District Presidents
S P O T L I G H T
In 2023 we highlighted a group of valuable leaders who make a huge impact in our state as district presidents . We are continuing in this issue by featuring our current group of district presidents as they discuss what they believe are the most challenging issues facing dentistry as a profession as well as the most challenging issues facing organized dentistry .
[ Each district has its own set of officer bylaws , resulting in varying term dates and lengths throughout a leadership cycle .]
FIRST DISTRICT
Dr . Janine Burkhardt
Hygienist and assistant workforce shortages have created a significant challenge for dentistry as a profession . They are key staff for increasing the capacity of a dental practice to meet the oral health needs of communities . Dentists are having to increase pay and benefits to retain these essential team members in order to keep their practices running . Public health offices cannot compete , decreasing their capacity to provide oral health care to those most in need . As oral health is based on many socioeconomic factors , the largest burden of oral disease occurs with those who also have numerous barriers accessing these routine , essential dental services . Oral health becomes a luxury rather than a human right . This is a problem when oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being .
The biggest challenge in organized dentistry is membership . We are one strong unified voice in organized dentistry to advocate for the oral health of our patients and the needs of dental professionals . If we don ’ t maintain or increase our membership numbers , the power of that voice weakens .
12 MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL