Harold Zald, D.D.S.
Troy, MI
ADA member for twenty-nine years

How many years have you been an ADA member?
29

Briefly describe your practice.
After 27 years of private practice, joined the active duty navy and now serving at camp Pendleton, CA.

What generation dentist are you?
First

What's the most-often asked question from your patients?
Why did you join the navy at 53 years old?

What is the most interesting thing that has happened or you’ve done as a dental professional?
Serve in the US Navy active duty.

Why did you choose dentistry as a profession?
Health care service, technical skill development, working with patients.

What's the most difficult challenge you've faced in your practice?
Interference from insurers and the declining Michigan economy.

Name one unique thing on a wall in your clinic or displayed in your waiting room.
Pictures of "the chain of command", starting with President Bush and going down to my Commanding Officer and Executive Officer.

What is/was the most challenging aspect of dental school?
Time management.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a dentist?
I can't imagine what it would be besides being a dentist.

Name/describe your favorite CE course taken in the past two years.
All of the courses that allowed me to achieve AGD fellowship. Looking forward to combat casualty training in the Navy.

What do you do to relax?
Work out, read.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done in your lifetime?
Join the Navy.

What are you most proud of?
My wife and kids.

What is the last book you've read or are currently reading?
Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone by Rajiv Chandrasekaran

How do you deal with stress?
Work out, meditation.

Where is your favorite vacation spot or activity?
Anywhere on the road.

What are your hobbies?
Golf, ski.

Who is your favorite singer or musical group?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

What do you do for exercise?
Weights, stretching, running.

Name one thing you have in your home from your childhood.
Detroit Tiger's 1968 world championship beer mug.

Name the last movie you saw.
No Country for Old Men

Name your favorite movie.
Saving Private Ryan

Whom do you admire?
My kids.

Who has most influenced your life?
My wife.

What musical instrument do you play?
Trombone

What's your favorite Web search engine?
Google

What concerns you about the future?
Economic stress on the middle class due to global competition. We need to protect citizens who work hard and play by the rules.

Any words of advice?
Ancora Imparo-Michelangelo (Still, I am Learning)

Anything else you’d like to mention?
Actions speak louder than words. It's easy to "talk the talk......"

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