“ As President of PDA during the pandemic , this was one of the most taxing times for our profession . The PDA leadership – officers , board and staff – accomplished quite a bit during that year , including the development of a new strategic plan , a successful PDA Congress , major upgrades to the PDA headquarters , negotiations for the sale of Bell Insurance Agency , increased communication with the explosion in use of the PDA Go app , and ultimately , the selection of our new Executive Director . The pandemic and the fight for our rights was the height of challenges for our members . I am extremely proud of all who contributed to our success . “

— Dr . Charles Incalcaterra , PDA President 2019-2020

“ The unknown and constant changing of what we heard . Being out of the office for almost three months was challenging , especially knowing there were patients who needed dentistry . Also not being able to travel at will to see loved ones .”

Dr . Steve Radack , Editor

“ When the COVID-19 quarantine hit in March , 2020 , the Pennsylvania Department of Health ( DOH ) decided to shut down PA dentistry . Our organization , Pennsylvania Academy of Pediatric Dentistry ( PAPD ), rallied together for PA pediatric dental patients . We joined other groups with similar concerns like the PDA , PAGD , with other dental groups , and established communications with DOH to open dentistry on a limited emergency basis , and helped institute those protocols recommended by CDC for dental care . If organized dentistry hadn ’ t intervened with the DOH , I ’ m sure we can speculate what would collectively happen to our patients with dental disease in PA .”

Dr . Peter Ross , President , PAPD

“ The tremendous amount of change that occurred in a short period of time , that seemingly impacted all aspects of life , was definitely the toughest part of this past year . As a practice manager , for the first time in my career , I had to close the doors and halt access to care , furlough staff members and navigate the devastating impact on a small business alongside our practice owner . Upon reopening , there were many challenges to face during a time of great uncertainty and so very many unknowns . As the President of the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists ’ Association ( PDHA ), I needed to rapidly pivot with our leadership team to represent our members and profession to meet their needs , keep abreast with the everchanging flow of information and guidance and keep our members informed with vetted information and shift live events to virtual platforms . Personally , I experienced the same upheaval that so many of us did – my teenage son shifting to remote learning , social isolation , uncertainty and care of a loved one that is still to this day struggling physically with recovering from COVID-19 .”

Linda Straub-Bruce , RDH , BSEd , PHDHP , President , PDHA

“ For me there was multiple tough parts . As the pandemic President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association , we had to make sure our members were provided for by our actions and communications . It was a never-ending process and even continues today , though others now have taken the lead . The other tough areas were getting my practice up and running with all the proper COVID-based needs to be safe and provide best care practices . That was time consuming and had a financial undertone . Lastly , and the toughest part was the lack of socialization with my friends , colleagues and most important my family who were outside my immediate household . It was quite a year .”

Dr . James Tauberg , PDA President 2020-2021

“ The toughest change was the new infection control policies and the need to wear so much PPE .”

Dr . David Tecosky

18 MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL