Dr . Roopali Kulkarni
New Dentist Trustee
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 ? As the youngest of three girls , I was always considered the “ wild child .” Just like my free spirit , my teeth freely erupted in multiple directions . I was exposed to the field of dentistry at an early age through general dentistry , oral and maxillofacial surgery , and orthodontics . I was fortunate to have the financial and emotional support of my parents and family to achieve better oral health . It was from there I knew I wanted to be a dentist myself , instilling confidence in others and empowering individuals to understand more about their oral health .
When and where did you attend dental school ? University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine , Class of 2019 .
Where do you currently practice ? I practice oral medicine in Philadelphia through both Penn Dental Medicine and Penn Medicine .
What motivated you to become involved in organized dentistry ? I was first exposed to organized dentistry through the American Student Dental Association . Being involved at all levels - local , district , and national - throughout dental school opened my eyes to the power of our unified voice to protect the profession and better patient care . It was from here that I vowed to continue my journey in organized dentistry as a practicing dentist . The ADA tripartite has now evolved into my professional family !
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? The combination of third-party payer reform , workforce shortages and changing practice models are in all ways intertwined . They each impact access to oral healthcare , which is the most challenging issue facing dentistry . Many Americans still do not have a dental home and face extreme barriers to accessing routine care that they need for their overall health .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Membership , including recruitment , retention , and engagement , is the largest issue facing organized dentistry . We are fortunate to be at the forefront of an ever-changing landscape in the field , with changing demographics and rapidly developing technology . With this , however , we need to embrace change and not fear it . We must listen to the members of our field in order to meet their needs , better serve the profession and continue protecting it for generations to come .
Dr . Kulkarni ’ s personal story
Dr . Kulkarni grew up in northern Virginia and has two sisters , Shivani Kulkarni Pinto and Raashi Kulkarni .
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ( hobbies )? What community activities are you involved in ? Dancing , singing , running , reading , journaling , meditating , traveling , attending concerts , shows and musicals .
I am actively involved in many organizations within the Penn community and beyond . At a higher level , I am also involved in the American Academy of Oral Medicine and the American Dental Education Association .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn .
• I have written and recorded an album .
• I worked for a non-profit theatre company as a choreographer .
• I used to be a cheerleader .
• I enjoy make-up artistry .
• I enjoy mixology .
Who was your greatest role model ? My parents – they both have exhibited selflessness , strength in the face of adversity , and welcome all with open arms .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Beyonce
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 19