As we compiled and polished the pieces for this special edition of the PDJ , and thought about the many extraordinary individuals who have made their impact on the dental profession and their colleagues , we thought it appropriate to have Dr . Nancy Rosenthal , our immediate past president , set the stage with some of her own personal reflections . As referenced on page 5 , Dr . Rosenthal is only the third woman to lead PDA as president ( Dr . Linda Himmelberger 2006-07 and Dr . Kay Thompson 1989-90 ).
“ A really strong woman accepts the war she went through and is enabled by the scars .”
– Carly Simon
I
am inspired and very optimistic for the future of dentistry when I interact with the women dentists doing great things in our profession . I am proud to be a mentor for colleagues who can benefit from my experiences , and to encourage and strengthen their leadership , confidence and enthusiasm . Creating opportunities for leadership and supporting women dentists for various pathways and journeys has been an unanticipated bonus to my career . An important lesson is to expect the unexpected and grow from the change that challenges create .
Dental school and practicing dentistry shaped my life and defined who I am . I am extremely fortunate to fulfill my dream from age 12 to be a licensed dentist . I began this journey when the women ’ s rights movement was also beginning . This was not a popular choice among my peer group , but the rewards outweighed the lack of support and understanding in those different times . When my decision to run for president of the PDA was finalized , I didn ’ t even realize that if elected I would be just the third woman to have that role in Pennsylvania in nearly 160 years . I am proud to be the first one who is a Kornberg School of Dentistry graduate .
I have always strived to be as a good , compassionate dentist who put her patients first .
In closing , as this journal shares the decisions , journeys , challenges and triumphs of women , I share a quote from the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020 :
“ There is no limit to what we , as women , can accomplish . Women belong in all places where decisions are being made . It shouldn ’ t be the exception .”
– Nancy Rosenthal , DDS President 2022-23
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 13