ODA PRESIDENT DR. BRETT PELOK LOOKS AHEAD AT HIS 2026-27 TERM
Dr. Brett Pelok began his term as Ohio Dental Association president at the ODA House of Delegates in September. In this Q&A with “ODA Today,” Pelok looks forward to his term.
What are some of the issues you expect the Ohio Dental Association to face during your presidency?
Dentistry is entering a period of significant change – from workforce shortages, the economics of running a dental practice, dental insurance challenges, access to care, the loss of dental education, and changing practice models. In my opinion these are all primary issues at the top of the list for most dentists, but I believe our greatest challenge is whether we can adapt to all these changes without losing what has always made dentistry a profession: the relationship between the doctor and patient. Our future of dentistry will certainly be different. Different doesn’t mean worse. Can we embrace technology without surrendering judgement? Can we have access without compromising quality? Can we build a practice where the people matter? If we do, our next generation of colleagues may be the best ones yet.
If you could state one message to the new ODA members, what could it be?
In the words of the past ADA president Dr. Brett Kessler, “We are better together.” Organized dentistry must maintain a strong membership that is ready to advocate and keep dentistry autonomous. A strong organization isn’t made up of people who always agree. In fact, they’re made up of people who understand what unites them is greater than what divides them. Ultimately, the strength of our organization will not be determined by any one individual, but rather, our collective association.
What, or who, helped you make the decision to pursue dentistry as a profession?
My father, David Pelok, DDS, practiced for 53 years in Wauseon, Ohio. As most dads go, he was my hero, my rock, my guide. When we were young, he was simply just “dad,” but something interesting happened. As I got older, I began to realize how smart his advice actually was. Maybe he did know a few things, maybe he had gone through a few trials and tribulations. It was nice becoming friends with him. I learned about integrity, and how to treat people. I learned about responsibility by watching him show up when others were counting on him. In turn, his leadership and dedication to organized dentistry showed me how important the ODA was.
Any closing remarks?
I look forward to serving the Ohio Dental Association to any capacity I am able to. If any member would like to talk, vent, or inspire, I can be reached at Doclok@BrettPelokDental.com. It has been my honor volunteering for this great organization since 1993.
