GET TO KNOW YOUR PDA Board of Trustees
Marian Wolford , DMD , MS NINTH DISTRICT
The PDA should be the first organization that comes to mind when recent graduates begin navigating the business , regulation , and clinical issues .
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 ? Yes , I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a dentist . My dad is a dentist , and my grandfather and several uncles were dentists , so I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the profession first hand . Being able to observe all aspects of dentistry was a great advantage when deciding on my career choice .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? My dad was involved in organized dentistry for as long as I can remember . He was involved locally , at the district level , and also on the national level as a committee member . He instilled in me the importance of being active in the profession . He believed ( and still does ) it is very important to give back to the profession that affords us our livelihoods . If we are not involved , decisions are made for us . Having a seat at the table allows our voices to be heard .
When and where did you attend dental school ? I attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 1989 .
Where do you currently practice ? I currently practice in Erie , PA .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? I believe the most challenging issue facing dentistry is remaining autonomous while maintaining a healthy work / life balance . One of the most appealing aspects of dentistry is being able to control your career . As an owner / dentist , I have the ability to choose how I practice and make decisions on all aspects of my career . We as dentists are small business CEOs . I hope the pressures of operating a practice never outweigh the benefits of controlling our own destinies . While everyone ’ s situation is different , and some practitioners choose not to take on the added responsibilities of running a business , it is critical that we never lose the ability to have that choice .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? I believe the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry is attracting and retaining new and younger members . It is imperative that we continue to be relevant . There are obstacles new graduates face that are unlike the ones older practitioners faced when entering the profession . Being an invaluable resource for students as they get close to graduation will bode well for organized dentistry . The PDA should be the first organization that comes to mind when recent graduates begin navigating the business , regulation , and clinical issues they will face as they begin their careers in dentistry .
DR . WOLFORD ’ S PERSONAL STORY
I grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania . I lived in Smithton until I was 12 , and then moved to Belle Vernon . Both are small towns roughly 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh . I have three sisters – Bernadette , Kathleen , and Eileen – all of whom are registered nurses and graduates of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing .
I ’ ve been married to my husband Matt for 28 years and am blessed to have a great partnership . Many dentists today know the challenges that come with raising a family when both parents work full-time . It can be a juggling act to say the least , but flexibility is key to making it work . We have four children : Claire , 23 ; John , 22 ; Benjamin , 20 ; and Daniel , 18 .
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ( hobbies )? What community activities are you involved in ? I enjoy sailing with my husband and friends . He brought a 46-year old sailboat back to life over several years , and we enjoy spending time on the water during the summers in Erie . Each year my office gets involved with two to three community events that we work on as a team . Examples include the Erie MOM event , Relay For Life and Give Kids a Smile . We also sponsor local events for various community organizations .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I graduated with a bachelor ’ s degree in Nursing before attending dental school and completed a specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry before becoming an orthodontist .
20 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL