PDA 10 UNDER 10 AWARD WINNERS
Dr . Janine Burkhardt
Dr . Janine Burkhardt graduated from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry Summa Cum Laude in 2015 , and shortly after took on the role of Dental Director for Project HOME in Philadelphia . She assisted in expanding the dental department to nine operatories and opened an additional site located under the center city subway to serve the city ’ s homeless population . In addition to her work with Project HOME , Dr . Burkhardt serves as Philadelphia County Dental Society president , where she has been instrumental in launching a new website and invigorating PCDS ’ social media presence , revamping membership events and in bringing back Liberty Dental Conference after an 11-year hiatus .
“ I am honored to accept this award . I never imagined being President of the Philadelphia County Dental Society , let alone less than 10 years after graduation ,” Dr . Burkhardt said . “ Even in my career , I was given a role as Dental Director of a new FQHC shortly after graduation . I see every day through our PCDS board , as well as many of the 10 Under 10 new dentists , that age and years of experience are not a barrier . We accomplish great things , and even more so when we do them together !”
Dr . Kayla Klingensmith
Dr . Kayla Klingensmith graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016 , where she received not only her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry , but also her Master ’ s in Public Health . She completed a General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital ( where she continues as a volunteer attending dentist ). She has chaired PDA ’ s New Dentist Committee and now serves on ADA ’ s New Dentist Committee . Dr . Klingensmith was recently installed as the New Dentist Trustee on the PDA Board of Trustees .
“ I have been involved with organized dentistry even before I officially became a dentist , and the closest connections I have made have been at the state level . I have made friends and mentors that I call on when I need something dealing with a clinical or personal situation ,” Dr . Klingensmith said . “ I am honored to be recognized so early in my career . I really do encourage other younger dentists to get involved , even if it is just voting or sending out an action alert to your political representative . We are the future of organized dentistry , and with dentistry changing so much even in the last five years we need to keep things moving in a forward direction .”
Dr . Roopali Kulkarni
Dr . Roopali Kulkarni is an instructor in the Department of Oral Medicine at Penn Dental Medicine . She received her DMD from Penn Dental Medicine as well as her MPH from the Perelman School of Medicine in 2019 . Dr . Kulkarni serves as Assistant Director of the Oral Medicine Residency Program and has published peer-reviewed articles in medical and dental journals . She has leadership roles at all levels of organized dentistry , serving on the Board of Governors for Philadelphia County Dental Society , as New Dentist Committee chair for PDA , and as a national media spokesperson for ADA .
“ It is an honor to be awarded this honor alongside the other recipients who have all contributed to their communities and organized dentistry in inspirational ways ,” Dr . Kulkarni said . “ I believe in the power of a unified voice for our profession in organized dentistry in order to protect our patients and hope to continue contributing to the dental community through patient care , advocacy , education , research and service !”
26 MAY / JUNE 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL