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KNOW YOUR PDA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DR . ERIC SHIRLEY
Fifth 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 ? Yes , I decided to pursue dentistry in ninth grade after taking a test for occupational compatibility , and never changed my mind . Before that computer science was my main interest .
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry ? My father was a high school principal , and he was always involved in his education organizations . I have always felt an obligation to serve .
When and where did you attend dental school ? University Of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine , class of 1991 .
Where do you currently practice ? 4002 Linglestown Road in Harrisburg .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? Keeping up with the technological advancements and effectively and safely integrating artificial intelligence ( AI ) into dentistry .
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? Replacing current leadership with the future leaders of tomorrow and growing membership .
DR . SHIRLEY ’ S PERSONAL STORY
Dr . Shirley grew up in western Pennsylvania , 30 miles east of Pittsburgh in Latrobe . He has three siblings . Todd ( 56 ) is a mechanical engineer in the power plant sector , Charlotte , NC . Scott ( 54 ) is a high school principal at Somerset High School in Somerset , Pa . Beth ( 48 ) is a high school principal at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf ( WPSD ).
He and Leigh have been happily married since 1990 . She went to Pitt Pharmacy ( Class of 1990 ) and is the Director of Pharmacy for the Giant Company .
Their son Dan ( 31 ) is an Oral Surgery resident at Emory in Atlanta , Ga . Dan is married to Victoria , who is a dentist , and they share a son Bennett ( born 6 / 2023 ).
Their daughter Lauren ( 30 ) is a Clinical Pharmacist in pain management at the Washington DC VA and her husband James is a mechanical engineer . They have a daughter Nora ( born 10 / 2022 ).
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ? Skiing , Flyfishing , Travel , Pitt football , Pitt basketball , Steelers football , Penguins Hockey .
What community activities are you involved in ? Active in local dental society and study clubs , as well as Harrisburg Smiles volunteer ; former ice hockey player and coach , former youth soccer coach , former church council member .
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn .
• Have been to 44 Dave Matthews Band Shows ; goal is to attend 50 before they stop touring . Planning to attend 2 shows in 2024 in Camden , NJ .
• Started playing ice hockey at age 35 , playing 4 nights a week for 10 years , before I was medically retired ( neck issues ).
• Used to help guide whitewater kayaking trips in the summer .
• Play spades several nights week in a league with my wife ’ s family ; that has been ongoing since 1993 .
• Worked as a lifeguard at Arnold Palmer ’ s Country Club in Latrobe , Pa .
Who was your greatest role model ? My father .
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with ? Elon Musk .
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
20 MARCH / APRIL 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL