Local Dentist Gives Back to Community

By: Bethany Newton

Trenton resident and local hometown hero, Dr. Noel Jackson, best known for his local dental practice, is also known for his “community superpowers.”  As a Trenton Rotarian, he is committed to giving back to his fellow mankind.

In 1998, he and his wife, Debbie founded a youth theater program in the community, also known as.  He travels to other countries to offer dentistry to those in need, has been involved in water projects, and also participated in an international immunization program in India in efforts to eradicate Polio worldwide- an international goal of Rotary.

Father of three, Jackson likes to refer to his life as a three-legged stool.  “I have my professional life, my family life, and my community life,” Jackson said.  “All three of those legs work together to support each other.”

Jackson does not consider his community involvement as work but refers to it as his entertainment and recreation. He provides for the community individually, through his dental office, and the Trenton Rotary.  He is also very proud of his dental partners, Dr. Sheri Snider and Dr. Kristen Parker who share this commitment to the community.  The practice supports The Penrickton Center, The Information Center, Christnet,  Rotary, local teams, bands, schools, city events, and other charitable causes.  The practice also offers scholarships annually.

Through the Trenton Rotary, Jackson has had the opportunity to travel to Haiti, China, Ethiopia, India, Nicaragua, Tanzania, Thailand, Korea, and Brazil.  “In Tanzania, we became involved with the Canadian World Education Foundation (CWEF) and Debbie and I are now sponsoring the education and care of twins, Dennis and Diana,” Jackson said. “It’s amazing to be part of this process, and without Rotary, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life halfway around the world. Such experiences make me realize, we are all citizens of the world.”

Jackson has always been interested in community involvement.  Jackson grew up in Wyandotte, where he participated in a local Boy Scout troop and was the son of caring, involved parents.  Since moving to Trenton in 1984, he’s been involved in multiple service clubs and projects before finally finding and joining the Trenton Rotary.

“I’m in awe of how Rotary works and how everyone on the ground works together to make things happen,” Jackson said.

Jackson is very proud of DYPAC, whose goal is the positive development of young people through experiences in the arts. He is very proud of the adult role models and the attention to detail and care that is taken to provide young people with quality experiences.  DYPAC produces several large theatrical productions annually, offers a workshop series, field trip opportunities for local schools, and a summer arts program.   “We have found that theater is an amazing tool for creating confidence in young people. That’s our number one reason for living and breathing,” Jackson said. “To give a child the gift of confidence is just an amazing thing.”