeth due to past challenges in accessing dental care. Education, she explains, is crucial for helping them manage the complex dental issues that arise from gaps in regular dental visits. 

“Everyone deserves a healthy smile and the benefits it brings,” she says. “When we work together to restore good oral health for our patients, no matter their insurance, income, or other barriers, we improve not just their smiles, but their overall quality of life.” 

Terry earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Montclair State University and her doctor of dental medicine degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.