FIFTH DISTRICT
Dr . Craig Pate
As a general practice residency director , I have discovered there are two challenging issues facing dentistry today . First , vulnerable populations are not receiving care in a timely manner . Secondly my residents are stressed with large student loan debt . This is affecting recent dental graduates ’ willingness to treat this population thus compounding the problem .
When I speak to my residents , I often discover they do not know the value of being a member in organized dentistry . This is impacting recruitment of young dentists , which is essential to the long-term success of the ADA .
SIXTH DISTRICT
Dr . Julie Barna ( Secretary )
The most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession ? The most challenging issue facing organized dentistry ? I was asked to answer these two questions , but perhaps the answers are the same , because the question is the same .
Over the last 20 years , and especially in the last 5 , the work force has changed , from the dentist to the hygienist and assistants , to the front desk and support staff . Dentistry has changed for many from a lifelong profession to an 8 to 5 job . No longer are after work meetings popular ; everyone wants to go home to their family and friends . It does not matter if the dinner and CE are free or the speaker is interesting .
So what does organized dentistry have to offer that the average dentist cannot find somewhere else ? It used to be that we all strived for excellence ; now perhaps we settle for average . I have recently retired from 43 years of private practice , so perhaps I am not the right person to ask . I do know that I am still a patient and I want MY dentist to be excellent and not just average . Maybe how we define excellence has changed ? Perhaps , but I do know that if we surround ourselves with the best and the brightest , we can ’ t help but win . That is what I have found in organized dentistry ; that is why I was a member from the day I graduated from dental school until the day I retired .
MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 15