Meet Your PDA President Dr. James A. Tauberg
Dr. Tauberg and his wife with award-winning Pittsburgh
chefs at the Regional Chefs Competition.
Just waxing poetic about a good
California wine.
Dr. Tauberg and his wife Cindy at Shafer Vineyard in Napa, Calif.,
pre-ADA meeting in 2019.
The messages to spread understanding are more important in our
day and time and the future we want to live in. We need to take the
unique characteristics that each one of us brings and mold it to a
cohesive message that celebrates how special and different we are
but also acknowledges how we can come together for the best for
our profession.
This creates value. Of course, there are the basic values of leadership
that are needed to make your profession the best it can be and not
just live on the coattails of others’ hard work. WE need to show that
diverse membership numbers provide the clout we need to be the
voice, not just as individuals, but to continue together as a success
in our profession.
Through our contacts with the American Dental Association and
our local constituents, we can inform and grow our value, adding
more benefits as we go. The PDA is the number one dental member
organization in Pennsylvania and like the old Aesop’s fable, the
more together, the stronger we are and the more value we can be.
PDJ: Advocacy has always been a strength for the PDA.
The last few months have forced us to focus on many
intermediate and urgent pandemic-related issues, but in
the coming months, how will you work to keep getting
our message out to policy makers?
DR. TAUBERG: The work for advocacy is never done. We are
constantly looking at issues and new ideas that can be of benefit to
the dentists in Pennsylvania. Working with our Board of Trustees, our
Council of Presidents, the Government Relations Committee and
our wonderful lobbyists, we have the capability of getting our
messages to the legislators and senators.
When able, whether it’s through virtual means or that rare COVID
era occasional face-to-face opportunity, we will be pressing forward
with an agenda that seeks to make our lives as dentists just a bit
more comfortable.
PDJ: When you are talking with colleagues – what are you
telling them about why it is important to join PDA – and
for those who are already members – how do you think
you can get them more active in organized dentistry?
DR. TAUBERG: One of the silver linings to the current pandemic
was the need to have our profession represented by a large voice.
As the largest professional dental organization by numbers, dentists
in Pennsylvania saw how the power of organized dentistry can be
utilized to make progress. If it was not for the PDA taking the lead
with our coalition of dental stakeholders, it may have been a
different world for all of us. The importance of a powerful voice
could have never been more obvious. Most dentists saw this and
were very appreciative of the efforts.
We hope to be responsive to the students and residents in Pennsylvania
and encourage them to go to local meetings online or in person.
Nothing beats a culture that is welcoming and wants your input.
The PDA is that kind of an organization.
As far as getting more actively involved that is a bit more difficult.
Giving back comes from the heart. Especially today with a
pandemic going on, it’s increasingly difficult to take time from your
practice and personal life to want to play a part in your profession.
The key is not to jump in with both feet initially. Take a small bite,
become active in a local or district branch, go on the PDA mobile
app and ask your fellow dentists questions, volunteer for a PDA
committee or task force, even just pay your dues and be part of
the numbers that give us clout as an organization.
No other dental organization in PA has that influence in politics
and business.
PDJ: What have you learned about yourself during these
early weeks of your presidential term?
DR. TAUBERG: I have learned a greater humility, to accept all
voices negative and positive, and to learn from these voices rather
than to take issue with them. In addition, I have learned to trust
my fellow leaders and the PDA staff for their expertise and advice.
I could never take this kind of leadership role without accepting
help from others. I do a lot of reading and preparing along with
taking the time to just talk and listen. I look forward to giving my
time and effort to the PDA and to the profession I love. It is about
giving back to your profession and not just taking from what
others do on your behalf.
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JULY/AUGUST 2020 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL