Meet Your President
Dr . Dennis J . Charlton
By Rob Pugliese , Director of Communications
One thing that jumps out at you when talking with Dr . Dennis Charlton is his enthusiasm and willingness to dive in and try anything . His intellectual curiosity about a wide swath of subjects has helped to make him the person he is today , and has led to many wonderful accomplishments .
Along with his at ease personality comes a real awareness of what it takes to be successful in any given position or profession . In his address to the House of Delegates in April , Dr . Charlton recalled the path he has taken to become PDA ’ s 143 rd president .
“ I ’ ve learned so much and I still sit here feeling there is more I need to master to be able to effectively take the lead on the issues that are before the PDA ,” he said .
An engaging leader who enjoys collaborating with others to strategize issues and solve problems , Dr . Charlton holds his predecessors in high regard , having observed and absorbed their methods during his five years as PDA Speaker of the House and prior to that , four years as Ninth District trustee .
Dr . Charlton ’ s style is to solicit input on a decision , and give everyone a shot at shaping his direction , but ultimately he is more than comfortable setting the pace .
“ I want to hear from others who have the same information I have to see how they view the decision that is pending ,” Dr . Charlton said .
Sometimes , as in the case of crafting legislative strategy for PDA ’ s non-covered services bill , the input serves to reinforce his thinking , while at the same time letting colleagues know they have an influential voice and a real stake in his approach to vital decisions .
Taking the reins from Dr . William Spruill during a time of real momentum for PDA ’ s legislative agenda , Dr . Charlton was pleased with the strong showing in Harrisburg at
Dr . Charlton and his airplane . He ’ s had a pilot ’ s license since 1995 .
July / August 2011 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal
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