OUR 2016-2017 PRESIDENT
Herbert L. Ray Jr., DMD
Herbert L. Ray Jr., DMD was installed as the Pennsylvania
Dental Association’s president for 2016-2017 in April.
Dr. Ray is Chair of the Endodontic Department and Director of the
Endodontic Residency program at the University of Pittsburgh School
of Dental Medicine, positions he has held since 2010. Dr. Ray previously
had a private endodontics practice in Lower Burrell, Greensburg and
Indiana, Pa., from 1990-2010.
Prior to his election as PDA president-elect in 2015, Dr. Ray served on
PDA’s Board of Trustees, representing the Tenth District from 2011-2015.
Like all recent PDA leaders, Dr. Ray is cognizant of the significant challenges
facing our state and is taking the lead to shape a new direction for this
organization.
“My biggest concern is one that has been shared my most of my
predecessors, and that is declining membership,” Dr. Ray said. “What
I hope to accomplish is to instill a sense of relevance that the PDA
has in the practice of dentistry in the commonwealth.”
Our voice is only heard when
we speak as a unified group.
Our relevance is only felt when
we speak as a majority voice.”
“The focus of this effort will be publically challenging the actions of the
insurance industry through the legislators and insurance commissioner,”
he added. “I hope to communicate with our grassroots that their voices
are being heard and actions are being taken on their behalf. My hope
is that a very public and transparent stance against insurance practices
that are negatively impacting the care of our patients in the commonwealth
and are creating an environment that discourages new dentists from staying
in state to practice will inspire dentists to join organized dentistry.
“Our voice is only heard when we speak as a unified group. Our relevance
is only felt when we speak as a majority voice.”
Dr. Ray is a graduate of Westminster College and the Temple University
School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine
and his Certificate in Endodontics.
He maintains membership in many dental organizations; in addition
to ADA, PDA and the Odontology Society of Western Pennsylvania,
he is a member of the American Association of Endodontics and the
American Board of Endodontics. He is a widely published author in books
and peer reviewed journals as well as more than a dozen abstracts and
oral presentations. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontists
and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.
26
J U LY / A U G 2 0 1 6 | P E N N S Y LVA N I A D E N TA L J O U R N A L