Dr. Ryan Koch and wife Dr. Kennedy Seefeldt were recently profiled in an interview for the ‘Member Spotlight’ section of the Seventh District Dental Society’s website. The original interview, conducted and authored by 7DDS Executive Director Becky Herman, can be found here.
A Conversation with Drs. Ryan Koch and Kennedy Seefeldt
Becky Herman, Executive Director, Seventh District Dental Society: When did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
Dr. Ryan Koch: My father is an orthodontist, and I spent a lot of time in his office growing up. Twice a week, I’d get dropped off and spend hours just hanging out, watching him work. Seeing how much he loved being a dentist—and how meaningful it was to him—made it easy for me to be drawn to the field.
Dr. Kennedy Seefeldt: I knew I wanted to be a dentist as early as middle school. I had braces at the time and thought dentistry was cool. My mom found a combined program through the University at Buffalo. I interviewed as a senior in high school and was accepted into dental school, provided I maintained a certain GPA during my three undergraduate years. I’ve also come to appreciate that dentistry offers a great work-life balance, especially for women.
Becky: When did the two of you meet?
Kennedy: It was my first week of dental school. Ryan was hosting a party for the first-year students. I think he asked me out, but I was focused on adjusting to school at the time. Our first official date ended up being a Buffalo Bills game about a month later. That year, our lab stations were close together, and Ryan helped me out more times than I can count. We’ve been together almost nine years now—we’ll celebrate our second wedding anniversary in May, and we’re expecting our first child at the end of this month.
Becky: Do you like being married to another dentist? Do you come home and talk shop?
Kennedy: Oh, absolutely—I probably enjoy talking about work more than Ryan does! It’s really nice to be able to share stories or discuss cases with someone who truly understands what you’re talking about.
Becky: I know you’ve supported some organizations in your community. Can you tell us about your volunteer efforts?
Kennedy: Since last summer, I’ve been volunteering at Theresa House, a hospice home in Geneseo. I feel like it was meant to be—the volunteer coordinator and I connected after meeting at the Avon Corn festival. Together, Ryan and I have also participated in a few Remote Area Medical (RAM) mission trips, and we hope to volunteer at the RAM Clinic in Mt. Morris this October.
Ryan: My dad, Dr. Keith Koch, and I also support a wide range of local initiatives through our practice. We sponsor youth sports teams, drama clubs, and senior events, as well as contribute holiday donations and volunteer with organizations like the Salvation Army, 4-H Clubs, and the Wyoming County Fair. In the last year, we donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to troops overseas.
Becky: Why are you Seventh District members?
Kennedy: We really value the events and opportunities the organization provides. I’ve also used their legal services, which have been incredibly helpful.
Ryan: Organized dentistry allows us to collaborate, discuss cases, and ultimately raise the standard of care in our communities. It’s also nice to personally know the dentists and specialists we refer patients to.
Ryan: Having malpractice insurance and a trusted representative through Walsh Insurance has been helpful. Beyond that, the connections we’ve made—with banks, contractors, and financial planners—have helped us grow from a business perspective.
Kennedy: The Seventh District really helps bridge the gap in areas they simply don’t teach you in dental school.
Becky: Any advice you’d like to share with residents or new graduates?
Kennedy: Learn as much as you can during residency, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. If you treat people like family and always try to do right by them, everything else will fall into place. And remember—you work to live, not live to work. Dentistry can give you that balance.
Ryan: Focus on building genuine relationships with your patients and make sure each patient feels valued and important when they walk into your office. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and critically appraise your work; your growth now will come from reflection as much as experience. Stay humble, keep learning, and remember that great orthodontists are defined by both their outcomes and their patient experience.
Have additional questions about best practices to have your smile looking it’s best throughout orthodontic treatment and beyond? Reach out to us! As always, this is a team effort and we want you to “win” a healthy, functioning smile and bite for a lifetime!
If you feel you or a family member may benefit from orthodontic treatment, contact Koch Orthodontics today. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for an inside look at who we are, and what we do!