“ What I learned may be a bit atypical , as many of the adversities caused by the pandemic had parallels in the natural disasters ( hurricanes , etc .), through which I ’ ve been . One thing I did learn as the pandemic-related restrictions dragged on with no end in sight for months , is that I was better able to cope with frustration than I would have expected in most respects . Maybe this was because the pandemic , unlike a natural disaster , is indiscriminate and literally everyone was affected in some way ? At the same time , the relative novelty of the types of adversities we all faced made it that much easier for me to empathize with people who had difficulty with their frustration .”

Ward Blackwell , PDA Executive Director

“ That I am tenacious , fearless and resilient , able to look adversity squarely in the face and fight back for the sake of the profession and the people to whom I have devoted all of my adult life .”

Dr . Linda Himmelberger , ADA Third District Trustee

“ I ’ ve learned that I can be resilient , and that my staff and I are part of an essential profession that is appreciated by our patients . I ’ ve also learned to reject the suggestion that we are in a ‘ new normal .’ There is nothing normal about keeping ourselves isolated or hidden by masks . It was only a temporary necessity .”

Dr . Charles Incalcaterra , PDA President 2019-2020

“ I learned to appreciate the people I interact with in my life . Seeing the devastation that COVID caused in people ’ s life was sobering .”

Dr . James Mancini

“ I need to focus more on personal things that I CAN control rather than circumstances over which I have no control . Family has become more important than ever .”

Dr . Michael Parenti

“ You have to keep going forward no matter what happens . Take the information and do your best to sift through it for some truth , and then to try and keep a positive attitude in the face of the complete unknown .”

Dr . Steve Radack , Editor

“ I ’ ve discovered that difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic demand your best efforts , bringing all your experiences , learning , leadership together for positive results .”

Dr . Peter Ross , President , Pennsylvania Academy of Pediatric Dentistry ( PAPD )

“ The most significant lesson that I learned about myself during the pandemic is that , although I cannot change what is impacting me , I can change how I react to it and push through challenges and remain positive when facing adversity .”

Linda Straub-Bruce , RDH , BSEd , PHDHP , President , Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists ’ Association

“ Staying positive and encouraging friends , family , neighbors , patients and colleagues to do the same . In a time of pandemic-based sadness , my strong genuine support of others led to the promise of better days ahead .”

Dr . James Tauberg , PDA President 2020-2021

“ I have learned that I am a long-distance runner , dealing with adversity both in my practice and my personal life .”

Dr . David Tecosky