Thomas Petraitis , DMD EIGHTH 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 had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up . I was a jock and just enjoying life !
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? My principal befriended me and told me that he thought it was a good profession to look at as he had a good friend that was a dentist and was very content .
When and where did you attend dental school ? I attended the University of Pittsburgh for all 8 years from 1973-1981 .
Where do you currently practice ? DuBois . I associated for two years and then moved back to my home area .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? I believe the coronavirus will change how we practice forever . Midlevel providers are going to come into our state . It just depends on how and when .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Active membership ! DSOs are becoming the focus of many of our young dentists and we need to embrace that . They want FUN social interaction , great CE courses and without really realizing it , advocacy .
Midlevel providers are going to come into our state . It just depends on how and when .
DR . PETRAITIS ’ PERSONAL STORY
He grew up in Sykesville , Pa ., six miles from DuBois . He has two brothers ; Tony , who passed away in January 2020 , and Jim , a dentist in Penn Hills , Pa .
“ I ’ m married to my soulmate DeeAnn . We have two beautiful daughters , Jenna , age 35 , a nurse anesthetist , and Camille , age 33 , who has a doctorate as a nurse practitioner . Both live in Charlotte , NC . Proud to have our first grandchild , Miles , age six months .”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ( hobbies )? What community activities are you involved in ? Fortunately , and unfortunately , dentistry has been what I do most . I love to travel , read , interact with my family and friends . Most of my community interaction has been through financial donations ; past president of United Way , church programs . Most of my volunteering has been with PDA . 37 years on the local level , a House delegate for what seemed to be forever , 7 years as trustee .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I really enjoy cooking , especially the old family Italian recipes . I am expert in beer drinking and I really suck at golf , but still make the effort .
Who was your greatest role model ? Would have to be shared between my father and my mother . Both wonderful people each with their own qualities they imparted on me .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Bill Gates . I ’ d like to know what makes him so successful and passionate in his charitable work .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 19