PDA 150TH ANNIVERSARY
week before departing on his trip he
stopped seeing most patients because
he wanted to assure that there were no
patient issues left unresolved. There
were some procedures he would not do
for two weeks prior and even some he
would not do a whole month before the
trip. I had never thought of this additional
burden that some people were willing
to accept so that they could help the
less fortunate.
Every one of those interviews made me
proud to be in the dental profession.
Their talent and dedication and total
commitment to ideas and ideals amazed
me. I came away from each interview
feeling inspired and mentored.
I had been active in organized dentistry
for almost 30 years when I became
editor. My reason for that activity was
that I wanted to be able to express my
opinion about the future of the profession
and, by extension, my own future. Know
also that I had a genetic mistrust of
authority figures. All of the dentists active
in organized dentistry are volunteers.
They donate their time. There is no
compensation. That’s fine and they all
know that up front. I considered the
right of expression, my first amendment
rights, to be my compensation and thus
I did not always agree with the official
position of the PDA Trustees or even the
1982
After leaving the PDA I continued to be
involved in dental journalism and am
now finishing 13 years at my current
position. At this point I realize that it was
the camaraderie that kept me going.
I loved meeting dentists from all over
the world. Having a common profession
opened a door into their lives and
countries and cultures. It’s been a really
good life. I couldn’t have enjoyed my
involvement as much in any other
branch of organized dentistry. I certainly
would recommend dental journalism to
anyone considering volunteering their
time to the profession.
For fear of forgetting someone, I am not
going to thank all the individuals who I
worked with at the PDA. That is, however,
with the exception of Rob Pugliese. He
brought a level of professionalism, grace
and good humor to the Communications
Department which elevated the Journal
to national recognition. To this day I call
him for help and advice when I confront
a new challenge or an unexpected
problem. Thank you, Rob for all you do.
And thanks to all of you for the memories.
1983
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attorney
General Leroy Zimmerman files an antitrust
lawsuit against PDA and eight local dental
groups alleging conspiracy to fix dental fees
and boycotting dental insurance plans; PDA
and the eight dental societies file countersuit
against the Commonwealth, Attorney General,
and Pennsylvania Blue Shield charging
unlawful price fixing, boycotting and the
monopolization of prepaid dental programs.
1984
1983
1981
House of Delegates. If nothing else, it
was a surefire way to get a reaction.
I had a good time. I remember writing
one editorial which prompted two
responses. One proclaimed me a genius.
The other dentist called me a moron.
Dr. John L. Bomba
elected president of
the American Dental
Association.
Dr. Richard Galeone of Lansdale served
as editor of the Pennsylvania Dental
Journal from 2000-2008.
FUN FACTS & TIDBITS
From the January 1919 Quarterly
Bulletin of the Pennsylvania State
Dental Society (Volume V, Number 1):
OUR SERVICE FLAG
At our last annual meeting a service flag containing
147 stars was dedicated to our members who had
responded to our country’s call to service. This flag
was turned over to the secretary to be displayed at
each annual meeting as a permanent reminder of
the bravery and self-sacrifice of these loyal men,
and as an inspiration to future generations.
1985
CONTINUES ON PAGE 29
1984
Final disposition of PDA’s 1981
lawsuits with the Attorney General.
The lawsuit ends with a joint
statement from PDA and the
Attorney General, a continuing
education letter from the AG and
no consent decree.
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