Q: Tell me about yourself and your family:
I came to the U.S. from Ukraine in 1997 when I was 11, with my parents and my grandfather. We landed in Philly after a brief stop in France and settled in Northeast Philadelphia, right around Norwalk and Bustleton. At the time, everything felt huge. Even I-95 was under construction… though, honestly, it still kind of is!
When I started 6th grade at Baldi Middle School, I didn’t speak a word of English. It was tough. I spent most of the day crying and running to the Russian-speaking counselor. But I had this amazing teacher, Miss Watson, who kept trying to pull me in. I wish I could find her now and say thank you, because eventually, it clicked.
That summer, my mom signed me up for a local day camp, and it ended up being the best thing she could’ve done. I was surrounded by kids from all different cultures and backgrounds, and I started picking up English quickly. Within a few months, I was translating for my parents. Looking back, it’s wild how fast that happened. I see the same thing now in the kids in our community. They’re resilient. And I think those early experiences taught me the emotional intuition I rely on every day in my practice.
I went on to George Washington High School and later transferred to Bensalem High, where I really started to thrive. I decided I wanted to become a dentist in 9th grade and haven’t looked back since. Before that, I thought I might be a lawyer—or maybe a Supreme Court judge. I also went through a short phase where I wanted to be a fashion designer. But during a family vacation, I met a girl who was set on becoming a doctor, and something about her ambition stuck with me. I figured I’d go into dentistry, less blood, right? (Spoiler alert: there’s not less blood.)
Today, I live in Holland with my husband, who owns a mechanic shop in the Northeast, and our four kids, plus two dogs. The kids are all wildly different: the oldest is into theater and choir; the second loves to dance; number three is quiet, serious, and into wushu (a martial art I’m still trying to understand); and the youngest is three—our wild child and the boss of the house. Doesn’t say much yet, but somehow still runs the show.
My husband and I actually met in ESL class, how’s that for full circle? His family is from Uzbekistan. His grandparents were Ukrainian Jews who relocated during WWII and stayed. Mine went back to Ukraine. It’s pretty incredible how things worked out, both of us are Ashkenazi Jews, and I don’t think we would’ve met any other way.
My parents still live locally. My mom’s a pattern maker for Urban Outfitters, and my dad works as a maintenance mechanic at Villanova Hospital. I also have a younger brother, he’s 21 now and was born here. I was 16 when he was born and treated him like my baby. He’s studying to become an oral surgeon and works with Dr. Salin, who’s been such a generous mentor to him. I couldn’t offer the kind of surgical exposure he needed, but Dr. Salin took him in and helped shape his path.
Now that I’m a parent myself, I reflect on how much my mom let me just be a kid, even when I probably could’ve helped more. That shaped how I parent today. I want my kids to grow into who they are and not be little adults too soon. My oldest is super helpful, but I don’t count on her to be anything more than a teenager figuring it all out. I always say, if she doesn’t do the dishes, that’s okay. (But also… please do the dishes.)
We’re a busy, loud, loving family. And more than anything, I want my kids to grow up, find their own path, and make their mark wherever life takes them.
Q: Tell me about your career:
I am the dentist at the Pennsylvania Center for Advanced Dentistry. I love what I do. Dentistry is my life. But I know for most people it’s the last place they want to be. There’s fear, stigma, even trauma sometimes- before a patient even sits in the chair. That’s why, for me, it’s never just about fixing teeth. It’s about showing up with warmth, empathy, and a sense of humor that says, “I got you.”
From early on in my career, I realized being a dentist also meant becoming a bit of a psychologist. You have to read faces, tone, body language- you have to feel your patients. That kind of emotional awareness started when I came to the U.S. as a kid without knowing English. I had to learn to read people without words. Now, it’s second nature.
I understand being scared of the dentist. I’m a dentist, and I’m even scared of giving up control in that chair. That’s why I do everything I can to make my practice feel welcoming, even fun. I want people to enjoy food, enjoy life, and not let fear keep them from smiling.
Buying the office was one of the scariest, and most meaningful, moments in my career. The original owner, who I had been talking to for months, passed away suddenly before we could finalize the deal. I still remember getting the call. His daughter asked if I still wanted the practice, and my first thought was, This place feels like an abandoned baby. Of course I want it. Financially, I probably could’ve negotiated. But helping his family felt more important. He worked hard. It was the right thing to do.
Funny enough, years ago I once called that same office and the woman who answered said, “We’re not hiring a doctor right now.” And now? I own it. What a full circle moment.
I officially bought the practice on January 26, 2023. It’s more than a job, it’s a calling. And while I once thought I’d become an oral surgeon, something more calculated and structured, I’ve built something here that’s full of heart, connection, and yes, even a little sarcasm when needed. Because sometimes, that’s exactly how we find common ground.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in the area?
If I get to pick the restaurant, it’s Outback, because they cannot mess up my steak. I like it bloody, almost blue, and they nail it every time. The surf and turf at Rocco’s is always a win.
For breakfast, we love Suburban Diner. The food is reliable, the kids are happy, and somehow, even when it’s packed, you never wait long. Parking’s the only downside, but my husband’s usually good at figuring it out. We’ve also found a tiny spot in Langhorne, The Cafe of Langhorne, where they remember your order and get everything out fast. The waitress has an amazing memory. It’s like a hidden gem.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world who would you meet with and where would you go?
I would love to have lunch with my teacher from Baldi middle school. I have no idea where we would go, but probably somewhere we both have not been.
Q: What music do you like to listen to?
I love everything. When I first came to the U.S., rap was huge in the ’90s, and that’s actually how I learned English! I’d pick up phrases and even accents from songs. Sometimes I still slip into that. I love rap, punk, Green Day, just anything that makes you feel something. My dad’s Christian, my mom’s Jewish, so we grew up PG. Sometimes, I talk in rap verses. Just for fun.
Do you ever get to go to concerts? Not really. I haven’t had free time since college, and honestly, I like it that way. Too much downtime and I start doing dumb things!
Q: What is your favorite time of year?
My favorite time of year is October through the holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, all the birthdays. It’s a nonstop stream of joy, traditions, and celebrations. Then January hits, and I’m already planning the next fun thing.
I usually start planning my vacations on January 1st—it’s my way of staying forward-focused. I do the same with work: always thinking about what’s next. My team sometimes doubts the vision, but things somehow always come together—whether it’s redoing the flooring or adding that fifth room. Forward motion is good motion.
Q: What are some of your favorite places in the area?
Sometimes I just need space to reset, so I’ll go to Tyler State Park or Core Creek and sit on a bench, maybe even fall asleep. I once got totally lost in Tyler and honestly, it was great.
Q: Do you watch TV or movies?
Not really, I get bored and start doing chores. Lately, I listen to podcasts, mostly conspiracy theories and discussions about the Old Testament, New Testament, and Quran. I’m curious about different religions and why people believe what they do. Most people just pick a belief without questioning it, but I think it’s important to understand others even if you don’t agree. I believe there are many ways to solve problems—life isn’t black and white.
Q: Where do you want to travel next?
Italy is on the top of my bucket list. I am going for my 40th birthday next year with my husband. He’s hard to get out of the house, so I’m making him come!
Q: What are some of your current goals?
I want to get better at Spanish (dental Spanish only!) and piano, but I’m not great. Travel and learning will always be on the list.
Q: What advice would you give people?
“Let’s do better” Whether in life or at home. I’m trying to improve even little things, like cleaning my car.
Q: What do you love most about our area?
The family life and especially the schools. In Holland the curriculum is so much stronger than where we lived before.
Q: Do you have a favorite smell?
Yes! Smells are memory triggers for me. I have a diffuser in my office with white tea scent from the Waldorf Hotel. Different patients even remind me of certain smells.
Q: What does the word ‘home’ mean to you?
Family, friends, community. To me, community looks like donating and paying it forward. I support causes, like a local pastor’s family who ask for small donations, and a church group doing Ukrainian relief. I also do some pro bono dental work for patients who can’t afford care.
Q: Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.olgashvartsdmd.com/
215-396-9515
602 Lakeside Dr
Southampton, PA 18966