Get to Know Your PDA Board Of Trustees
Dr . Beth Troy
Tenth 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 ? Being a dentist was not on my radar until college . As a youngster , I wanted to be an undercover FBI agent , as I thought my theater / acting skills would come in handy in spoofing the bad guys ! In high school , I had my heart set on being a music teacher . After realizing my potential in science , I switched gears and majored in biology in college and discovered the joys of dentistry after shadowing my family dentist .
When and where did you attend dental school ? I attended University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine , graduating in 2005 .
Where do you currently practice ? I currently teach at Seton Hill Center for Orthodontics in a purely clinical position , Assistant Professor .
What motivated you to become involved in organized dentistry ? I first learned about the importance of organized dentistry as ASDA President . I was amazed that dentists would advocate for us naïve students and took a genuine interest in our futures . I wanted to carry on the stronger together mentality of the local dentist leadership , so I immediately became involved with the 10th district upon graduation from residency .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? I believe that controlling outside entities , such as insurance companies and Medicare / government , is the most challenging . We need to stay engaged to help the control each situation , ultimately protecting our beloved profession and the health of our greater communities .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Membership — enthusiastic membership — is the most challenging issue . It has been for a while . There are numerous money-saving benefits through membership and opportunities for camaraderie , and I feel that a grassroots approach with more one-on-one interaction and invitation for membership is an effective tool for recruitment .
Dr . Troy ’ s Personal Story
Dr . Troy grew up in Latrobe , about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh , and has an older sister , Shelley .
She and her husband Dane have two fur baby cats , Vivi and Ricky .
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ( hobbies )? What community activities are you involved in ? I love to garden , cook , bake , and sing . I cantor at Saint Vincent Basilica Parish and also volunteer at the annual church festival .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn .
• My husband and I have a quad and love to go on rides in the woods ( we live on my mom ’ s 50 acres ).
• I was in private practice for about 15 years before selling my practice and moving home to be closer to my parents .
• I recently successfully weaned myself off of caffeine … is it naptime yet ?
Who was your greatest role model ? My father , Benedict Troy , was my hero . He passed away from lung cancer in July 2024 . But fortunately , after selling my practice earlier in the year I had the time and the privilege to be with him every day from his diagnosis to his passing . I admired Dad ’ s unwavering love of God , country , and family .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? I would love to spend the day with the President of the United States . I can only imagine the meetings , discussions , and decision making that occur every day !
18 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL