MEET YOUR PDA PRESIDENT
Dr . Nancy R . Rosenthal
PDJ : Can you tell us about some of the initiatives that you want to see through during this year ?
DR . ROSENTHAL : There are two areas , in particular . The first is that I want the PDA to be perceived as an organization where you can have continuing education . We currently offer a variety of continuing education opportunities for members , but it ’ s my hope that more folks will take advantage of those . Part of making that happen is on us . Perception goes a long way , and we need current members and potential ones to see the PDA as a go-to for courses and workshops .
The second area is simpler , but no less important . I want members to be able to be with their peers and have fun . With COVID-19 and the instability of the last couple of years , we had less opportunities to engage with each other in-person . As with every other area of life , cultivating meaningful relationships is essential . My belief is that you are more likely to attend a PDA event , participate in an advocacy day , or join a dental mission if your friends are also doing so .
PDJ : What is your leadership style ? How do you approach a problem or an issue you want to solve ?
DR . ROSENTHAL : I would say my leadership style can be summed up as “ democratic .” My aim is to be very collaborative when approaching a problem . If there ’ s a problem or hang up , what I will usually do is evaluate it , first , then analyze both sides to get a good sense of everything . If the impacts of the pending decision are substantial , I will bring in either Executive Committee or the full Board of Trustees to provide input . The last thing I want is to be an autocrat !
To use a football analogy , I view the Board of Trustees as my offensive line – the only way to move the ball forward and score touchdowns is to function as a unit . Without them participating , I ( or any other PDA president ) would be ineffective as a leader .
PDJ : Can you discuss some of the issues – whether membership-related or others – that are going to drive PDA and the long- term future of the organization ?
DR . ROSENTHAL : The short answer : our engagement with the next generations . I look at this as a huge challenge . Through my term as president , I want to make sure that we engage with millennials and those who are part of Gen X in a meaningful way . If we draw on their ideas we can then tailor the future of the PDA to them . This will ensure a durable , long-term future for the organization and it ’ s the best thing I can leave behind , in terms of legacy .
PDJ : In the area of advocacy , how will you work to keep getting PDA ’ s message out to policy makers ?
DR . ROSENTHAL : Each state legislator has a group of constituents they ’ re responsible for representing in Harrisburg , and my goal is to have a dental liaison in each of their districts . Having a liaison would achieve two objectives : more PDA members will be engaged in state advocacy and it will also mean legislators will be hearing more from PDA members in their home districts .
PDJ : Giving back to community and charitable efforts have been very important to you . Could you discuss how you have gotten involved in many of these efforts and how you influence your colleagues and peers to get involved ?
DR . ROSENTHAL : This August we will be having our annual Mission of Mercy in Pittsburgh , and it will mark my 18 th time participating . Over the course of that time , we have served thousands upon thousands of people who lack dental care , and it has truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my career . My professional focus has shifted to really trying to give back to the community . For me , the legacy I leave behind won ’ t be getting elected president of the PDA or owning a dental practice . Rather , it will be the people I was able to help along the way - veterans or those who are poverty-stricken and are in need .
Dr . Rosenthal and PDA 2021-22 president Dr . Gary Davis at the Board of Trustees ’ Dinner and Awards Presentation in April .
18 JULY / AUGUST 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL