Newsmaker: Dr. R. Donald Hoffman

Noteworthy: Installed as president of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the largest and oldest national dental society in the world, with about 6,000 members. As president, Hoffman wants to improve access to dental services for all state residents. He wants lawmakers to reinstate funding for the Donated Dental Services Program, which provides dentistry to people who are not eligible for public assistance.

Occupation: Special assistant to the dean at University of Pittsburgh Dental School

Residence: Wilkins

Age: 66

Background: A former professor who obtained his degree in dentistry from Pitt's Dental School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at Pitt. He is a longtime member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and was its treasurer from 2007 to 2012 and 10th District trustee from 2003 to 2007.

Quote: “We understand the difficulties facing lawmakers as they try to provide vital public services and balance the state budget. However, we feel that the oral health benefits delivered to patients in need by Donated Dental Services far outweigh the costs of operating this program.”