PDA ’ s “ Day on the Hill will be held on June 4 , 2013 , with pre-registration closing on May 14 , 2013 . This year , beginning at 8:30 a . m ., registration and orientation will occur at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill instead of the PDA Central Office . Participants will be updated by PDA ’ s lobbyists and bus boarding will begin at 9:15 a . m . I look forward to seeing you on June 4 .
Communication
As we migrate into a new organizational structure either by choice or circumstances , increasing communication between all parties becomes increasingly imperative . In its proposal , the GTF suggested the creation of a “ Council of District Presidents ,” consisting of the presidents of the various PDA districts . This proposal provides a meaningful vehicle for these individuals to communicate throughout the year via the SoNet or at the Annual Session . I support this proposal and call for its adoption .
Weber Campaign
Last year Dr . Charlie Weber announced his candidacy for the position of ADA President-elect . Many of you have provided support to his campaign through time or financially . On behalf of his campaign , thank you for your contributions and efforts . As the 2013 ADA Annual Session approaches , Dr . Linda Himmelberger , Campaign Chair for “ Weber 2013 ,” may approach you to request your assistance on site in New Orleans . I urge you to support actively Dr . Weber ’ s campaign .
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr . Dishler for his efforts during this past year . He was instrumental in spearheading the effort to organize the Governance Task Force and monitoring its progress . Bernie has been very diligent assuring that PDA ’ s presence on the Hill is noted and respected .
Remembrance It is with deep sorrow that I note the passing of Mrs . Sherry Henshaw , who died on October 5 , 2012 . Sherry joined the PDA in July 2000 and served as Senior Accountant . I had the opportunity to interact frequently with her and found her spirit and humor infectious . Sherry ’ s wit and presence will be missed by her family , the PDA family and all who had the pleasure to know her . our 2013-2014 PrEsiDENT
R . DONALD HOFFMAN , DMD
R . Donald Hoffman , DMD was installed as the Pennsylvania Dental Association ’ s president April 27 during the 145 th Annual Session .
Since 1972 , Dr . Hoffman has served as a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine , currently serving as a special assistant to the dean . From 2001 through 2011 he served as associate dean for education and curriculum . A longtime member of organized dentistry , Dr . Hoffman served as PDA treasurer from 2007 to 2012 and as Tenth District trustee from 2003 to 2007 . He has been a delegate or an alternate delegate to PDA ’ s Annual Session since 1982 .
Dr . Hoffman said the PDA will continue to push to improve access to quality dental services for all Pennsylvanians . His term began during our efforts urging state lawmakers to reinstate funding for the Donated Dental Services ( DDS ) Program , which connects the state ’ s most vulnerable citizens with dentists who voluntarily treated their oral health needs . Recently , PDA achieved a significant victory on this issue with the agreement by the Corbett Administration and the General Assembly to appropriate the requested amount of $ 150,000 to the DDS program .
“ We understand the difficulties facing lawmakers as they try to provide vital public services and balance the state budget ,” Dr . Hoffman said . “ However , we feel that the oral health benefits delivered to patients in need by Donated Dental Services far outweigh the costs of operating this program .”
As a former professor , Dr . Hoffman understands the hardships facing young dentists , many of whom start their careers owing more than $ 200,000 in student debt .
PDA has supported efforts to increase the amount of student loan forgiveness under the Health Practitioner Student Loan Forgiveness program . Currently , the state program offers $ 64,000 in student loan reimbursements over four years for new dentists who agree to work in underserved areas . Dr . Hoffman said increasing the reimbursements would attract new dentists to Pennsylvania and improve access to dental services in areas in need .
Dr . Hoffman is a 1972 graduate of the Pitt dental school . He received his MEd ( Higher Education ) in 1982 and PhD ( Higher Education ) in 1988 , both from the University of Pittsburgh . He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists ( ICD ) and is currently Vice-Regent of USA-ICD District 3 . He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy . Dr . Hoffman has also gained Mastership status in the Academy of General Dentistry . He is a consultant to the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners , serving as an examiner . Additionally , he has been a consultant to the Commission on Dental Accreditation ( CODA ) since 1991 .
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