“ There truly are many , but I ’ ll just throw out a few . I suspect most PDA members now have a better grasp on how vital the roles of PDA and ADA are to the profession . The substantial experience with virtual platforms for communication , education , etc . have greatly expanded opportunities to engage , experience and share . The data supporting the effectiveness of infection control in dental offices may eventually increase public confidence above even pre-pandemic levels . And on a more societal level , I believe people will , in general , place greater value on social interaction , which may lead to stronger relationships and communities .”

Ward Blackwell , PDA Executive Director

“ I think that we as an organization and as individuals learned that we are resilient and can successfully pivot to triumph over adversity . We adapted old technologies and adopted new ones to get information out to our members in record time . We found new and innovative ways to provide CE through partnerships with state associations and have virtual meetings of all sorts . We also had the opportunity to form coalitions with other statewide dental organizations and the Deans of our three dental schools , something that will bear fruit in the years ahead . I also think that we now know more than ever how much it means to be able to gather together with one another , as we hunkered down and social distanced . I don ’ t think that any of us will take the chance to be together for granted ever again .”

Dr . Linda Himmelberger , ADA Third District Trustee

“ After my initial disappointment with the ADA ’ s recommendation to temporarily shut down , I am pleased that they now declared dentistry an essential profession . This has helped the PDAled coalition to have more fruitful conversations with the DOH and helped our legislators understand our role in healthcare . I ’ m also pleased that many dentists have volunteered to provide COVID-19 vaccines and this should lead to further legislation allowing vaccinations to be a permanent service we can provide for our patients .”

Dr . Charles Incalcaterra , PDA President 2019-2020

“ I feel COVID has shown us to not be so alone . We need interactions with others .”

Dr . James Mancini

“ Dental students trained under these circumstances will have the advantage of knowing enhanced infection control procedures as a ‘ normal ’ part of everyday dental practice . This is good for all health care .”

Dr . Michael Parenti

“ A strong membership gives us a loud voice and we need that loud voice to assure us to best be represented for all things relating to dentistry . It is my hope that more dentists will recognize what organized dentistry can do and we do it better especially with everyone participating even by just joining .”

— Dr . Jim Tauberg PDA President 2020-2021

MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 25