Dr. McKenzie’ s personal story
Get to Know Your PDA Board of Trustees
Dr. Craig McKenzie, New Dentist Trustee
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist when you were younger? If not, what did you want to be when you were growing up?
My mom is a nurse, so growing up I knew I wanted to go into healthcare, but I also thought about being a teacher. I considered medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. In retrospect, I guess I found the intersection of those professions in dental anesthesiology. And found my role as a teacher in academia!
When and where did you attend dental school?
I attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Where do you currently practice?
I’ m full time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. I work with our anesthesia residents and dental students. My practice is focused on adults with special needs and pediatrics but I also see a good amount of oral surgery.
What motivated you to become involved in organized dentistry?
If dentists don’ t advocate for themselves and protect our patients and the profession, outside entities will dictate how we practice. Organized dentistry is my professional practice insurance.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession?
It’ s expensive to educate a dentist, resulting in increasing dental school tuition. This, coupled with recent restrictions in federal borrowing, I fear will make dentistry a profession only for the wealthy to enter or force students into borrowing from predatory private lenders.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry?
Dental insurance companies dictating treatment and failing to fairly reimburse to allow for optimum oral health while giving their CEOs milliondollar bonuses.
Dr. McKenzie’ s personal story
Dr. McKenzie grew up outside of Washington, DC, in the suburb of McLean, Va. He is an only child.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What community activities are you involved in?
I really enjoy traveling. Last summer I was in Europe for six weeks, and I plan to spend a month in Europe over the holidays. I was also recently SCUBA certified and plan to spend a week in the Keys to dive.
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn
I was born in Australia and hold dual citizenship. I completed a dual degree in education during dental school. I prefer Apple to PCs.
Who was your greatest role model?
Probably my mom. She is a nurse and inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with?
If he was still alive, I think it would be fun to spend a day with Steve Irwin to explore the wild side of nature.
Dr. McKenzie said,“ I’ d encourage people to consider a career in academia! Even a couple days a month can help train the next generation of dentists. Part time faculty are especially valuable, as they can teach a lot of‘ real life’ lessons.”
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 13