We must though attract and encourage our young dentists to find the time to serve . We all must stand together .
Richard Troxler DMD , MD , PhD SIXTH DISTRICT
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist when you were younger ? If not , what did you want to be when you grew up ? I did not want to be a dentist growing up . That happened during a college internship during my senior year . My college would not give me a recommendation for dental school unless I did a semester internship with a dentist . I wanted to be a professional musician , possibly opera or classical guitar .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? My motivation to pursue a career in organized dentistry came by spending time with mentors . These were dentists and friends who encouraged me , corrected me gently , and allowed me to learn from their examples .
When and where did you attend dental school ? I attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston , MA in 1986 -1990 .
Where do you currently practice ? I currently have a private dental office in Williamsport , PA .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? There are many issues facing dentistry . The most challenging issue seems to be with insurance companies ’ dictation of treatment plans by setting fees schedules at a level that remains so low that the single owned , small town dental practice struggles to survive .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Organized dentistry is currently facing the challenge of having the younger dentists ’ committing to serve in leadership . This does take time and requires commitment . We must though attract and encourage our young dentists to find the time to serve . We all must stand together .
DR . TROXLER ’ S PERSONAL STORY
I grew up in Greensboro , NC . I have 2 brothers , Jimmy and Davis , and a sister , Juli .
I have been married for 39 years to Kathey Maness , who is also from Greensboro , NC . We have 3 boys , Joshua , Joseph , and James , and one grandson , Julian .
My hobbies have changed through the years . Currently I enjoy playing the guitar , ballroom dancing , golf and salt-water fishing . I also enjoy going on dental mission trips to different parts of the world . I have had the privilege of working in Nicaragua , Dominican Republic , Jamaica , Ecuador , Mexico , Thailand , Laos , Cambodia , Pakistan , Kazakhstan , and Uzbekistan . I also serve in my local church .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn .
I was a licensed embalmer before dental school .
I lived and taught in a medical school in the country of Kazakhstan for 4 years where my family served with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist .
I served as a part-time baseball scout for the Boston Red Sox organization from 2007 to 2019 . I scouted pitching .
People now find it hard to believe that I use to enjoy winter backpacking . I would find the coldest area and go for several days .
My dad drove ELVIS around when he came to Greensboro , NC for a concert . We owned several limousines at our funeral home . ( 1960 ’ s – 1970 ’ s ) Many great stories about that !!
Who was your greatest role model ?
One of many role models growing up was my grandfather , Abner Henry Outlaw . ( great last name )
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ?
I would have loved to spend a full day with Rev . Billy Graham if he were still alive !! He was a humble , Godly man with many stories to tell .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 17