PDA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
DR . STEPHEN T . RADACK III
Outgoing president Dr . Gary Davis presented Dr . Radack with the Distinguished Service Award .
It is a privilege to present the 2022 PDA Distinguished Service Award to Dr . Stephen T . Radack III .
Each year , the Annual Awards Committee selects a member whose contribution of time and effort to PDA has been exceptionally significant , whose achievements and high standards have aided and advanced the science and art of dentistry or whose public life and activities have been of such a nature as to reflect great credit upon the profession .
Steve clearly embodies these qualities . His extraordinary service to , and leadership within , the dental profession has made such a tremendous impact over the last 36 years . Through the decades , he continues to find new ways to enhance our mission .
What began with his dedication to the Erie County Dental Association and Ninth District Dental Society , where he served as president in 1995 , grew with his service to PDA , where he capably filled so many roles – a delegate , a trustee , then treasurer and president . Nationally , he represented PDA on a multitude of ADA commissions , councils , and committees while also serving in the ADA House of Delegates since 1994 .
Demonstrating his knack for always finding new ways to keep leading the way , when his term as PDA president concluded in 2015 , Dr . Radack soon took on the role of associate editor of the Pennsylvania Journal ( PDJ ) in the same year . He took the reins as PDJ editor soon after , serving as editor of the publication since 2016 . At the same time he has remained instrumental to his local and district organizations , working to engage newer members .
Also a strong supporter of his community , Dr . Radack volunteered for many years at the St . Paul ’ s Neighborhood Free Clinic and has also been a Dental Lifeline Network provider . As a part-time faculty member at LECOM School of Dental Medicine , Dr . Radack has invested in the future of the profession , taking the time to mentor students and introduce them to the benefits of organized dentistry .
PDA is proud to recognize Steve ’ s boundless contributions , and it is with great pleasure that I present you with the 2022 PDA Distinguished Service Award .
Congratulations !
Dr . Radack ’ s acceptance speech :
Thanks so much . First I want to thank my trustee Dr . Marian Wolford for nominating me for this award . I also want to thank the Nominating Committee for selecting me . I have served on that committee and know how challenging it is every year selecting just one person from all the worthy nominations .
No one gets to this place alone and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve my local Erie County Dental Association as well as the Ninth District Dental Society that all started when I was asked to be treasurer and program chair of the ECDA way back in 1989 . I would not be here however without the PDA and the many opportunities I have been given to serve this association .
From council and committee member to delegate at our former house to trustee , treasurer ( including a couple years as both ), vice president , PDAIS board member and treasurer , then ultimately PDA president and now unexpectedly the editor of the PDJ for the last six years . I have enjoyed every minute of it and especially the time spent with our awesome staff and the volunteers I have served with , many of whom are now lifelong friends .
And finally I would not be standing here without the love and support of my wife Mary and our daughters Cassie and Stephanie . Mary always allowed me to take the time away from our family to do what I have been doing during my 36 years in organized dentistry-feeding my hunger to always be in the know and try to effect change . Thank you all again ! Congratulations to all the other winners tonight and to the former presidents who finally were able to receive recognition for their outstanding service .
22 JULY / AUGUST 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL