Our
Dental Team
At Marion Smile Center, we have some of the most caring, qualified team members in the northern Pittsburgh area. They understand the anxiety many people have about going to the dentist, and they will go the extra mile to make you feel at ease. Most team members have been with us for many years and enjoy getting to know patients on a personal level.
Most new patients tell us that their first cleaning appointment at Marion Smile Center is the most thorough and uses the most high tech equipment that they've experienced in a dental office. The greatest number of compliments that we receive are about our exceptional team: professional, comforting, and motivating.
Click here to learn more about what to expect at your 1st appointment with our team.
Meet Our Office Manager
Jackie joined the Marion Smile Center team in 2007, originally as a dental assistant. Having worked for many years as a clinician, her knowledge of dental procedures is an invaluable asset. With amazing aptitude and leadership skills, Jackie was promoted several times. Currently, she serves as the Office Manager and Senior Financial Coordinator at Marion Smile Center.
Jackie oversees our growing team comprised currently of 15 people and the 700+ patients we treat each month. Under her leadership, Marion Smile Center is often complimented by patients regarding their smooth and thorough dental experience.
As a mother of two children, Logan and Brooklyn, Jackie has an empathetic approach when working with parents and children. As one of our financial coordinators, Jackie approximates any insurance benefits that you may have and informs you of the amount that will be due at your next visit, so you are not surprised. She arranges payment plans, if requested, which allows you and your family to get the dentistry needed for healthy and beautiful smiles – without having to worry about the cost.
Dental Hygienists
Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs)
Our registered dental hygienists are some of the best in the area. For the most pleasant experience possible, we encourage you to develop a relationship with one of our hygienists, so you can ask for them by name when scheduling your appointment.
Katie Gemperlein
Registered Dental Hygienist
Katie rejoined our team in 2016. Dr. Marion often compliments Katie on her breadth and depth of dental knowledge, clinical skills, and initiative.
Katie started a Periodontal Program many years ago at Marion Smile Center that is extremely successful and has helped hundreds of patients achieve better dental health, resulting in better overall health. In fact, a major insurance company informed us we were one of the top offices in the area for gum therapy and other nonsurgical periodontal treatments.
Katie is in charge of receiving and reviewing each periodontal patient’s oral DNA reports and communicating the findings to the registered dental hygienist treating the patient. Our patients are impressed with how thorough and high-tech our professional dental cleanings are.
In addition to her remarkable clinical skills, Katie has a love of nature that includes her farm and professional photography. You can see some of Katie’s photos at Burn Photography. Her creative side also includes her enjoyment of live theater, a passion she shares with her teenage daughter, Ella.
Mary Pasquine
Registered Dental Hygienist
Mary joined Marion Smile Center in 2016. Mary has great computer skills. With all the high-tech equipment and software in the office, Mary is quick to learn new computer processes. Mary is in charge of Recare. Each month, she reaches out to unscheduled patients due for their professional cleanings and exams by text, email, or phone. Should you prefer a specific method of contact, please let us know.
Mary’s gentle clinical skills and calm and pleasant demeanor are frequently commented on by our patients. With Mary’s enjoyable personality, it was natural she requested to be the planner for our after-hours fun team activities. She truly is an asset to our team.
When she is not in the office, Mary enjoys hiking with her husband and their two dogs. She also dabbles in gardening, painting, and skiing.
Katya Perl
Registered Dental Hygienist
Not wanting our patients to wait weeks for professional teeth cleanings, Marion Smile Center expanded its hygiene team. We now have a 4th Registered Dental Hygienist. Katya joined our team in 2022 and is the newest member of our team.
Katya is passionate in providing the best oral health care to her patients and values dental health. Katya works with patients to guide them to achieve a healthy mouth. She utilizes evidence-based studies to help educate her patients the best way possible. By reviewing oral health studies that have been conducted by reputable scientists, patients learn the why behind the importance of good dental health and its relationship to good overall health.
Katya enjoys going on adventures with her husband and her dog. They enjoy visiting their favorite winery. In her free time, she likes gardening, photography, and painting.
Jessica Setzenfand
Registered Dental Hygienist
During Jessica's dental hygiene program at Westmoreland Community College, she became passionate about dental hygiene and enjoys being able to help patients achieve their optimal oral health goals. She is confident in educating and communicating with her patients. She likes being part of a team that provides a high level of care and is on the cutting edge of technology. She found both here at Marion Smile Center.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and her 2 cats. You will most likely find Jessica on the water boating in Pittsburgh or traveling around the U.S. She recently moved to the Zelienople area and enjoys exploring all the new restaurants and shops.
Dental Assistants
Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs)
Our expanded function dental assistants have advanced training, annual continuing education requirements, and experience – not all dental assistants have earned this certification, licensure, and distinction – making our team one of the most highly qualified in the region.
Dr. Mark Marion credits his team of experienced dental assistants for helping him achieve great patient case results. With their advanced degrees and years of training with Dr. Marion, they are able to do additional clinical procedures with great skill, resulting in shorter appointments for patients.
For example, when Dr. Marion wanted to implement digital impressions versus old-fashioned, messy, uncomfortable, gooey impressions, it was his EFDAs who took the lead. They researched digital impression scanners, demo’d the top scanners with manufacturer representatives, and selected one of the top-ranked scanners in the industry – and they did not stop there. They used their downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic to have the scanner installed, receive training, and practice on one another. They are professionals who are passionate about what they do, and it shows.
Business Assistants
Our business assistants are experienced and cross-trained. With years of experience, they have helped thousands of patients get the dentistry they need and want. From scheduling that first appointment to arranging affordable financing, they are helpful and professional.
For high-quality dentistry in an office where you are treated with focused, unhurried care, call Marion Smile Center in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, at (724) 452-4300 or request an appointment now.