DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Dr . John F . Erhard III
ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
Each year PDA seeks annual award nominations from our district and local dental societies and the state ’ s dental school deans . Those nominations are considered and voted on by a committee of PDA ’ s five immediate past presidents .
The recipients of the 2023 PDA Distinguished Service Award and PDA Public Service Award received their honors on Saturday April 29 during the annual Business Meeting and Award Presentation .
Incoming president Dr . Richard Grossman presented Dr . Erhard with the Distinguished Service Award .
It is a privilege to present the PDA Distinguished Award to Dr . Jack Erhard .
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 . Jack ’ s exemplary service , leadership and dedication spanning a 50-year career certainly have done that and even more . Talk about a role model . He is someone you can look up to ; not just for young dentists but for all of us .
Third District president Dr . Darleen Oleski , in her nomination letter , described him as “ the personification of this award ” and said she could not imagine a more deserving individual .
Jack has truly elevated his profession and colleagues with 12 years of service on the State Board of Dentistry , including 6 years as chairman . He was instrumental in ensuring dentistry was able to re-open and continue to deliver care to our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 . His knowledge and influence proved vital in PDA ’ s discussions with state officials during that turbulent time and we are grateful for everything he did on our behalf .
He began his career in the United States Navy , serving as a Commanding Dental Officer . He then became a staff dentist at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot before working in his private practice in Moscow the last 48 years .
He is a former president of Scranton District Dental Society and Third District Dental Society , a former vice chair of PADPAC and member of the Government Relations Committee , as well as a longtime member of the PDA House of Delegates . He is an active examiner for Licensure CDCA-WREB-CITA and chair of its Pennsylvania Steering Committee . He is a member of the American Dental Examiners Board of Directors .
Jack has always been very active in his community , including work as a school dentist in North Pocono School District , a dental consultant for a nursing home , and a coordinator and volunteer for Jewish Family Services in Scranton . He has served a multitude of organizations , including the United Way , American Heart Association , Boy Scouts of America , St . Eulalia Church and numerous alumni organizations .
And one other thing … Jack was hit by lightning and survived ! So , keep that in mind .
Jack , it is with great pleasure that I present you with the 2023 PDA Distinguished Service Award .
14 JULY / AUGUST 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL