Get to Know Your PDA Board of Trustees
David Schimmel, DMD
Seventh District 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 grew up?
When I was younger, I disliked going to the dentist. I wanted to play for the New York Yankees. After reality set in, I made the decision that I wanted to work in a health care field that would help decrease the fears and the stigmas about dentistry for the next generation.
What motivated you to pursue a career in organized dentistry?
When I first started in practice I was busy getting the office going and raising my small children. I realized that organized dentistry was important but it would have to wait until I had more time to dedicate to this important cause.
When and where did you attend dental school?
I attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. I did enjoy dental school and I am very thankful for my time there. Go Pitt!
Where do you currently practice?
I have a solo general practice in State College. It has been a great place to practice and raise a family. The patients value their overall health here and the academic atmosphere of the university brings diversity to my practice.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing dentistry as a profession?
Intrusion into the doctor patient relationship. Mostly insurance issues, but also regulatory statutes that are meant to help.
What do you believe is the most challenging issue facing organized dentistry?
Membership has been declining locally and nationally. Nonmembers are not aware of all the work that is being done for the profession on many fronts, including government relations, insurance and regulations, to name a few. It is easy to take this for granted. I would not want to find out what would happen if our voice, as a group, went away.
What do you think is the single greatest achievement in dentistry over the past 150 years of PDA’ s history?
Bringing dentistry to a new level of professionalism.
Dr. Schimmel’ s story, in his own words
I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. Hence why I am a lifelong Yankee fan and my childhood ambition was to play for them. I have one sister who is a mental health counselor in Pittsburgh. I have been happily married to my best friend, Joanne for over 30 years. We have two sons, Joshua, 24, who is an engineer for Delta Airlines and a part time employee of the Atlanta Falcons. Daniel, 22, just graduated from the Berklee College of Music and is moving to Nashville to begin his music career. Anyone who has connections in the music industry there please let me know.
In my spare time I like to garden, read, play a poor game of tennis and go for hikes with my wife. In my community I was involved in coaching little league, cub scout den leader and serving on the troop committee. I have served on the local hospital’ s head and neck tumor board since its inception. I also volunteer with Centre Volunteers in Medicine.
Name some fun / interesting things about yourself that others would be surprised to learn. I love to travel. Fortunately our son works for a major airline and his mother and I can now fly more frequently. I was a Boy Scout leader for many years, but I was surprised that not one scout ever attempted the dentistry merit badge. The stickball I played in the streets of New York actually came in handy when coaching little league.
Who was your greatest role model? My father. He taught me to work hard to achieve my goals, that you should never give up.
What famous person would you most like to spend a day with? I would like to spend some time with Albert Einstein understand how he approached problem solving techniques.
28 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL