Meet Your PDA President Dr . Richard R . Grossman
PDJ : When you talk 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 . GROSSMAN : It ’ s time to turn the reigns of governance and leadership of the PDA to our younger more energetic members . My observation the last few years after getting to know our 21st century grads is they are smarter and more prepared for the information and technological revolution occurring in our daily lives . Our association has to harness this energy , and we are certainly making the effort in the establishment of our Leadership Academy .
I ’ m reminded of a story about a man who woke up one morning , had his coffee and read the paper . He was taken aback by the obituary section he was reading . By happenstance it was his own obit ! He found it upsetting because he was reading about his own life ’ s work with regard to inventing weapons of war . That day he had an epiphany to change his life . He devoted his energy the rest of his life to promoting world peace . His name was Alfred B . Nobel , founder of the Nobel Prize . The message in my mind is it ’ s never too late in one ’ s career to get involved and lend a hand in improving our profession . I can ’ t think of a better way than to step up and be heard by volunteering in PDA and ADA pursuits . Just like the Marines advertisement , WE ARE LOOKING FOR AFEW GOOD DENTISTS !
PDJ : Following up on that , volunteer engagement is ongoing challenge . What is your message to members about getting more involved in their local society , their district and statewide with PDA ?
DR . GROSSMAN : My hope is that the proceeding generation of dentists can appreciate what a great opportunity they have unfolding in front of them if they get involved and don ’ t wait for cataclysmic events and outside forces to determine how our profession functions .
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 . GROSSMAN : One of my most gratifying pursuits is my involvement in our local Volunteers in Medicine dental clinic in Wilkes-Barre . We started seeing patients in 2011 and I donate time my afternoons off from my practice . We treat the working non-insured people who live paycheck to paycheck . Many are immigrants just like our grandparents were . I can ’ t express the gratitude I receive from helping to alleviate pain and educate them with regard to their oral health .
Many mentors throughout my life instilled in me the importance of giving back . My parents encouraged me to sit in front and not the back , if you catch my drift . When I attended Georgetown I was infused with the Jesuit philosophy of treating the whole person with respect that is due them . So here I am at this point in my dental life trying to lead by example , not expecting anyone else to do what I myself wouldn ’ t want to do . I have been blessed with a wonderful family and profession . I am grateful for what life has provided for me .
PDJ : What do you like to do for fun ? And can you tell us a few fun facts or maybe share some things about yourself that most people don ’ t know ?
DR . GROSSMAN : Here is a story about me that some of you don ’ t know . For our Phillies fans out there , I was attending a Scranton / Wilkes-Barre Red Barons game over 20 years ago and Jimmy Rollins stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the 5th inning . They had a contest had gone on for about 15 years and no one had ever one . I had the lucky ticket when Rollins hit the grand slam and I won a Toyota Siena .
PDJ : What are some of your reflections from these early weeks of your presidential term ?
DR . GROSSMAN : I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of my fellow PDA members for electing me to this lofty position as your president . I hope you don ’ t have buyer ’ s remorse . Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support .
20 JULY / AUGUST 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL