Allison Long 29 Occupation: Dentist at Prairie Dental Group
Email: drlong@prairiedentalgroup.com
Education: Rhodes College, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
Family: Parents, Rae and Scott Long; husband, Nicholas Koch
Affiliations/community activities:
Vice president of G.V. Black District Dental Society; board member and volunteer for Wooden It Be Lovely; executive committee member and community service chair of RISE Springfield; American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine; Illinois State Dental Society and Emerging Leaders Network
What led you to your current career? I chose dentistry because it blends my strengths in science and art. Excelling in math and science, along with a passion for art, led me to a career where I can diagnose and treat patients scientifically while creating aesthetic restorations.
What has been your greatest professional achievement to date? My greatest achievement to date is being awarded a fellowship in the American College of Dentists. This honor recognizes my leadership, professional accomplishments and contributions to both the dental profession and the community.
What would you like your life to look like in five years? Ten? In the next five years, I plan to continue practicing at Prairie Dental Group. Within the next year, I aim to become a diplomat of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and join Prairie Sleep Center
What is your greatest hope for Springfield? My greatest hope for Springfield is to see it grow as a community where individuals can thrive personally and professionally.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path? Trust your intuition. With a career that allows me to work anywhere in the country, I was initially hesitant to return to Springfield. However, coming back has been the best decision for both my personal and professional life. Working at Prairie Dental Group, an all-female practice, has surrounded me with inspiring colleagues who challenge me to grow daily. Their support has been instrumental in my development, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
What's the song you sing in the shower? "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" by Shania Twain
