02/25/2010
Interviews with former ODA leaders: Dr. L. Don Shumaker

Interview conducted by Dr. Stephen P. Simpson, ODA President
Compiled by ODA Staff

There have been many outstanding leaders in the history of organized dentistry in Ohio, beginning with Dr. William H. Atkinson – who had prominent practices in Cleveland – as the first president of the American Dental Association (1860-1862).

Atkinson began a proud legacy of service, dedication and commitment to the profession of dentistry that continues today.

This article is the second in a series of interviews of five distinguished Ohio dentists, as conducted by Ohio Dental Association President Dr. Stephen P. Simpson, in which each dentist will share his advice, insight and experience with the ODA membership.

"It is my hope that you find the interviews as interesting and enlightening as I did as I was conducting them," said Simpson. "Enjoy!"

In this installment, Simpson interviews Dr. L. Don Shumaker.

Shumaker has practiced general dentistry for the past 44 years and currently practices in downtown Cleveland.

After graduating from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1965, Shumaker completed a General Practice Residency at Denver General Hospital.

In 1970, he began also providing expert witness services for malpractice cases and continues to do so.

Shumaker began his involvement in organized dentistry as a dental student and has since held several positions at the local, state and national levels. He has served on various ADA councils and committees, was a delegate or alternate/delegate to the ADA House of Delegates and has volunteered as an ADA Public Education Program spokesperson. Shumaker is currently on the Board of Directors of the ODA Foundation. He is a past-president of the ODA, past-president of the Greater Cleveland Dental Society, past-chair of the Ohio Dental Political Action Committee (ODPAC), past-speaker of and a current delegate to the ODA House of Delegates and has held a number of other positions, including editor of the ODA Journal and newsletter.

He and his wife, Gail, have 7 children and 16 grandchildren.

What advice would you give a dentist starting his or her career?
I would advise any new dentist to find mentors from among established dentists that he or she respects, and join organized dentistry – it's good for your career and your business.

Organized dentistry is not only vital for networking and improving your skills, it's also critical to the protection of your professional career. Make sure that you have a voice in your profession and control your own destiny.

What advice would you give any dentist interested in assuming a leadership role in organized dentistry?
Volunteer like you vote – early and often! Organized dentistry needs your help and your views.

Always strive to be reasonable, rationale and reliable: the three "R"s of participation in any endeavor.

Your colleagues will recognize when you exercise good judgment and are dependable in your duties. Do what you say you will do by when you say you will do it. They will think you are brilliant!

What changes in our profession have been most surprising? Most disappointing?
Surprising: The reduction in decay due to fluoridation has been remarkable and has led to the increase in esthetically oriented dentistry, which is more satisfying to the patient and the dentist. In addition, the increase in the number of women becoming dentists has been an unanticipated but welcome addition to the profession.

Disappointing: The constant criticism of dentists by their colleagues. In 35 years as an expert witness, I can attest that 50 percent of the lawsuits I have participated in were driven by inappropriate comments made by a dentist against another dentist. What goes around comes around, and I have seen that time after time. In addition, the rampant increase in government regulation continues to be problematic.

How has organized dentistry impacted your career?
Organized dentistry has encouraged me to be my best and do my best. I have been allowed to give direction to the profession through multiple leadership roles, in collaboration and camaraderie with many great peers. Our strength lies in our tripartite structure and high percentage of membership, unlike our associates in medicine, which allows us to protect our business and professional interests.

Any closing comments or observations you would like to share?
Remember that the "dentist next door" is not the real competition for your patient's dollars; it is other perceived "discretionary" spending opportunities. Keep a positive attitude about your life and your career; consider developing a strategic plan of life. The book Coping with Difficult People: The Proven-effective Battle Plan that has Helped Millions Deal with the Troublemakers in Their Lives at Home and at Work, by Robert M. Bramson, teaches you how to separate issues from personalities, as do lessons in parliamentary procedure, which teach you how to accomplish goals when working in groups.

Editor's note: This article is the second in the "Interviews with former ODA leaders" series. Throughout his 2010 term, ODA President Dr. Stephen Simpson will interview five distinguished Ohio dentists, and those interviews will be published in ODA Today. The first interview, with Dr. Ralph "Jim" Snelson, appeared in the December 2009 issue of ODA Today. Others to be interviewed include Drs. James Fanno, Jack Gottschalk and Bernard Snyder. Look for the next installment in an upcoming issue.