Some are born a Jackson, some are born a Kardashian, others, like sisters Emily and Abbey are born a Dorer. The dental family has been in the profession in Pennsylvania for more than 60 years: their father, Dr. Kurt Dorer, is a general dentist, their mother, M.J. Dorer, is a hygienist at the practice in Aliquippa, and their grandfather, the late Dr. Walter F. Dorer, was in practice as an oral surgeon for 47 years in Aliquippa as well.

Dentistry and the University of Pittsburgh are Dorer family traditions, but Emily and Abbey were never pressured to follow in the family’s footsteps. Just the opposite. fff

“Our dad jokes that he tried to talk us out of it (dentistry).”

Dr. Emily Dorer, third-generation dentist in the Dorer family

But growing up in their family business spending time around the office, the pair have always known they wanted to pursue dental school.

“We got to see how the front office worked, how the lab worked, patient interactions, and the personal lifestyle associated with the profession.”

Abbey Dorer, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, class of 2024

Despite the rigorous industry, the Dorer sisters never felt the practice interfered with their parents’ ability to create a positive family dynamic.

Following family tradition, the sisters applied to the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Our dad graduated in 1987, our grandfather did his surgical residency at Pitt, and our mom worked in the hygiene program.”

Dr. Emily Dorer, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, class of 2021.

“Pitt is very much a research university with a lot of on-the-cusp tech and resources other schools don’t have access to.”

Abbey Dorer, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, class of 2024

Even before they arrived at the dental school, as undergraduates at Pitt, Emily and Abbey assisted with the free dental clinic hosted in the city by Mission of Mercy.

“The clinic opens at 5 a.m. and patients line up the night before. It’s efficient, chaotic, and fun,” Dr. Emily Dorer said.

The pair volunteered with the program through the school’s SCOPE (Student Community Outreach Program and Education).

“It’s been great to see over the years more students coming to help – both dental and non-dental,” Abbey said.

Though Abbey has just finished her first year, she’s already decided she wants to return home after graduation and join the family practice.

After completing her dental degree this spring, Emily Dorer, DDS joined the Dorer practice in Aliquippa. Excited to be there as a family, the sisters can’t wait to work together.