DR . RENEE FENNELL
First District
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist when you were younger ? If not , what did you want to be when you grew up ? I ’ m a legacy , and actually grew up playing in my father ’ s ( Dr . Perry C . Fennell Jr .) office . However , it wasn ’ t until I spent six years as a registered nurse that I decided to go to dental school to work with my father in his private practice .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? Networking and mentorship . I started my journey in organized dentistry with the National Dental Association ( NDA ), where I served as a delegate . While serving as president of the local chapter , New Era Dental Society ( NEDS ), we invited leaders from Philadelphia County Dental Society ( PCDS ) to a general meeting to “ strengthen our alliances .” They in turn invited me to testify for the “ safety of amalgam use ” before the Board of Health and then nominated me for a seat on the Board of Governors . The journey continues . My career is enhanced by participation with organized dentistry : the ADA , PDA , PCDS , NDA , NEDS and the Hispanic Dental Association
When and where did you attend dental school ? I graduated from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in 1993 .
Where do you currently practice ? Currently , I am transitioning from private practice in Philadelphia to academia and I love it .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? I believe that dentistry has many challenging issues , including access to oral health care , cost of dental education and third-party economic models . I find solace that organized dentistry is addressing these issues .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Transformation from a homogeneous system into new , relevant model serving all members and the public .
DR . FENNELL ’ S PERSONAL STORY
Dr . Fennell grew up in Philadelphia in the Oak Lane section . She has one sibling , her sister Denise Fennell Adams .
She is grateful to be married to Mack Abdul Lateef , who is a big support system for her and her career .
Dr . Fennell has a son , Kareem Adham , and daughter , Safiyah Adham , who is married to Anthony Sanders . Safiyah and Anthony are the parents of her granddaughter , 7 month old Idris Sanders .
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ? I really enjoy my new grandbaby , crafting and traveling with my family .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn . I ’ m pretty much into my family . I ’ m proud to be a Certified HeartMath Healthcare Professional .
Who was your greatest role model ? My role models are my parents , Perry and Gloria Fennell , Jr . I learned my love for dentistry from my father and my compassion for humanity from my Mom .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? I ’ d love to spend the day with Michelle Obama .
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 19