My Story
I grew up in the small town of Girard , just west of Erie , and I have wanted to be a dentist for as long as I can remember . After graduating from high school , I enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh . After continuing my education at Pitt Dental School , I got bit by the orthodontics bug and decided to stay on for an extra three years in my residency program . I finished my residency in the middle of 2010 and returned home with a wife , two kids and a mountain of debt . I was nearly $ 400,000 in debt from dental school and my residency program , and I had worked out a quick transition with a retiring dentist to purchase his practice . This pushed my debt to over three quarters of a million dollars and I did not know anything about running a practice . I was very fortunate , because within my first week of being back in Erie , I got a call , from our Erie County Dental Association president , inviting me to a meeting . This eventually led to my commitment to organized dentistry .
I strongly encourage everyone to do whatever you can to support the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the Power of Three Initiative .
Even though I started my practice deep in debt , I was always committed to the ADA , PDA and local societies for many reasons . First and foremost , I feel like it is the right thing to do and our obligation to protect our fine profession . We all face many threats to our livelihood and the Power of Three ( ADA , PDA , and District ) help to protect us and keep our best interests in mind . I still feel like we have an obligation to contribute to all the great work that they do , even through not everything is aimed at all members at any given time . The PDA has a tough job of providing member benefits , even through everyone is at different levels of their work cycle .
The benefit that I took the biggest advantage of was networking at local events . I have made a lot of friends and mentors who have helped me with my practice and for that I am forever grateful . It is difficult being a new doctor in a single doctor practice . It is nice to have people who can help you avoid the potholes that I would have fallen into , if not for their mentorship . I had colleagues help me specifically with insurance reimbursement , budgeting and managing my profit and loss statement ( P & L ), as well as helping to control my overhead with advice on ordering clinical supplies . I also benefited from switching almost all my professional insurances to the insurance company owned by our association . My premium savings alone justified the price of membership . I am also a fan of the legislative advocacy that the PDA very effectively provides for us . I am happy that we have someone who is looking out for our best interest and counteracting the big insurance companies ’ lobbying efforts .
I receive the majority of my CE credits for re-licensure , as well as my Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting CE credits , from the PDA / local society events . Without PDA ’ s emails to alert me , I would not have been notified about the Section 1557 provision of the Affordable Care Act taking effect . The PDA helps to keep me educated about the latest techniques as well as keeping my finger on the pulse of any legislative changes . I know whenever I read PDA ’ s publications that I am going to learn something that will benefit my practice or my patients .
The PDA staff is fantastic and committed to helping member dentists succeed in all facets of dentistry . They are a resource that every member should take advantage of ; all you have to do is call them . I have been blown away by the concierge level of support that they give , and they have helped me a lot over the years . I wish that everyone took the time to review all of the practice management resources , such as the Center for Professional Success , on the ADA ’ s website . There are many unexplored resources available to ADA members that are waiting for you to use .
I have been committed to serving and protecting our profession since I graduated from my residency program . I have served in all positions at the local level and I am currently the chair of the PDA ’ s Membership Committee and the president of the Ninth District Dental Society representing Northwestern Pennsylvania . I have met so many people who volunteer their time and efforts to advancing our profession . I strongly encourage everyone to do whatever you can to support the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the Power of Three Initiative . I don ’ t expect everyone to become president of their local society , but do whatever you can : go to a meeting , mentor a new dentist , help with the Mom-n-PA dental mission . I think the most important step is – for every non-member or member whose membership has lapsed – to rejoin our organization . We are stronger together and able to accomplish so much more . Remember a rising tide lifts all boats .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Steve Iszkula and I grew up in the small town of Girard , Pennsylvania . I have wanted to be a dentist for as long as I can remember . Once I graduated from Girard High School , I continued my education at the University of Pittsburgh . I attend Pitt for 11 years , picking up Bachelors in Biological Science ( 2003 ), my DMD ( 2007 ) and my orthodontic degree ( 2010 ). I returned to Erie and joined the practice of Dr . Jack Utley . I am happily married to my high school sweetheart Jill and we have three amazing children Ben ( 8 ), Eli ( 6 ) and Ivy ( 4 ).
I have been involved in organized dentistry serving as the President of the Erie County Dental Association and currently the president of the Ninth District . I have also served on the Membership Committee of the PDA the last four years , including two as the Chair .
When I am not in the office treating patients , I enjoy spending time with my family , working out and reading .
MARCH / APRIL 2017 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 13