District Presidents
Second District Dr . Dale Scanlon One of the better-known benefits of being involved with organized dentistry is the impact you can have within your community . Participating allows you to connect to your community and other dental practitioners who have similar interests for the betterment of the field of dentistry . Dedicating time helps you make new friends , expand your network , and boost your skills .
About 14 years ago , a colleague asked if I would be willing to serve on the Board of Governors in the Dental Society of Chester and Delaware Counties . At that time , I recently opened my private practice in Exton and wanted to be involved in the local dental society , so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity . I have gone on to be Chester-Delaware president twice and serve currently as the President of the Second District , as well as other elected positions .
I have found that being committed to a shared interest is one of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships . Being involved in the local society is a great way to meet new people , especially if you are new to an area and staying involved also broadens your support network .
I have had many goals over the years as a dentist , depending on the phase of my career . Initially , right out of dental school , I went to work and found myself at a practice in Mifflinburg . I returned to my hometown several years later and opened my own practice . After relocating to Chester County , I was in private practice and also taught and practiced at the University of Pennsylvania . I opened my practice in Exton in 2005 and am now focusing on my goal toward retirement . However , I want to continue to be involved with organized dentistry when I am no longer practicing and hope that I can make an impact on the future of dentistry .
The purpose of organized dentistry is to help new dentists tap into the knowledge of those with more experience than themselves and to learn faster than they would on their own . It is also an opportunity to grow their network and connect with more seasoned dentists . There is definitely a camaraderie amongst those in the dental community that is second to none .
Third District Dr . Darleen Oleski Organized dentistry has meant the world to me . It really bridges the gap between private practice , which can feel very isolating , and being a part of a larger group of like-minded professionals . The camaraderie of our organization is paramount in my mind . We all experienced this isolation very acutely during the COVID shutdown , and it was the ZOOM meetings and continuing education that kept us engaged . With a daughter in her third year at Pitt Dental , it means something even more to me now . I know that organized dentistry will have her back as she progresses through her career . Whether it is legislative victories , practice policies , or continuing education and social events , organized dentistry is here for us .
I became a member right after dental school , and once I settled back in my hometown , I began attending local dental meetings . I kept my membership active but did take a back seat while my daughters were young . Once they were a bit older , I began working part-time in a community health facility that had wanted to start a dental service line . I helped to create that clinic and saw that the challenges were tremendous . The need in the community to help dentally compromised patients who were accessing dental care via the emergency room was great . The challenges of startup revenue and continuing expenses for the health facility were just as large . In working with various groups , foundations , and Medicaid insurance companies , I realized that there were many more issues with a dental care service line than met the eye . It was at that point that I decided to put myself on the front line of these issues and help to create solutions to the many problems I encountered . That was the point at which I joined the Government Relations Committee .
My advice to my colleagues regarding joining organized dentistry is , “ JUST DO IT !”
34 MARCH / APRIL 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL