MEET YOUR PDA PRESIDENT DR . CARY J . LIMBERAKIS
PDJ : Can you tell us about some of the ongoing initiatives that you want to see through during this year ?
Dr . Limberakis : In August , PDA will be hosting our second Family Vacation Dental Conference at the Hyatt Chesapeake in Cambridge , MD under the chairmanship of Dr . Maria Tacelosky . What better way to enjoy camaraderie , CE and fun in the sun . The venue is beautiful , the CE is germane , and the fellowship cannot be beat ! It may not occur during my tenure , but I have begun the planning stages of a Leadership Conference , with the theme Women in Leadership . The Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Committee , under the guidance of Dr . Renee Fennell , has accepted this charge and has begun strategizing . I would like the Membership Committee to target GPR and graduate students with programs that they would find beneficial in preparing for the real world and thus creating value for potential long-time members . Dr . Jay Freedman has been leading the charge for this initiative . Lastly , I feel the potential for our mobile app , PDA Go , is great , and its existing resources can be expanded even further . More on that soon !
PDJ : What is your leadership philosophy and style ? How do you approach a problem or an issue you want to solve ?
Dr . Limberakis : I believe in consensus but also believe that leadership is the art of achieving results through people . Hence , I seek opinions and advice and use my judgment and experience to make the right decisions .
PDJ : What do you believe are some of the issues that are going to drive PDA in both the short-term and the long- term future of the organization ?
Dr . Limberakis : One of the most common complaints from our membership regards insurance . I ’ m pleased to report that our advocacy team is making progress on that front . At the time of this writing , the Virtual Credit Card bill has just successfully passed the Pennsylvania Senate and is on its way to Gov . Shapiro for his signature . This will compel insurance carriers to give options to dentists in which manner they wish to be paid , and not making payments exclusively by credit cards that deceitfully carry fees , thereby lowering the full compensation to dentists . When Pennsylvania dentists see the wins we are accumulating on their behalf , PDA gains further credibility and that buzz word “ value ” in membership . Another more recent issue confronting us is the workforce shortage . To address this , we need to be proactive . One way to do this is for our leadership , and members alike , to be present at high school career fairs where we can advocate for our profession , at all levels , from administration to clinical , from chairside assistant to dentist specialist . Dr . Jim Mancini has been leading this initiative for us .
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 motivate them to continue their membership in organized dentistry ?
Dr . Limberakis : There is no other organization in the Commonwealth that advocates for all dentists except the PDA . A solitary voice is not heard in Harrisburg or Washington , but a collective one , with thousands of voices , cannot be ignored . For those who attended ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day , you saw advocacy in action . I urge everyone to sacrifice a day or two from the office and fight for your livelihood ; no one else will . I also hope to reinstitute Lobby Day in Harrisburg . Not only will our legislators see us talking the talk , but walking the walk , and in person ! I think existing members recognize why they maintain membership : the common bonds of working in the same “ trenches ,” the fellowship and camaraderie of face-to-face gatherings , whether it be social or educational , as well as the pursuit of self-improvement in all aspects of life .
34 JULY / AUGUST 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL