Gratitude for A Life in Dentistry
By Samantha Abod , DMD
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr . Samantha Abod represents the Third District on the PDA Board of Trustees . She represents PDA as a Delegate to American Dental Association House of Delegates . Dr . Abod is a former President of the Third District and Scranton District Dental Society . She is a 2005 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and received her certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Pitt in 2008 .
Aren ’ t we lucky ? Some would even call us blessed . We are fortunate enough as dental professionals to utilize our science , art and skill to bring health to our communities . We can be owners or employees ; we set the terms and we design our own path ! We are strong and empowered healthcare professionals ; we have a high degree of autonomy and respect and we earn a reasonable wage to support our families .
Don ’ t get me wrong . I don ’ t wear rose-colored glasses and believe that everything in dentistry is sunshine and rainbows , but we really do have opportunities to utilize our educational training and logic to help our friends , our families and our profession . We can debate unreasonable insurance regulations and reimbursements , we can lobby against unfair practices and we can advocate for ourselves because of the good work we provide ; we are truly fortunate to be able to do those things through the ADA , PDA and local dental societies who not only recognize our value but also celebrate our success .
Like most of you , I knew I wanted to be a dentist from a young age and always worked my way toward that goal . As a young girl growing up in the 80s , my parents told me I could be anything I wanted as long as I worked hard enough . Because of the love and support of my family , friends and school , in my mind , nothing would stop me from achieving my goals .
A short 30 years later … I am an orthodontist and owner of Orthodontics Unlimited , a busy five location practice in the Northeast region of Pennsylvania with successes and struggles just like all of you . I acquired this practice from two of the greatest orthodontists I have ever known , Dr . J . Anthony Quinn and Dr . John Mariotti . From day one , they showed me a welcoming continued educational experience in orthodontics and business . I was put into contact with Dr . Mariotti following a local dental society meeting ; one may say that these connections are some of the best features of organized dentistry ! I have found some of my most cherished friends through my local dental community ; Luzerne County Dental Society , Scranton District Dental Society and our Third District Dental Society . There is no doubt in my mind that without the relationships I have made through these organizations , I would not be in this space now .
I ’ m also your Third District trustee , a wife , a mother of two small humans ( Eulina 12 and Michael 11 ), a daughter , a sister , a friend , a confidant , and a vulnerable human . The daily circus , known as our life , would not be possible without the strong team that my husband , Bryan , and I are trying to build . It ’ s not easy in a post-pandemic world , where quality team members are scarce and burnout is a real thing . It ’ s such a tough day when some employees bring their A game to the table and others struggle to maintain a decent work ethic . It ’ s real , it happens , and we need to help our teammates realize how lucky we all are to be working , rather than commiserating about the problem du jour .
Like many of you , I have been grappling with a work life balance that I did not anticipate . I can ’ t help but think that sometimes we just work to maintain status quo so as not to be disruptive , but where is the fun , excitement and growth potential ? We are responsible for our patients , our employees , our families , our student loans and practice debts ; it ’ s a lot !
24 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL