the Benjamin Blog

Inspiring the Next Generation

2012-01-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

I am always honored when one of my young colleagues calls or emails me asking for help with a case.

For 30 years, I was a dentist in Cropseyville, NY which is 6 miles east of Troy. I had no professional camaraderie for most of those years because no one really cared to befriend me...When I arrived in Troy in 1979, the older dentists shunned me and gave me the impression that I was stealing food from their families table. Since 1992, I have studied with the best dentists in the world and that is where I met dentists to study and commiserate with.

When I opened my office in Saratoga Springs three years ago, I quickly became recognized by my young colleagues as a talented clinician and a local resource to help them with their challenging cases. A few weeks ago, a young dentist called me and asked for help with diagnosing and treatment planning a case on a young girl. After a discussion, it was decided that the young dentist would bring her patient to my office so that we could co-treat the patient.

Last week we did actually treat the 13 year old girl and today I received a note of thanks from my colleague which said:

"What a fun and inspiring 2 days! Thank you very much for taking the time and expertise and for challenging us all to be better dentists!"

It is exciting to see the enthusiasm of my young colleagues and I am thrilled to make a difference in their careers.

The New Year

2012-01-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know that I am a few days late in wishing all of my patients a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. My best wishes for you are sincere none the less.

Moving my office and 'starting over' was an incredibly daunting and frightening decision but it turned out to be the best professional and personal move that I could ever make.

I thank each and every one of my patients for making 2011 one of the most exciting years our office has had.

I believe that 2012 is going to be a great year for America and our office.

I promise that I will continue to be a caring, honest, ethical and a clinically proficient professional so that I can be the best possible dentist for you. As always, I will never hurt you in any way just to make more money...That is NEVER a consideration in our office. YOUR BEST INTEREST IS ALWAYS OUR MAIN GOAL.

Thank you for being our patient.

My Legacy

2012-01-07T13:33:00.001-08:00

There is no doubt that I have begun the final third of my career and periodically my friends, patients and advisers have mentioned the need for "creating a legacy." For the last 5 years or so, I have quietly started working towards the goal of having a legacy.

Roughly translated, 'Legacy' means transferring something (of value) from one generation to the next.

I post my work on dental Internet forums so that other dentists can see your treatment and decide if it meets the definition of 'EXCELLENCE' and as you know from reading previous blogs, dentists refer to their work or other dentists work as "approaching Gerald's work." This is one way of creating a legacy so that those that follow will see excellence and strive to meet or exceed the standards that I have laid down.

Another way of establishing a legacy and far more important, in my opinion, is to work directly with young dentists on THEIR patients. On Friday, one of my young colleagues brought her 13 year old female patient and her Mother to my office so that I could demonstrate for her how to treat this young patient. I restored half of the teeth and my young colleague did a wonderful job restoring the other half of the teeth. My colleague told me at the end of the 2 hour appointment, "You have taught me so much that my head is spinning." And before leaving my office, my colleague said to me, " I have only known you for three years but you have already changed the way that I practice."

Isn't that FABULOUS?????????

My legacy will be what I teach the next generation so that those patients who sincerely are looking for excellent dental care will have dentists who are capable of providing great care.

I really don't to have to worry about my Legacy...I am doing everything that I can so that my current patients will always have dentists to take care of them when I no longer can. The idea of no longer being able to treat my patients is very upsetting to me but that is MY problem...You, on the other hand, can rest comfortably knowing that you will always have someone who is superbly capable of taking care of you.

Instant Recognition from My New Dental Forum

2011-12-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

I mentioned that I recently left the ACE forum because many dentists on ACE praised mediocrity from their fellow colleagues. In addition, there was, in my opinion, more concern about making money than caring for their patients which is something that is very foreign to me.
I joined the Internet Dental Forum which is a much more laid back group of dentists and posted a few of my bonded front teeth on the forum. Today, a dentist stated that he believed that all direct bonded front teeth are poorly done, look fake and don't last. Another dentist on the forum responded to this (poorly informed and under educated dentist...in my humble opinion) in the following way:

Except when it doesn't. Have you paid any attention in the slightest to
Gerald Benjamin's posts and photos?

Or do you just sit back in the bushes waiting to jump out with attitude?

I am honored to be known as an example of dental excellence even when others don't know me as a person.

My patients and I are so lucky because we have each other.

Meaningful Work

2011-12-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

I do not find many people that love going to work or love their jobs. This is completely foreign to me because going to work is my favorite thing to do. I performed some dental treatment today for one of my patients that I have treated for THIRTY YEARS and at the end of his appointment, he said to me, "My daughter Kathy talks about you all the time and she always says that you will never retire because you love your work."

Anyone who has been my patient for any length of time knows how much I care about my patients and how important it is to me that your dental care be the best that I can make it for you. At our Holiday Staff Dinner Party my accountant told me that before he became my patient (almost 15 years ago) he was constantly having work done and redone because it just never lasted. Since he became my patient no treatment has been redone....What a compliment!

I consider my work to be extremely meaningful.

Another doctor who feels like I do is a physician that cares for genetic diseases among the Amish in Lancaster, PA. You will enjoy his story on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qAUy6oYH8M

The best thing that we can do for our children is to teach them to find something that they will LOVE to do. That is what my Dad did for me and it is one of the best things that he could have done for me.

The Meanings of Christmas

2011-12-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas has many meanings depending on your beliefs. It is first and foremost, the representation of the birth of Christianity.For many of us, it is a time of kindess, generosity and philanthropy as a way of showing to others that we appreciate the creature comforts that we have in our lives.

On Christmas Eve morning, I treated a young man who broke his front tooth in a basketball game the previous night. My completed restoration perfectly matched the young man's adjacent tooth and it was indistinguishable from his natural teeth. As I completed my work, I told the young man that there would be no charge for me to fix his tooth but that I would appreciate it if his parents would make a contribution to Smile Train so that a young child could have his cleft lip repaired and feel normal again.

This young man is my office manager's nephew and I received the following email this evening:

"Thank you so much for restoring Patrick's tooth. His parents really
appreciated it. It was the talk of the holiday . They were impressed by
your kindness."

This is what it is all about. Doing for others to acknowledge what has been given to us.

How People Get to Know You

2011-12-25T20:36:00.001-08:00

In Malcolm Glidwell's book, "The Tipping Point," the author writes about how certain people get to know other people, businesses and products because some individuals are really great at telling other folks about you and your product. Glidwell describes three types of people who will tell EVERYONE that they know about you and what you do and why you are so great; he calls them Mavens, Connectors or Salesman.
These people are extremely sincere and genuine in wanting other folks to learn about how wonderful their physician, dentist, banker or car salesman are and how they would benefit by changing to a particular physician or dentist.
We were invited to a friend's house for Christmas dinner and the only people that we knew among the 10 people were our hosts.When I was introduced to the other couples in attendance, my host told everyone that I was Dr. Benjamin the fabulous dentist that he had told them about in the past. And then my host preceded to tell everyone WHY I was such a wonderful dentist including the facts that I didn't hurt him while administering Novocaine and while he was being examined for the removal of his wisdom teeth the oral surgeon was unable to find any of his new resin bonded fillings.

I do a fair amount of marketing on the internet and local television which costs a significant amount of money. However THE BEST way to get new patients to try our practice is to have one of our existing patients talk to others about their exceptional experiences and the beautiful dentistry that they have in their mouths.
Mavens, connectors and salesman are just regular folks trying to help other people get great care and I could not pay them enough for all the wonderful things that they say about me and my staff.

I am truly honored when patients tell their friends and family about our practice.

We Need to Know About the World's Heros

2011-12-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

This is written by Columnist John Avlon and appeared on the CNN website

New York (CNN) -- Vaclav Havel died Sunday in the Czech Republic he helped build. A few months ago, I wrote an appreciation as a way of marking his 75th birthday. The sentiments, of course, still stand and I'm glad I didn't wait until his death to write it. We have lost a hero of our times, a friend of freedom, who lived his life with integrity and sent forward ripples of hope into the world. He will be missed and remembered.

...

Draw up a compelling character representing the arc of the 20th century and it might look like this -- a child whose homeland is conquered by the Nazis and then occupied by communists; a playwright, essayist and dissident turned state prisoner of conscience turned leader of a victorious nonviolent revolution over a totalitarian dictatorship. He culminates his career as president of his newly liberated nation.

This is the life of Vaclav Havel as he celebrates his 75th birthday.

Why Czech Vacalv Havel mattered

Contrasting revolutions decades apart

Former Czech President Vaclav Havel dies In a time of Arab Springs still unfolding and uncertainty about what will emerge in the place of those Mideast dictatorships, Vaclav Havel's life story takes on renewed relevance.

The revelation of Havel's leadership wasn't just the triumphant nonviolence of the Velvet Revolution -- it was his bracing honesty, which was itself a revelation. Read the opening lines of his first inaugural address to the Czech people: "My dear fellow citizens ... I assume you did not propose me for this office so that I, too, would lie to you."

This is the hallmark of Havel's writing -- challenges to power rooted not in imperious ideological rhetoric but harder-to-dismiss, human-size truths.

Take a look at his most enduring essay, "The Power of the Powerless," written behind the Iron Curtain in the darkest days of the 1970s.

In this classic call for everyday citizens to recognize their power to change their world, Havel uses the example of a Soviet-era grocer placing a state-sponsored sign in his store window with the slogan: "Workers of the world, unite!"

"If the greengrocer had been instructed to display the slogan 'I am afraid and therefore unquestioningly obedient;' he would not be nearly as indifferent to its semantics, even though the statement would reflect the truth," Havel wrote.

So why does he do it? "The sign helps the greengrocer to conceal from himself the low foundations of his obedience, at the same time concealing the low foundations of power. It hides them behind the facade of something high. And that something is ideology," Havel wrote. "Ideology offers human beings the illusion of an identity, of dignity, and of morality while making it easier for them to part with them."

The power of those words ultimately helped inspire a revolution of citizen resistance to the totalitarian state. It may yet inspire more uprisings -- because beneath his appeal is not a vision of a utopian alternative, but the more basic human-scale virtue of civic responsibility, both for yourself and future generations. Havel's experience with the Nazis and Communists taught him the lesson that utopian dreams often end in nightmares.

Consequently, Havel has cautionary words for the overheated acolytes of perpetual revolution and retribution. "Violence is well-known to breed violence, which is why most revolutions have degenerated into dictatorships, devouring their own offspring," he wrote, "not knowing that they were digging their own graves and confining society in a vicious circle of revolutions and counter-revolutions."

There is this enduring wisdom as well: Havel's vision of an anti-totalitarian state ended up looking a lot like liberal capitalist democracy, with an emphasis on preserving pluralism and the uniqueness of a community.

Havel was not allergic to the responsibilities of self-government, but instead embraced the mantle of authority in his own quixotic manner, never pretending to be perfect, leading by the power of his example rather than the example of his power.

In office, he was a clear voice arguing for the West's efforts to intervene militarily to stop the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. At a time when many nations seemed confused, unable to see the conflict with moral clarity, Havel helped keep the Western world focused on our commitment to "never forget."

Retired from office and often wrestling ill-health, Havel continues to write. Because he is one of the few recent world leaders who is primarily an author and artist, it is probably best to let his words speak for themselves on a few more varied subjects.

-- On purposeful politics: "True politics, worthy of the name — and the only kind I will practice — is the politics of service to one's neighbor. Service to the community; service to those who will succeed us ... If you are modest and do not lust after power, not only are you suited to politics, you absolutely belong there."

-- On globalization: "An amalgamation of cultures is taking place. ... We are in a phase when one age is succeeding another, when everything is possible and almost nothing is certain."

-- On hope and persistence: "The only lost cause is one we give up on before we enter the struggle."

-- On a keeping a sense of humor: "Anyone who takes himself too seriously always runs the risk of looking ridiculous; anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not."

We sometimes wait until people have passed to honor them appropriately. This seems like an avoidable oversight. If you're inspired to learn more about Vaclav Havel, pick up one of his many books, from collections like "Open Letters" to interview collections like "Disturbing the Peace" to ruminations and recollections in books like "Summer Meditations" and the most recent, "To the Castle and Back."

In an uncertain, always evolving world, I am certain of this: Vaclav Havel's words and example will endure and continue to provide inspiration, lighting a path forward, reminding us that history takes place in the here and now and that we all contribute to making it.

MY THOUGHTS ARE:
The world needs more statesman like Vaclav Havel. America needs LESS ideology of the Repbulican Party and the Democratic Party and MORE concern about the following generations.

From My Staff For the Children

2011-12-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

My favorite charity for the last 10-15 years has been Smile Train. This is a most worthwhile charity that corrects cleft lips and palates for children around the world. What makes this group really special is that the wealthy founders of Smile Train pay 100% of the administrative costs so that EVERY PENNY that is donated goes directly for the surgical repair for the children.

Those of us who think that a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile are vital to our overall well-being can understand how important a normal smile is to the development of a young child.

My staff made a contribution to Smile Train in my honor as their Holiday gift to me. Helping others is the best gift that anyone can give to me and I am thankful and grateful for my staff's generosity.

I also want to thank you, my patients, for making our new office a success. We could not help others if it were not for you. I am honored by your trust.

Why I am Leaving the ACE Dental Forum

2011-12-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

I have been a member of the ACE Dental Forum since it was started about 10 years ago. It is always wonderful to have like minded colleagues to bounce ideas off of, learn about new treatment options or materials or simply to relieve stress by complaining about an 'unreasonable' patient who tried to ruin our day.

I was one of the most frequent presenters of actual dental cases that I had completed and much of my work was very well received by my colleagues. In fact, many of my blogs contain actual (unsolicited) comments by other ACE members.

A few days ago one of our young colleagues asked for help on how to do back teeth root canals from members of the Forum but she was unwilling to accept a suggestion that she take more root canal courses. In other words..."Please tell me the quick and easy solution to a most complex problem."

The oldest members of the Forum (which includes me, of course) told her that there were no shortcuts to becoming a master in dentistry but that time, education, dedication and passion would allow her to reach her goals in dentistry.(The old fashioned way to become successful.)

Another dentist and I were accused of hurting this young dentist's feelings and treating her like she was back in dental school.

The other old dentist defended himself but I offered my resignation to the ACE Forum.

Despite what young people today think, there are no short cuts to becoming world class or becoming successful. Learning everything you can, dedicated practice, caring about your patients and hard work is what made a great dentist and, in fact, is what made America GREAT.

What does this mean to you? It means that other dentists won't be saying a lot of nice things about my work and what I do for you. Rest assured, I still intend to get to my next level of excellence so that I can take care of you the best way that I can. I just won't have a 'cheering' squad (my colleagues) behind me.

And what did a master ceramists say when he saw that I was leaving the Forum?

Dear Dr Benjamin,
Hi. I will miss seeing your beautiful dentistry on ACE dental forum. If you post on any other forum please let me know so that I can follow your threads.

It cannot get any better than that.

Known by the Quality of Your Work

2011-11-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

I am fairly well known in dental circles in the United States and places as far away as India.
I don't know a lot of dentists personally but many dentists have seen and admired my work.I have not sought out notoriety nor do I want to be a 'famous' dentist but I have developed a good reputation among dentists who know fine restorative dentistry.

This week, a dentist from Texas asked dentists that are members of the Crown Council and the ACE forums to help find a dentist for a patient relocating to Saratoga Springs, NY where I practice. A dentist in Charlotte, NC placed the following post on both of the dental forums:

Gerald Benjamin is your guy...perhaps the best composite artist I've ever seen,
and I mean artist! Not your typical dentist...and definitely not typical results.
http://www.benjaminsmile.com/index.html

It is a sincere honor to be known by the QUALITY OF MY WORK.

It makes me very happy to know that other dentists think my work is excellent. It should make YOU happy as well to know that the work that you have in your mouth is deemed to be excellent.

Community

2011-11-28T21:08:00.000-08:00

One of the great qualities of humans is that when tragedy strikes, we are capable of coming together to support the victims of unfortunate events. Dentists, I have found out in my long career, can be a very strange lot.However, when one of our colleagues, Dr. Kirk Gleason,lost his son near the finish line of the Philadelphia marathon due to a massive heart attack, the dental community rose up to support Dr. Gleason.

Many attended the wake last week and the wait was over 2 hours. Dentists from more than 150 miles away attended the wake to pay our respect to our friend and colleague who was the Executive Director of the 4th District Dental Society of the State of NY.

We mourn the loss of Dr. and Mrs. Gleason's son Chris. May their wonderful memories of their son be a source of comfort in this time of great sadness.

I commend the dental community for their show of support for the Gleason Family.

Another Dental Forum

2011-11-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have been a member of the ACE Dental Forum for many years and have enjoyed many compliments about my work from other dentists on that forum.

I recently decided to join another dental forum, the Internet Dental Forum which limits members to actively practicing dentists.

Last Sunday, I posted my first case on the IDF and a dentist wrote me the following kind words:

Beautiful job, your earlier posting said your resins are highly regarded,
you are too humble. You should be teaching your technique, problem most of
us (especially me) still couldn't get that result. You justifiably should
be very proud.

I want to be as fine a clinical dentist as I can be so that I can do my best taking care of YOU. This is not about making money but rather fulfilling my obligation to those that put their trust in me that I will take care of them. It is an awesome responsibility to care for another human being...I know that very well; I have been doing it for almost 35 YEARS.

My Feelings Exactly

2011-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

I love watching SUNDAY MORNING, the CBS morning show. Last weekend Gloria Allred,the attorney who represents only women and has won a stunning quarter of a billion dollars for her clients was asked if she planned to retire soon. Ms. Allred, who is 70 years old but looks much younger replied:

This is my passion.
This is what I love to do.
This is what I was meant to do.
This is my Life.

This is exactly how I feel about being your dentist. I love what I do and I will continue as your dentist until the first day that my skills decline.

I could not imagine not loving to go to work.

Truth Be Told

2011-11-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

I don't know whether you read three recent health related stories in the NEW YORK TIMES.
1. Last Saturday, Dr. James Andrews, a reknown sports medicine surgeon specializing in knees and shoulders made a very significant statement. MRIs are almost completely useless in diagnosing shoulder and knee problems prior to surgery. Then why do doctors order MRIs? Because you and I demand that they take them AND they generate approximately $1200 each. USELESS!

2. Early detection of many cancers has no impact on the survivability of the patient.Virtually ZERO. What the article said was that those people who had an agressive form of cancer were indeed going to die of that cancer. For many patients though, their survivablity does not depend on whether the mammogram catches the tumor today or next year.

3. Searching and testing for prostate cancer is far more damaging than finding and treating prostate cancer.

So what does all this mean for you and I?

It means that there is too much money involved to do the right thing.

John Paulson: EARNS $4.19 BILLION in ONE YEAR

2011-10-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

And he paid NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX, NO SOCIAL SECURITY TAX AND NO MEDICARE TAX
ZERO

This is NOT a Democrat issue, a Republican issue or Mr. Obama's issue so I will not make this a political post.

Why do you and I and the rest of the middle class let John Paulson pay NO TAXES like you and I must do? Oh yes...he does pay 15% Capital Gains tax on his $4.19 BILLION.

Another issue is what did he produce to make his money? NOTHING! Absolutely nothing.
He made 2 bets. He bet that the housing market would crash and secondly that the banks would survive. That is what he did to earn $4.19 BILLION.

Shame on us if the middle class does not stand up for OUR rights. We pay taxes and Mr. Paulson should pay taxes too.

I am sorry for the post but I really thought that everyone who reads my blogs should know that Mr. Paulson doesn't love his country enough to pay his fair share.

4.19 BILLION DOLLARS!!!!!!!

The Bagel Saga

2011-10-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Getting a decent bagel is almost impossible...Not because we don't know HOW to make a great bagel but that we no longer CARE to make a great bagel. If you were to call the CEO of Brueggers Bagels, he would tell you that Brueggers SPECIALIZES in making bagels.

OH REALLY???????????????????????

What Brueggers specializes in is SELLING bagels.

Physicians will tell you that they specialize in a particular area and that some group has 'CERTIFIED' them in that kind of surgery. And then when the surgery fails, 5 other surgeons will easily discover what the surgeon did wrong.

Now some among us are quick to blame THE GOVERNMENT for things that go wrong or the economic mess that we are in.

I think that the baker who makes my bagels needs to look in the mirror and ask him or herself why he or she makes a mediocre bagel...And the surgeon needs to do the same thing.

This is NOT ABOUT THE MONEY. It is about doing what we say that we will do.

Is there any hope?

They Don't Get It

2011-10-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

You know that I am always thrilled to receive comments about my work from my colleagues. Dr. M wrote me the following this morning:

"First, I must say that I always enjoy your posts and am amazed at the quality of work that you produce. Your posterior composites are simply amazing. Perhaps that is due in part to your ‘Art’ background. I don’t think you can teach that level of artistry to somebody—kind of like Michelangelo trying to teach one of his students to draw like him—much of it is inherent talent, so kudos!"

As much as I am overwhelmed to recieve such wonderful comments, I am amazed that others totally miss who I am and what I have accomplished. Most dentists assume that I have artistic talents and that is why my work is beautiful...Sadly to say, I cannot draw, I cannot sculpt nor can I paint. My artistic 'talents,' if I have any are limited to photography.

What my colleagues fail to see is that I have spent the last 20 years acquiring vast amounts of education with much of it with the best in the world and spending $3 million in the process.

My colleagues don't see the passion and the drive to achieve excellence so that I can take care of you in a way that I believe that you deserve.

I can teach any dentist to do what I do and I have taught them...It simply does not interest them. How sad that is for their patients.

Being Looked Up To

2011-10-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

I often post my work for professional criticism on the ACE Forum. I beleive that I am a 'good' dentist and my patients believe the same thing. Other dentists can be our harshest critics but I welcome the opportunity to show what I can do for my patients as well as seek constructive criticism from my colleagues.

At this stage of my career, I have been fortunate to be looked upon by my colleagues as 'the standard of excellence' in conservative restorative dentistry. Recently one of my colleagues in Georgia posted the following:

"You guys don't know it but I've seen Bill's stuff. He's world
class...right there with Gerald and Liviu. I cannot for the life of
me understand why it is so damned tough for someone of Bill's class to
become a fellow of the AACD. I would not join for this reason alone."

I never asked to be compared with anyone else; I just show my work for other dentists to offer their comments. It is an honor to be mentioned as one of the standards of excellence.

I do it for you.

My Friend and I

2011-10-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Francisco Banchs and I are very different in so many ways. We are not in the same age group, we were not born in the same country (although we ARE both United States citizens)and my parents were lower middle class and his were not.

None of that matters because we have two very powerful things in common. We both love to fix and save our patient's teeth and we both believe that it is our professional, moral and ethical obligation to pursue EXCELLENCE.

Those of us who pursue excellence were born with something in our character so that practicing excellence is not an option but rather what we do when we take care of our patients.

Most dentists do not like being dentists and do not have the personality makeup to pursue excellence..Making money is certainly more important than striving for excellence.

Understanding why Francisco and I are friends makes a lot of sense.

Steven Jobs

2011-10-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Many people have called Steven Jobs a 'visionary' because he thought of things well before everyone else. I don't think that he was a visionary. What Steven Jobs did was to give us what we wanted...He found a technological way to give us what we dreamed of having. For instance, in the 1960s or 70's if someone asked a young adult what they wanted they would say that they would like to listen to any record or any song in their music collection any time or any place that they wanted...Steven Jobs gave us just that in an iPod.
If you asked people in the year 2000 what they would love to be able to do, they would have told you that they would love to carry their desktop computer or their laptop IN THEIR POCKET.
Steven Jobs gave us that in the iPhone and then the iPad

What I valued most about Steven Jobs was that he believed many of the same things that I believe. In his 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University, Jobs told the graduates to follow their hearts and do what they love to do. In fact, he asked the graduates if they knew that they were going to die today, would they do what they had planned to do today.

I love fixing teeth; fixing teeth is what I always wanted to do.I don't get bored or burned out by fixing teeth.

Why would you go to a dentist that does not understand that all health professionals are here to take care of their patients? Why would you go to a dentist that does not love to fix teeth?

Steven Jobs and I could not agree more...find what you love to do and do it.

Both My Colleagues and My Patients "Get It"

2011-10-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

"Absolutely gorgeous work. Your work with composite is second to none!"

This is what a very successful dentist in McKinney, Texas said about a case that I posted on the internet.

Many dentists around the United States have seen my work on the internet and I am noted for being a dentist that strives for excellence.

My patients are a very select group of dental patients in that you value excellent clinical dentistry, you travel a great distance to visit my office and you pay higher than average dental fees.

Both my colleagues and my patients KNOW that I treat my patients well, making money has never been a motivating factor in my life and that I would never do any treatment that was not in my patient's best interest and certainly would never hurt a patient to make more money.

Most importantly, my patients know that I am constantly striving for excellence in the care that I give them.

I am honored and humbled by the love and loyalty of my patients and kind comments from my colleagues.

Breakfast at Comptons

2011-10-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Compton's Restaurant is a local restaurant on Broadway that you might see on TV during an election year where the reporter asks the folks having breakfast what they think about how the economy is doing. Susan and I go to Compton's every Friday and Saturday morning for breakfast; we spend under $15 for a home cooked breakfast.

This morning one of the waitresses told me that her dentist recommended that she call me for an appointment because HER DENTIST SAID that I had incredible talents for fixing teeth.

I am always delighted when people know what kind of dentistry I do for my patients. It has taken 35 years to get to this stage in my career and I am thrilled.

Can You Trust What You Read?

2011-10-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

I went to a website called SmileFinder.Com which directs patients to dentists for 'cosmetic dentistry.' Of course I searched for myself and I learned that few of the 'facts' that they had listed about me were correct. My date of graduation from SUNY/Buffalo School of Dental Medicine was wrong. The address of my office was wrong and the local dental society of the American Dental Association was wrong.

What does this tell us about who we should trust when we search for information on the internet?

Any time you see a dentist claiming that they are a 'Cosmetic Dentist' they are not telling you the truth. There are about 30 dentists in the United States who obtained Certificate of Proficiency in Esthetic Dentistry from either SUNY/Buffalo (The esthetic program is now closed.) or the University of Minnesota and those 30 dentists can accurately state that they "Are a general dentist with a specialty in Esthetic Dentistry."

Just 30 dentists. I am one of those 30.

Some Dentists Get It

2011-09-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

My work in restoring your teeth with minimal destruction of natural tooth structure using bonded resin under a rubber dam is well known around the United States by those dentists who care about improving their skills to take better care of THEIR patients.

A dentist from Georgia wrote the following on the ACE Forum today:

Ray, I agree. Here’s a point. This is very expensive CE when you consider the flight, room, food, etc. Personally, the mish mash is not what I want any longer. I would prefer that ACE get maybe six top speakers and give use an in depth 7-14 hour program like Kent’s course. It is very difficult for me to find CE that actually adds to my knowledge or what I actually do. I could spend a day with someone like Gerald picking up gems on doing direct composites. That would draw me.

Some dentists understand that it is no longer necessary to remove healthy tooth structure to place a crown 'so that the tooth is stronger.' THE TOOTH IS 100% WEAKER WHEN A DENTIST PLACES A CROWN ON YOUR TOOTH. The day the we strengthened a tooth with a crown or onlay (except when a back tooth has a root canal when a crown is vital for its survival) is OVER.

DON'T let your dentist cut down your teeth. Find a dentist who believes in conserving natural tooth structure because it is better for your teeth and significantly less costly (Better IS CHEAPER in this case.) A direct bonded resin restoration is about $300 and a crown is about $1250.

Only you have the choice...But other dentists want to learn how I do what I do.

Incredible

2011-09-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

" I know of no one with your passion, and I must say that if I had not had a vacation in 26 years, you would find me at the asylum. Dentists will never understand you, and I hope you understand that...."

The American Dental Association has taken ONE survey in almost 40 years in which they asked dentists if they would become a dentist again. 70% responded that they would not be a dentist again.

I don't expect other dentists to understand me. I do expect that YOU understand that I am here to take care of you.

I just don't understand dentists that hate this job.I can think of nothing else that I would rather do than to help you keep your teeth.

"I Think That You Need to See This Patient"

2011-09-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have tried to attract new patients to our practice for the last 15 years. Most of my new patients 'found' us on the internet and were excited about the quality of work that we were doing for our patients.

In the last few months, we have received phone calls from other general dentists and specialists asking me to see their patients.

I cannot understand the sea change that has occurred among dentists that has encouraged them to ask me to see their challenging patients.

I am so deeply honored and grateful to my local colleagues for their acceptance and their recognition.

Dentists are Taking Notice

2011-09-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am awed by my colleagues comments about my work. Dentists make reference to me even when I am not posting any cases or commenting on a particular kind of treatment.
One of my ACE colleagues sent me an email in which he said the following:

"Well, not everyone....rather, not ANYONE has your talent for restorative dentistry."

My pursuit of excellence is beginning its 35th year and I am a better dentist now than a was a year ago and incredibly better than I was 5 years ago.

My promise to you is that I will continue to improve so that I can take care of you as you expect me to.

I have never been motivated by making money but what does motivate me is receiving the comments from other dentists who are amazed at the quality of work at 18 Division Street in Saratoga Springs.

YOU DESERVE THE BEST THAT I AM CAPABLE OF GIVING.

Dinners with My Specialists

2011-09-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Susan went to a conference in Seattle last week so I contacted the dental specialists that I refer you to and asked them if we could meet to discuss some cases. All three dentists jumped at the opportunity to meet, discuss our patient's treatment and have dinner.

Each specialist travelled to Saratoga for the meeting and thanked me for allowing them to treat MY PATIENTS.Each dentist in the past has told me that they love to take care of my patients because I spend a lot of time working up our cases to insure that we have great outcomes.

Why did I ask the specialists for a meeting? I didn't really want to eat alone but more importantly, to impress upon them that they are taking care of you, MY patient and that they need to understand that they must do everything possible to treat you well and perform at a high level.

I care about you and I won't let those that I ask to take care of you treat you like an 'average patient.' YOU are special to ME and I want other dentists to know that I expect them to take care of you like I take care of you.

I never miss an opportunity to tell you that I LOVE BEING YOUR DENTIST.

And I truly thank you for allowing me to take care of you.

True Relationships

2011-09-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Susan and I go for breakfast every Saturday at Compton's, a small breakfast place that many locals visit. Today, we were a little late and the waiting time was longer than I wanted to wait so we went to a new place down the street called Beverly's.
Susan ordered pancakes and the waiter was the son of Beverly and he told Susan that his mother spent 20 years perfecting the Pancake mix.(I would have liked Beverly)
When we left the restaurant, Beverely's son thanked us for coming to the restaurant and we thanked him for feeding us.

I thank every single patient that I treat at the end of the appointment for the trust that they place in me and for permitting me to take care of them. In turn, EVERY single patient thanks ME for taking care of them at a level that my colleagues tell me is among the best they have ever seen (See past posts of what other dentists say about my work.)

As I left the restaurant this morning I recognized that Beverly's son wanted to have a relationship with us. The basis of a relationship is that both parties have an interest in taking care of each other.

My relationship with my patients is that you trust me and pay me to take care of you which I am ethically bound to do and you appreciate me for taking care of you.

I love our relationship.

"Dentistry Is Easy"

2011-09-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is what a dentist on the ACE Forum posted today. My response to him in a private email was that 'Fabulous dentistry is extraordinarily difficult but mediocre dentistry is indeed easy...Building a Toyota Corolla is quick,easy and cheap but building a Ferrari is challenging."

The dentist emailed me the following: Dentistry is not hard for you either because you love it, you know what to do and you know the expected outcome. Getting to that level is what is hard.

What everyone who knows me recognizes is that my pursuit of excellence on your behalf is non-stop. Good enough is NEVER good enough.

Let me be perfectly honest with you and tell you that I would not go to the average dentist to have MY TEETH fixed because average dentistry has become a very low standard.

I do dentistry for two reasons and two reasons only:
1. I love fixing teeth
2. I have an ethical obligation to do my very best work because you have trusted me to do so.

Dentistry is NOT EASY unless you don't care and I care passionately.

No one can ever say, "He does it for the money."

Happy Times

2011-09-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

I remember when Tricia was pregnant with Matthew in 1985 and I told her that it was ok to sit down because she was not feeling well.

Yesterday Matthew was married to his long time girl friend, Amanda (since 8th grade!!!)and it was great to experience this joyous time with them and their parents, Tricia and Henry. It has been a pleasure to be part of their extended 'family' for almost 30 years.

(Aside: Even on this wonderful occasion, we spoke about Mark, Matthew's brother who passed away 13 years ago. We never forget him.)

Gray Heads (Again)

2011-09-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the CBS SUNDAY MORNING program interviewed Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. He has been playing with the band or more than 45 years. On Sunday evening, Susan and I received a gift of tickets to see Elton John and he has been with two of his band members for more than 42 years. The show was fabulous and I went on to YouTube and watched the same songs that he sang on Sunday from concerts that he gave in the 1970s and 80s..Eleton John is better today than he was years ago.

A few months ago, I told you about an article in the New York Times in which a few thought that the Gray Heads need to get out of the way and let the young step in.

Who is better than Keith Richards? Or Elton John?

I am doing the best clinical dentistry of my career and I do not believe that there is a young local dentist who can take my place in the area of restoring teeth and implants.

In my opinion, the best professionals are in the age group of 59-64 and if we stepped aside, the world would lose some of the best and brightest.

So don't be so quick to ask those of us with gray hair to move aside.

The Standard

2011-08-31T04:12:00.000-07:00

Everything is judged by something else and that person or a product that is selected as the universal 'best' is considered the Standard of Excellence.

On the ACE forum communication can be private and direct or open to the general forum. There was a recent discussion about placing challenging direct posterior resin restorations which are my favorite restoration for my patients. WHY???
Because I am able to restore a tooth without removing a millimeter of healthy, natural tooth structure; most dentists would rather place onlays and crowns which destroy enamel and earn them more money.

The discussion on the ACE forum yesterday was about a course to teach how to place large challenging large direct resins and this is what one of the dentists who has already taken the course said:

"It is a 3 day course that goes into extreme detail about stuff like fractures, endo teeth and how to handle it. People like Gerald who is the closest thing we have to a dental Jesus doesn't need the course, but even though I was having great success with composites I learned a lot. I was taught by Ray Bertolotti and he took the course and is now a huge proponent of it."

It is an honor to be viewed as THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE by one's colleagues.

I became very proficient at direct posterior resins so that I could take care of you the best that I could.

A Cut Above

2011-08-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ferrari, Rolex, Viking, Harvard and Monte Carlo. These are all well known names that are recognized as things and places for EXCELLENCE. While none on the list is THE MOST EXPENSIVE, they certainly are known for being much better than average and almost in a class by themselves. ( The newest Buggati is a car that cost almost three million dollars and a Ferrari can be bought to 10% of that)

The problem that dentists have is that the overwhelming majority of people BELIEVE (incorrectly, I may add) that all dentists are the same. How can that be? Is a Rolex a Timex? Does Hudson Valley Community College give the same level of excellence as Harvard? Of course not!

I believe that people think that all dentists are the same because they want to select the least expensive and most geographically convenient dentist that they can. If all dentists are the same then you might as well select the least expensive dentist to take care of you. So BELIEVE that they are the same. lol

Dentists are as different from one another as Kia is from Ferrari and to believe otherwise is self deception. Select which ever dentist you want but you should not assume that you will get great care just like you won't go to HVCC and assume that you are getting a Harvard education.

Ferrari, Rolex, Viking, Harvard and Monte Carlo. And to that list I would add Francisco Banchs, one of the world's best root canal specialists. Do NOT think that your general dentist will do an excellent root canal because the overwhelming majority of root canals are mediocre at best and harmful at worst.

You must select the absolute best people to take care of you because many times your health and your life depends on it.

A cut above.

A First in My Career

2011-08-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

There are 130,000 full time practicing general dentists to take care of 310,000,000 American citizens. That means that there are plenty of patients to go around for each dentist most of the time. That said, most dentists don't like each other because they feel that the next dentist is going to steal one of his patients and he won't be able to feed his family that day...IT MAKES NO SENSE!

Most dentists, like most plumbers, car mechanics and painters are average and the last thing that I wanted to be in my career is 'average.' I took an oath never to hurt a patient (do no harm) and I truly believe that 'average' dentistry IS harmful to patients because, by definition, it could have been better.

Needless to say, my pursuit of excellence during my entire career has not always been appreciated by some of my colleagues and, believe it or not, I have paid a high price for pursuing my advanced education and trying harder. But something has started to change during the last year. Last week SIX DENTISTS, both specialists and general dentists referred patients to me and each one told them, "Dr. Benjamin is the best person to take care of you."

I am honored and grateful to my colleagues. To be RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE by my local colleagues is truly an accomplishment.

For almost 35 years, I have tried to be the best dentist that I could so that I would take care of you the right way. Many of my colleagues now believe that I am doing just that.

Dr.Richard A Powell, the Associate Dean at SUNY/Buffalo School of Dental Medicine must be rolling in his grave because he never thought that I could be a good dentist when he accepted me on my 4th attempt to get into dental school. He must have changed his mind at the end of my senior year in dental school because he created the Richard A. Powell award and I was the first recipient.

He must have seen something in me that made him change his mind. And now, my colleagues have changed their opinion of me... A first in my career.

The Problem With Bagels is the Problem with America

2011-08-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

A little history......I grew up in Queens, NY in a lower middle class family who lived paycheck to paycheck as so many did in the 1950s and 60s. There was one wonderful luxury in life that was otherwise completely free of luxuries. Every Saturday evening OR Sunday morning my Father would go to the Bagel bakery and bring home a dozen Hot, fresh bagels and a copy of the New York Times. Life for me could not have been any better.

I left the New York City area in 1968 when I went to SUNY/Buffalo for my Junior year of college and it has been hard to find a good bagel since that time.(Aside: I have been told that the bagels in NYC are NOT the bagels of the 'old days.') The fact that bagels don't taste as good as I remember when my Father brought them home is sad but what is more distressing is that the Bagels of yesteryear were the best in the world...In other words, the EXPERIENCE was perfect. The bagel bakeries were producing and selling 100 bagels a minute...like clock work. It really was a bagel frenzy to watch all the bakers rushing to bake two or three varieties of bagels and the counter person, in a hat and torn, sweaty tee shirt collecting the money with the lines out the door.

About 10 years ago, I used to go to the Bruggers Bagels in Newton Plaza every Sunday and every Sunday the bagels became less brown indicating that they were under cooked (and tasted like it.) One Sunday, just like in the movies, I was mad as hell and wasn't going to take it any more. When I went to pay for my undercooked bagels, I told the young lady that the only thing Bruggers did was make bagels and the least that they could do is to cook them golden brown. Another young employee came over to me and said, "Sir, if we cooked the bagels more time, we couldn't sell as many."

Out of the mouths of babes comes truth!!!

Two weeks ago I went to the Brugger's in Saratoga Springs at 9 AM on Sunday morning and there was not a single bagel in the bins...NOT ONE...Why??? I assume that someone was not doing their job. This morning I again went to the same Brugger's and while there were bagels, there was no plain cream chese..NO PLAIN CREAM CHEESE ON SUNDAY MORNING?????????????? I told the young lady that several weeks ago there were no bagels on a Sunday morning and today there is no cream cheese and that the manager needs to be fired. She didn't care!

And THAT is the problem..

We used to do sooooooo many things well in our wonderful country and now we don't even do the simple things right..

For those of us that are passionate about what we do this is incredibly sad and I make one promise to my patients: I will do the very best dentistry that I am capable of doing and to take care of you the best I can.

My standards will never fall and I will do my best never to disappoint you. Some things are still as good today as they were in the old days.

Dentists Know Dentistry

2011-08-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

It is a truism to say that dentists know dentistry.

The FACT is, that many dentists never pursue excellence and therefore, the dentistry that they know is the dentistry that they provide to their own patients. Most dentists do not select great dentists to be their personal dentist and usually go to the dentist down the street. (My dentist IS a world class clinician)
I posted a wonderful case on the ACE forum last week and one of the dentists in the group from Atlanta,GA sent me the following email:

If I ever need cosmetic composites done on my teeth....I'm flying my ass to YOUR office!!

Those were not the only kind words about my work but it IS the most telling.

You should select the dentist that OTHER DENTISTS select as their dentist.

What It All Means

2011-07-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

I recently posted a case on the ACE dental forum and received incredibly positive comments about my work. However, the best comment and the one that means the most to me was from my mentor, Dr. McIntyre. When he saw my work, he sent me the following note:

"You have become the best of the best.We need 1000's more like you in the profession."

You may think that I am egotistical or narcissistic by telling you about what other dentists say about me. And that would be completely WRONG.

This is not about me but rather it is about YOU, MY PATIENT, and how you are treated in my office. Other dentists,some of them world class, are telling YOU that you are receiving wonderful care in my office.

I made a promise in 1977 when I graduated dental school that I would take of my patients the best that I could. I did not know that my work would be the envy of other dentists but I did know that MY NEED is to take care of YOU.

I congratulate you for being a wise dental consumer. You haven't listened to your friends or coworkers who think that you should go to the least expensive dentist that you can find. You want a dentist to take care of you because he or she has an ethical, a moral and a professional obligation to do so.

I am honored by my colleagues opinions of my work but I am more honored that you selected ME to be your dentist.

And I thank you for that.

My Patients and Peers

2011-07-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am truly honored to see so many of my long time patients of 20-30 years travel to Saratoga so that I can continue to care for them. How many dentists could open an office 40 miles away and STILL have so many patients make the great effort to see them?
During the last 5 or so years my peers have expressed support and praise for the work that I do every day for YOU. Both the American Dental Association and the State of New York forbid a general dentist from making claims of superiority or saying that they are the best.
Last night, I posted a tooth that I restored with bonded resin on the ACE dental forum. I beleive that my work was technically and artistically textbook but more improtantly, I restored the tooth without removing a millimeter of healthy tooth structure.

The law does not say that I cannot quote what other dentists say about my work so I will show you the note that a dentist from Philadelphia sent me today:

Gerald, I’ve got to tell you that you may be the best I’ve ever seen with resin. Your direct restorations are phenomenal. Thanks for sharing.

gary

If you are not my patient, do you think that other dentists would make this kind of comment about YOUR DENTIST?

I beleive that both my patients and my peers are telling me that what I do is the right thing to do and that I should continue with what I am doing.

What do you think?

40 Years Ago Tonight

2011-07-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Susan and I were married 40 years ago this evening in Niagara Falls, NY where Susan grew up.
Food shopping for a week cost us $9.00 which included meat for the week since we were not vegetarians as we are today. Today without meat, we spent $100.
A gallon of gas in 1971 was 37.9 CENTS and today we paid $4.11.
A car in 1971 was a little over $3,000 and today it is $25,000.
A house was about $35,000 and today $250,000.
Hospitalization was about $60 per month and now it is $1200 a month
A crown for a tooth was $250 in 1971 and today in my office it is $1250.

40 years is a very long time but as you can see almost everything on this list has increased in cost 8 to 10 times since 1971 EXCEPT DENTISTRY. The cost of a crown is 5times or less what it cost in 1971.

So please think about this when you think that dentistry is expensive. It has gone up about 5 times what it cost in 1971 but everything else has increased almost 10 times what it cost in 1971.

As Casey Stengel the manager of the Yankees used to say, "And you can look it up."

Word Gets Around

2011-07-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

My job is to take care of my patients and be the best dentist that I can be. I have never wanted to be a dentist/celebrity like many dentists but I am fairly well known in my profession for the work that I do.

A patient was in our office today for some treatment and she told me the story about her recent trip to Spain. There were sand storms in Europe that grounded flights causing passengers to spend two days at the airport. My patient was in line for several hours and she began a conversation with the relatively young couple behind her in line. They told her that they were both dentists in Houston, Texas and my patient informed them that she went to a dentist in Saratoga Springs, NY. They told her that one of the best dentists was Gerald Benjamin in Saratoga at which point she smiled and let them know that Dr. Benjamin WAS her dentist.

I am honored to be recognized for the work that I do for you. It should make you and I very happy.

It is Why Patients Select Our Office

2011-07-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

There are probably 800 dental offices in the Capital District and population of the area is 750,000. The number one reason that patients select a dental office is whether or not the dental office accepts dental insurance. None of these patients will select my office for their dental care because they have 799 other dentists to select.
We received the following note from a grateful parent. I have modified the note to hide the families identity but in no way am I changing the meaning or tone of the note:

Dear Dr. Benjamin,
We want to thank you so much for all you did for us with our daughter's tooth. You went way beyond the call of duty to help us.If it wasn't for special interest and expertise, we would never have gotten the wonderful results. You are truly a most caring dentist and person.

Thanks for everything.

During my 35 year career, I have received many such letters and not one of the writers of these notes cared whether or not I accepted their insurance.

You need to think about whether the person that you have selected to take care of you will 'go above and beyond the call of duty' to help you when you need help.

You KNOW that I will.

Yahoo Story: "Why Dentistry Costs So Much"

2011-07-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you who regularly read my blogs you know that I discussed the subject of what dentistry COSTS THE DENTIST to produce and why fees are what they are as a reflection of those costs. If you would like to verify my blog, you can visit a recent article on Yahoo which discusses that topic.

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/why-your-dentist-costs-so-much-2504460/

I do not mislead my patients.
I do not deceive my patients.
I will never over-treat my patients.
I will never charge more for a procedure that what it is worth.

My job is to take care of you, give you the best dentistry that I am capable of doing at a fair fee.

PERIOD.

Not One Word

2011-06-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I told you that I posted a comment on the ACE dental forum stating that I thought that dentists removed too much beautiful, natural tooth structure preparing teeth for crowns even though todays, knowledge, materials and techniques make the need for crowns usually unnecessary.

I have been contributing to online dental forums for about 10 years and whenever I post a comment or one of my cases, I receive many, many comments about what I post.
My most recent post on the forum did not elicit ONE COMMENT from a dentist.
NOT ONE!!!!!

What does this mean???

Unethical treatment

2011-06-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have blogged many times about removing healthy tooth structure by dentists placing crowns and onlays that I no longer believe is necessary. More than 40 years ago dentistry created rules for when to place crowns but that is before we had full adhesive dentistry which started in 1992. Adhesive dentistry,also called bonding, can strengthen teeth without crowns or onlays but the majority of dentists still believe in removing healthy tooth structure to 'strengthen' teeth with crowns or onlays.

Yesterday I posted comments on the ACE dental forum telling the group that I have a TEN YEAR HISTORY of bonding resin fillings in back teeth with virtually no failures.
This is what I told the group:

Hi All;
Most of us cringe at the idea of practicing GV Black's dentistry especially since we consider ourselves adhesively oriented. But the fact of the matter is that the majority of practicing dentists still are following concepts of 40 years or more ago. The concept of covering the buccal and lingual cusps of a tooth when the width of the carious lesion or previous restoration is half the width of the cusps is absolutely unfounded in the modern era of adhesive dentistry. With the exception of comprehensive or full mouth rehab and posterior endodontically treated teeth, we have been crown and onlay free for almost 10 years and I cannot think of a single restorative failure.
The removal of healthy tooth structure for fabricating crowns or onlays borders on the unethical and certainly unnecessary...Dave Allman, Paul Belvedere, Ray Voller , Dennie Jenkins and Dennie Owens of Greater Curve fame have all discovered the same thing that I did which is that crowns and onlays should be the exception in modern dentistry and not the rule.
The attached photo is of a tooth (#14) that had deep and wide decay encompassing 60-70% if the occlusal surface and 50% of the palatal surface.
I would almost be willing to bet $10,000 that this tooth would look exactly the same 10 years from now as it does today.
Regards,
gerald

The result: NOT ONE DENTIST either criticised or supported my comments. NOT ONE. Because they KNOW that I am right and they can no longer justify removing healthy tooth structure except that they make more money doing crowns than filling.

WHY WOULD YOU WANT YOUR BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY TOOTH CUT DOWN FOR A CROWN?
This is now YOUR choice whether keeping your own tooth is more important than weakening your tooth...YOUR CHOICE. Because I promise you that I will do my very best to help you keep every bit of your healthy tooth.

Making a Diffence for the Next Generation

2011-06-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

I believe that each generation has an obligation to pass 'something' to the next generation that makes a difference or changes lives. Last night was another evening of learning at the Root Canal Experts Education Center and I was hoping that one of the young dentists would pull me aside to tell me how much the techniques that I taught them in our last course had made them a better dentist.

I was thrilled when SEVERAL young dentists told me that they went back to their offices the next day and tried the techniques that I had invented or refined and how much better their dentistry had become because of what they had learned. I have no children but I can imagine that this is how parents feel when their children come home with news of winning a sporting event or earning an unexpected high grade on a test at school.

I am so honored and proud to have made a difference in the lives of my students. One student even told me that while she was working on a patient she asked herself, "Now what would Gerald do in this situation?"

Making a difference is the essence of life and it feels great to know that I have changed a few lives during the last decade of my career.

I Don't Get It

2011-06-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

There are many things that I have seen recently that make no sense. I see many young people (18-30) who have nice clothes, nice cars, tattoos and makeup. When I ask young folks about visiting the dentist every six months, I am frequently told that, "I can't go to the dentist because I don't have dental insurance."

Did these young folks have insurance to buy makeup or tattoo's or the latest fashions in clothes...Absolutely NOT!!! But that did not stop them from making those purchases.

I can only assume that the parents of these children did not instill in their children that taking care of your body is important and buying a tattoo is not...

This does not bode well for our nation but then again................

One of the Highlights of MY Career

2011-06-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

You may remember that I told you that I have had two mentors in my professional career, Dr. Fred McIntyre in Buffalo and Dr. Frank Spear in Seattle, WA and more recently Scottsdale, AZ.
I went to the Spear Institutes's website today and found that Frank had made a video blog in which he mentions ME. He said, "Jerry Benjamin is in Upstate New York and he is a superb dentist who is really, really committed to EXCELLENCE." Frank also said, "Jerry Benjamin is committed to do outstanding dentistry for his patients."

I am so honored that one of the people that I admire and respect for teaching and practicing excellence in dentistry has acknowledged me out thousands of his students that he has taught over the years. This is the kind of recognition that I have sought during my entire 35 year career.

Thank you Frank!

To see the entire video: http://www.speareducation.com/blog/ page down to "Excellence for Dentists at Every Level."

Setting the Standard of EXCELLENCE

2011-06-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

You know how much I love my job and how much I care about treating you right. Everyone talks about 'the pursuit of excellence' but slogans are mere words on a piece of paper or words in a commercial. Excellence is so rare that we may no longer even recognize it and many of us no longer appreciate it. But sometimes, someone says something that will stop you in your tracks because they will tell you that you ARE the recognizable STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE.

When I post my work on the ACE dental forum or send my recent work to the small group of young dentists that I mentor, it is not to brag how good I think that I am but rather to show them that THEY need to raise the quality of the care that they are providing to their patients. My 'professorial' side is never far in the background.

Yesterday, a dentist from Maryland sent me a comment on my work saying:

"Holy cow!!!! not only was it masterful but also one more example of the excellence we all aspire too.......really. Gerald I have found your personal journey over the last several years and the place where you've finally landed very gutsy. I know it must have had it's fair share of challenges in order to pull it off. You da man. I enjoy all your posts."

It is the most incredible feeling of accomplishment to have someone tell you that they want to do what you do at the level that you do it. It should make you very happy as well knowing that others feel that you made the right choice in selecting ME TO TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I will NEVER abuse your trust and I will NEVER do any dentistry that is solely being done just to earn me more money....And that, in itself, is setting a standard of excellence.

Dental Specialists Want to Be on MY Team

2011-06-03T18:19:00.001-07:00

Many dental specialists such as orthodontists, oral surgeons etc frequently call me to ask me to refer patients to them so that they will have the opportunity to work with me. Yes they will earn more money but that is NOT the main reason that they call me. The reason is that they will get to be on a team that produces fabulous case results for our patients. I recently completed a wonderful case for a new patient with one of the specialists completing part of the treatment for our patient. When I emailed the periodontist the final photos of the case, he sent me the following reply:

"She must be exceedingly pleased. I really think that this is one of our best . Someone else would have looked at it and said it was fine but with your eye and insight you knew it could be better . Thank you for letting me be part of this."

Can you imagine a dentist wanting to be part of my team not because they will earn more money but because they LOVE the work that we are doing.

I am honored by my specialist's comments and after working with this dentist for more than 30 years he feels that we are doing our BEST WORK.

That is INCREDIBLE!!!!

Rosalyn S Yallow, MD Nobel Medical Physicist

2011-06-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Yallow passed away recently. She was only the second woman to win a Nobel Prize in medicine. When she was applying to graduate school she was rejected because "She was from New York, she was Jewish and she was a woman." Can you imagine the world we used to be?

Dr. Yallow's life was her work and her family. The obituary in today's New York Times said, "She had no hobbies and traveled only to give lectures and attend conferences." That sounds all too familiar to me.

Many people who have accomplished a great deal will relate that at some time in their life they were told that they would not amount to anything or could not do the job that they were applying for and ultimately became world renown.

I think that my rejection from almost every dental school in the United States would qualify me for that group of individuals who failed to attract positive attention only to go on to be recognized by their peers and their profession.

I wouldn't mind it if my obituary were to read like Dr. Yallows...from rejection to high accomplishment.

What Honorable People Do

2011-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

"I performed a maneuver that had an unacceptably low minimum altitude. This maneuver, combined with other instances of not meeting the airborne standard that makes the Blue Angels the exceptional organization that it is, led to my decision to step down," Cmdr. Dave Koss said in a statement, referring to the Lynchburg, Virginia, Regional Airshow

Commander Dave Koss was the leader of the NAVY Blue Angels, the most extraordinary pilots in the world.

Exceptional people who understand and practice 'EXCELLENCE' know when they are no longer able to perform at a world class level and have the integrity to resign. Many people still want to earn exceptional amounts of money for performing at a very mediocre level.

My staff has told me that when they see that I can no longer do what I do at the level that I do it, that they will change the locks on the door. I hope that I have the integrity to go quietly into the night rather than have someone tell me that it is time to go.

"Easing Out the Gray-Haired"

2011-05-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

This is the title of an article published in today's front page of the Business Section of the New York Times. In the article Eward Poll said,"Very few people are so skilled that they can't be replaced by a younger, more current practitioner."

In general, I might tend to agree with that. The older guys tend to live on their laurels and remind folks about what they did for the firm or team 20 years ago.

In the book, "Talent Is Overrated," the author tells us about musicians in their 70s who remain world class at their skill because their brains make certain adaptations to keep them at the top of their game.

I am one of those very rare individuals who remains at the pinnacle of their careers despite being in the mid 60s. I consider myself a very lucky person to be doing what I love to do and still feel great while doing it.

Dentists HATE to compete with one another because they are better clinicians in their own minds than they are in treating patients. But if a contest was held, I WOULD bet on some of the gray heads.

Cheating for Excellence

2011-05-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine and I were talking about excellence and the discussion got around to Lance Armstrong using doping (improving the blood's ability to carry more oxygen) in order to win bicycle races. My friend lost all his respect for Armstrong and cannot understand why he felt that he needed to cheat in order to be world class.
"Excellence' in a particular endeavor or achieving world class status pushes the limits of the human body and mind. Few are willing to suffer the hard work and sacrifices to attain excellence or world class status.

Unfortunately, most humans today feel the need to cheat to obtain that very small advantage over their competitors and most of the time society turns a blind eye to cheating.

Many of my colleagues consider my work to be among the best that they have seen and I have the comments and surveys stating their beliefs. For me, excellence has come at a very high personal cost:
1.Millions of dollars in education to study with the best in the world
2.Spending thousands of hours in classrooms
3.Working 60 hours a week for more than 30 years
4.Eliminating all vacations for the last 26 years.

I did not cheat to achieve my level of clinical dentistry nor did I ever earn my income unethically.

I have worked exceptionally hard to give you the dentistry that you deserve.

My 35th Year

2011-05-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

This week I begin my 35th year as a dentist.

I often hear folks talk about being 'burned out' or 'bored on the job' or 'needing a vacation.' I am not bored with my job, I am not burned out and I don't 'need' a vacation.

I LOVE being a dentist and my job gets better every single year. In fact, I am a better clinical dentist now that at any other time during my career.

Most dentists my age (63) don't enjoy clinical dentistry and are counting down the days until they retire and I feel sorry for them.

I love being a dentist and I love taking care of my patients and if I were looking to change dentists, I would look for someone who loves what they do. It is the ultimate WIN-WIN situation.

And I could care less about the money...It is NOT why I love to take care of you.

The Billy Joel Question

2011-05-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of Billy Joel and have seen him in concert several times. I recently have been watching some of his concerts on YouTube and am amazed at the fact that everyone knows the words to his songs even when he is not playing in an English speaking country.

I practiced dentistry for slightly more than 30 years in Troy, NY and there was not a month that went by that someone did not ask me 'The Billy Joel Question." Patients from out of town asked me the question. Dental Laboratory Sales Reps asked me the question and Dental Salesman asked me the question. What is the Billy Joel Question???

Two lines in the lyrics to "Piano Man" goes like this:

"They sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, "Man, what are you doin here?"

People always wanted to know what a quality dentist was doing with an office in the middle of nowhere.

I opened my 'new' office in downtown Saratoga Springs two and a half years ago and NOT one person has asked me why I am located in Saratoga.NOT ONE! I have had many patients tell me that my new office was the right place to be because now my beautiful dentistry was consistent with my beautiful office.

I must be honest when I tell you that I do not miss being asked 'The Billy Joel Question."

"But His Patients Are Different From Our Patients

2011-05-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

Trisha, my office manager of 28 years and I gave a course a few weeks ago and she over heard one of the younger dentists saying to another dentist, "But his patients are different from our patients." What they are saying is that you, my patient, are different than his patient and therefore what I do for you will not 'work' or be successful in his dental office.

Do young dentists really think that YOU are different from the patients that they treat? Every patient that I treat was a patient of another dentist at one time or another. Dentists make excuses all the time as to why they can't learn new techniques or why a certain procedure would not be accepted by their patients.

Many dentists have given up trying to pursue excellence because it is really extremely challenging to take that journey.It is easier to do what they already know how to do and then convince themselves that Dr. Benjamin's patients are different than their own.

I don't understand but there is a long list of things that I don't understand

(A little secret: You, MY patient, ARE a lot different than the average dental patient because you are a lot more intelligent. You recognize that all dentists are NOT the same...A few are great, most are average and others need to find another line of work. But why am I telling you this...You already know this.)

One By One

2011-05-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

Opening a new dental practice is stressful during the best of times. Opening a new dental practice, 40 miles from my old office during the worst economic times in 70 years was EXTREMELY challenging. Our practice does not sell dentistry. We do offer excellence. Excellence is not what patients expect and it is not easy to find even when you are looking. 'Convincing' patients to expect excellence is an entirely new experience for many but my good friend, Francisco Banchs and I tell each other every day...We will succeed by changing patient's minds ONE BY ONE. We fully recognize that excellence is not for everyone but there a significant number of patients who have had dental problems and tell themselves, "There has to be something better."
For those patients who are tired of having their new root canals fail or having to return to the dentist because their new filling or crown fell out...there is something different.

We will succeed by offering something different for those patients who want "something different." And our success will be slow and steady...One by one.

An Honest Discussion About Fees

2011-05-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

I went to a gathering a few weeks ago to watch a documentary about the gas industry and water polution. An older woman sat next to me during dinner and we began chatting and after she discovered that I was a dentist, she began complaing to me about how much her dentist charged her to fix a tooth. She told me that she was not going back to him because it was $500 to repair her tooth. I did not respond to this person's complaints because it did not interest me to do so. But I think this might be a good time to discuss the cost of dentistry and why fees are what they are.
The average overhead (the cost to operate a dental office) for a dentist is 70%. A few dentist have a lower cost of operation but 70% is about average. The lady I mentioned was charged $500 and the cost of operating a dental office is 70% which means that $150 is left for the dentist. But the average dentist is in the 50% tax bracket (federal, state, social security, sales tax, property tax etc etc etc) so that the dentist takes home $75 out of the initial $500 fee. SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS!!!

Please remember this when you think that dentistry is so expensive.

My Patient for Thirty Years

2011-05-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Trish, our hygienist who joined our office 6 months ago, has been amazed by the number of patients that I have cared for for more than thirty years...THIRTY YEARS!!!
We have grown older...and in some cases, old together. How many professional relationships last 30 years?
For those patients who are above 65 and who have their own teeth, the overwhelming majority of these folks will verbalize their feelings about being my patient for all these years. It is not uncommon for a patient to say, " I would not have my teeth if it were not for you." These words deeply affect me at this stage of my career.
I am honored and humbled to care for my patients all of these years and I sincerely thank each and everyone of you for the privilege of letting me take care of you.

The Professor

2011-05-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

As most people know, I am an assoicate clinical professor (visiting) at the State University of NY at Buffalo and I lectured at the school a few weeks ago. Tonight is my night to demonstrate to my young colleagues what I do for you, my patients. I want them to totally change how they think and consider moving in the direction of not only excellence but also conservative, strong bonded direct restorations instead of cutting down teeth for crowns.

Will I be successful in changing minds of young dentists? Probably not but success will come one dentist at a time. The old dentists that trained me taught me to ALWAYS put my patient's best interest above my own financial interest. I am trying to do that for the next generation. You and I both need to hope that I am successful.
This is a photo of me lecturing at our opening session of our course.

Like No Other Course

2011-04-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Last night, the Root Canal Expert's Education Center for Dental Excellence began our 2-3 year course in earnest. We are going to treat one patient, at no expense to our patient, utilizing the best knowlege that we have regardless of time or cost for the benefit of educating our younger dental colleagues; We are trying to infect dentists who have about 10 years of experience with EXCELLENCE.

Last night we had our first LIVE surgical session to remove a mini implant that was misused to replace an upper front tooth in our patient.

Most dentists think of other dentists as their competition but in a room full of young dentists who truly want to provide excellent dental treatment for THEIR patients, we were truly a group of colleagues. If our class learns nothing about the clinical excellence that we will provide for our patient, they will learn that there are other local dentists who are like minded in their pursuit of dental excellence and this will please me and the other dental specialists teaching the course.

It is an honor to be a participant in the course in the role of teacher. I do not believe that there is another dental course like this anywhere in the country. The four teachers who are giving the course are donating our services to the patient and we are paying for all of the expenses which will be almost $20,000.

We all thank Francisco Banchs and Allyson Byrne for their foresight in establishing a Center for Dental Excellence.

The Internet Makes the World Smaller

2011-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

A young lady in England is studying to be a hygienist and she sent me an email after finding my blog on the internet. She found my work to be very well done and my blog very interesting. We sent emails back and forth because she was interested in how I started blogging and how did I become interested in doing fine restorative dentistry for my patients.
Last week Vanessa Clegg told me that her blog was going to have an online interview with dentists every week and would I consider being the first dentist that she interviewed. I was truly honored to be asked to tell the world about the profession that I love.

If you would like to read the interview, please copy and paste this into your browser:

http://www.dentist-truro.co.uk/dentist-of-the-week-gerald-benjamin-interview/

The internet makes us all next door neighbors. I correspond with dentists all across America on a daily basis and many dentists from around the world.

Respect Of One's Peers

2011-04-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

For a professional, the respect and admiration of one's peers is among the greatest indicators of success.

One of my colleagues on the ACE Dental Forum sent me the following email today:
"I love your posts !!! Keep the high standards coming..............."

As I begin the last decade or so of my career, I have slowly become recognized as a dentist of uncompromising standards.

Making money has never been a sign of professional success for me because I learned very early in my career that some of the wealthiest professionals lacked both talent and ethics.

I am honored by my peer's comments.

You Have Heard This Before

2011-04-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I like Paul Krugman the Pulitzer Prize winning columnist at the New York Times and a Professor of Economics at Princeton.

In a recent column he was ranting about some in Congress wanting to privatize Medicare and how some also want folks to be consumers rather than patients.Dr. Krugman writes about the very special doctor patient relationship and how it is almost a sacred pact between two people. The patient trusts the doctor to take care of him or her and the doctor will do so selflessly.

I have spoken about the sacred relationship that I have with you, my patient, on several occasions and now others are starting to say the same thing.

The patient CANNOT be a good 'consumer' of dental services because dentistry has become very mediocre and you cannot expect to pay an average dentist the same fee that you would pay a superb dentist..You can't buy a Ferrari for the same cost as a Ford even though they are both cars.

Read Paul Krugman's article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/22/opinion/22krugman.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

A Surprising Comment

2011-04-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

A dentist on the ACE Dental Forum sent me the following email:

Thanks Gerald. I love your posts !!! Keep the high standards coming...............

Perhaps I can change some minds of other dentists about providing excellence in care to their patients.

Dentists cannot change until they care about their patients first and their economic well being second.

Other dentists know what I do but they are unwilling or unable to provide excellent care to their patients...

I guess I just will never understand.

I Knew It Would Happen

2011-04-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

There is a front page story in today's New York Times about a 63 year old physician who is a family doctor in Maryland. He can't sell his medical practice or, for that matter, even GIVE it away.Why? Because the old time doctor is no longer valued or wanted. Young doctors don't want to work the 60-70 hours a week to take care of their patients like us old timers do. They want a paycheck and time off to be with their families...And who can blame them? Also, no one wants to pay a doctor to spend time with them listening to their concerns. Today's physicians spend minutes with their patient and send them for tests instead of listening....REALLY LISTENING, to their patients...

I know that I am also the last of the old time dentist who knows their patients, cares for them as people and will always do what is in their PATIENT'S BEST INTEREST.
I have a distinct advantage over most physicians in that dentistry is always invasive and has the distinct possibility of causing pain. My patients KNOW that I will do my very best not to cause them pain.

I went to dinner with one of the orthodontists that I send my patients to for braces and during the course of the evening he said, "You know that your patients really love you." I know that and it makes me extremely happy.

But someday this level of caring and concern will come to an end and dentistry will only be about making money and not taking care of our patients.

That is sickening!

My Legacy

2011-04-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Several people recently spoke to me about having a LEGACY after my career is over. Last weekend the Chairman of Restorative Dentistry at SUNY/Buffalo, Dr. Carlo Munoz,who I like very much, asked me to give some thought to my legacy. To be honest, I am at the top of my career and it is hard to even think about not taking care of you.

Dr. Munoz wants me to consider lecturing around the world to infect other dentists with the concept of EXCELLENCE. I am not that interested in lecturing to other dentists as I would rather be taking care of you.Dr. Munoz asked me to give this some consideration and invited me to accompany him to Spain to lecture.

In 4-5 years I will start my serious search for my successor so he or she will have 8or 9 years studying with me so that you will have a high quality dentist to take care of you.

You, my patient, are my LEGACY...and that legacy matters a great deal to me.

How Can This Be Possible

2011-04-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Mission Statement of the School of Dental Medicine at SUNY/Buffalo states that it is the role of the Univeristy to teach 'current information' to the undergraduate dental students.

When I visited Buffalo last weekend to present an all day program to some of the senior dental students I learned that a Professor who has been at the dental school for 38 years is STILL teaching the same information about bonding to teeth that he taught me 38 years ago EVEN THOUGH THAT INFORMATION IS TOTALLY INCORRECT.

Can you imagine teaching incorrect information to today's dental students?

I would fire that Professor in a heart beat.

GRIT2

2011-04-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Dr. June Darling, the noted psychologist and dental consultant posted a great short lecture (18 minutes) explaining what GRIT means. This is what Dr. Darling said,
If you'd like to understand more about grit and the science of achievement (if you want to understand the path that Gerald is on):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaeFnxSfSC4

You can copy and paste this into your browser.

Like the test pilot, Chuck Yaeger who broke the sound barrier, I do believe that some human beings are "made of the right stuff." After my car accident in which my leg was amputated and then reattached, I knew that I was made of the right stuff. I returned to my senior year of dental school and despite missing the first two months of classes I graduated with my class against all odds.

Is this what GRIT means??? I would leave that up to the experts such as Dr. Darling.

GRIT

2011-04-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Our topics of discussion on the ACE Dental Forum are far reaching.One of my favorite people on ACE is not a dentist but a clinical psychologist. Dr. June Darling posted the following on the forum today:

Gerald and I have talked a lot about high performance. Gerald's life is a study in grit and perseverance. If there's a way of instilling that into our children, I believe it goes a long way in helping them be resilient and successful.

I did a LOT of stuff wrong with my children. I wish I would have known then what I know now. One brief thing that I did do right almost by accident did seem to have a big impact on Hoby (in terms of learning more about "grit.")

He really wanted to swim as a little guy. I had heard that one of the best ways to help kids swim was to get them on a swim team. So we went to sign ups. When we get there they tell us that all these little kids have to be able to swim the width of the pool. What??? (I thought they would teach them. We'd never really spent much time around water)

They line all these little tykes up. The kids jump in and start swimming away. Hoby is just trying to get across the pool any way he can. All the moms are on the other side of the pool and are telling me/screaming at me to pull Hoby out, he's going to drown. All the other little kids are across the pool. I'm biting my lip. I know this is an important moment - it really is sink or swim. But I decided that I had to show that I believed he could do it and give him every ounce of opportunity to try it. It took him forever to get to the other side of the pool, I'm crying, but he makes it - totally exhausted.

By the time he was ten, he had all broken all the swimming records.

The reason I remember this is because a Jehovah Witness lady came by my house last week. She looked at me and said..."Oh, yeah, I remember you. You're Hoby's mom. Do you remember that time at the pool? I sure thought that little kid was going to drown."

I'm really a softie. It's awfully hard for me to see people struggle and I know the tremendous value of stretching the grit muscles. I admire a number of dentists who show a tremendous amount of grit. Gerald is one of my favorite examples of true grit.

I love examples of grit. Rocky stories.

Dr. Darling loves my stories of struggles in life and my profession: My three years of rejection from almost every dental in the United States or my car accident in which my right leg was amputated in a car accident and surgically reattached so that I could resume my dental studies and graduate with my dental school class and even go on to run 5 miles. Or my 20 year efforts to study with the best of the world so that I could, one day, be like them even if it means forgoing vacations for 26 years in a row.

Dr. Darling's search is to find out WHY we are like we are...and that certainly will be a life long study. In the mean time, I just continue to do what I love to do...Beautifully restoring your teeth and keeping your mouth healthy...What a great job!

Infecting the Next Generation With Excellence

2011-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I spent 8 hours yesterday lecturing and teaching a small group (8 students) of senior dental students at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Some of the faculty at the Dental School believes that they are still living in the 1980s and refuse to advance their thinking 30 years to what is routinely being done in top dental practices today.

Every year I am invited to 'infect' the next generation of my colleagues with the virus of excellence in the hope that they too will seek to treat their patients at the highest possible level.

In his note of thanks and appreciation, my Chairman emailed me the following note:

"Thanks to you for affecting our new generation. We can't do anything about the old generation but the new generation certainly can be changed. Thanks for your contributions to esthetic dentistry and I encouraged you to continue giving CE courses."

It is, indeed, an honor and a privilege to teach those that will follow me into our wonderful profession.

In reality...I did this for you, my patient, so that you will be able to find someone to take care of you after I no longer can.

(And how much was I paid to lecture???????????? Absolutely NOTHING!!!. I did it because it my professional responsibility to give back.)

What is Obvious to Some

2011-04-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

The average dentist works 30-35 hours a week and is exhausted at the end of the week.
I have worked 50-60 hours a week for almost 35 years and have loved almost every minute of it. I never take lunch or go on vacation. My last vacation was in 1985.
Some on the ACE forum questioned my sanity when I posted this information about myself. But then the highly regarded psychologist and noted dental coach/business consultant Dr. June Darling said the following about me:

"Gerald is traveling a different road. He aims to be the best in the world. He's energized rather than exhausted by his work."

I could not be more honored by Dr. Darling's observations.

I LOVE doing dentistry and I LOVE taking care of my patients. I do not sell dentistry but I do sell excellence.

Why would you want someone to take care of your teeth that does not LOVE dentistry? I cannot answer that.

Burn Out????

2011-04-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

The average dentist works 30-35 hours a week and for most, doing dentistry is a chore. For me, It is a labor of love. I have ALWAYS worked 50-60 hours a week because I refuse to rush through treatment to see more patients. There is more satisfaction in placing beautiful, strong dentistry than there is to making more money.

I am viewed as a very talented dentist by my colleagues on the ACE forum. The truth is that I am not a naturally gifted clinician but I am passionate about what I do and I am willing to spend thousands of hours perfecting my craft.

When I recently told the ACE forum that I work 50+ hours a week treating my patients, one dentist privately emailed my and asked why I haven't BURNED OUT or had physical problems associated with restoring teeth.

Taking care of you is what I love to do..Is it hard work? Yes it is.
Going to work is what I get up in the morning to do..
Burn out??? I have no idea what that means.

Thank You So Much!!!

2011-04-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

I love my new teeth; they have not only enhanced my smile but my confidence.

This is the email that I received from a patient who just completed a smile makeover.

My staff and I work very hard to achieve the best possible results for our patients and the overwhelming majority of patients not only gratefully pay us but always send us a note of appreciation.

Helping you achieve dental health is not my job...It is my life...Who I am and What I do.

Please keep this in mind when you select a dentist to take care of you and your family.

Education is Our Future

2011-04-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is really going to be a great week! I will get to treat my patients for four days and then on Thursday evening, we will start our 2-3 year course using several different areas of dentistry to treat one patient. Starting this journey should be exhilarating for all involved.

On Friday, I will travel to SUNY/Buffalo to teach an all day course to the top senior dental students and some of the faculty. My job is to teach the students excellence because as my mentor, Dr. Fred McIntyre says, "If we don't TEACH our students EXCELLENCE, they will not KNOW excellence."

My goal will be to show my students that there are some dentists in private practice who pursue excellence and reject the status quo of mediocrity. The students believe that providing excellent dentistry is not possible in a private practice and that no one does that kind of work anyway.

I am hopeful that at least ONE dental student in the room will have a change of mind and make the commitment to pursue excellence. Why else would I give up my weekend and travel more than 600 miles?

To change ONE YOUNG MIND!

Kind Words from a Colleague

2011-04-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am truly amazed when a dentist who only knows me by my work says nice things about me and the quality of my work. The ACE forum was discussing Groupon and my initial comment was that I only compete with other dentists on QUALITY and not on price. A dentist thought that in the 'modern world' (Aside: which means that mediocrity is the new standard of 'excellence') that a dentist like me should consider the concept of Groupon ie discount dentistry.

He said the following: Those that adapt and embrace will succeed. I am not saying that Gerald won't succeed at what he does, that man has some skills. But I think it would behoove him and anyone else to take a look at everything and figure out how it could fit in their office.

I am again honored that my colleagues recognize that the work that I do for you is wonderful.

You, as my patient, should also feel great in that you KNOW for a fact that other dentists admire YOUR DENTIST'S work.

Groupon and Discounts

2011-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

I must be honest and say that when a dentist participates with insurance companies or another discount program such as Groupon that you, the patient will suffer. The insurance company knows that it will not let you charge your usual fee and expects you to make up for that lost income by volume.
When someone works with their hands, how is it possible to see more patients? The answer is that shortcuts must be taken and quality must go down. My success rate in a year is 99+% which means that it is unlikely that you will have a problem with my work. If my success rate drops to 80% because I have to rush to see more patients, it means that you will have a problem with 20% of the work that I do for you.

Do you REALLY want to sit in my dental chair any more time so that I can fix something that I had to rush in the first place?

Not ME!!!!!!!! I want my dentist to do the treatment as well as he can the first time.

So when a patient calls and asks if I participate with insurance companies, they are literally asking to spend MORE time in the dental chair. Why would they want THAT?

Hans Julius Baer

2011-03-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mr. Baer was an influential banker and philanthropist who passed away on March 21,2011. From reading the announcement of his passing in the New York Times, I noted that he accomplished a significant amount of good works during his lifetime. What really impressed me was a quote by Mr. Baer:

"I have never tried to set boundaries between work and leisure. It was simply my life."

I feel the exact same sentiments as Mr. Baer. Who we are and what we do defines the person that we are. I believe in the old days, being a physician or a dentist permeated their whole life.

Things have changed but I do not think for the better.

What Do Patients Say?

2011-03-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

The dental consultants strongly advise that a dentist Google him or herself to see what others are saying about us. So today, I did just that and went to a website called "All Over Albany" and this is what I found:

I've been seeing Dr. Gerald Benjamin since I was 5. He is incredibly skilled and personable and his staff is amazing. They just opened an office in Saratoga - http://www.benjaminsmile.com.

They're a bit pricey, but not as bad as what you said you paid. I think the quality of care justifies the price.

I loved reading this!!!!

"The quality of care justifies the price." I am honored and in awe that patients can see that my goal is to take care of you at the highest possible level.

Do I Care What My Colleagues think?

2011-03-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

Yes I do!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why?

Because I have been doing this job for a very long time...almost 35 years, and I would like to believe that I have made a difference both to my profession and in my patient's lives.

One of my colleagues recently posted a statement about who should make the decision about the kind of restoration that is BEST for the patient. This is what he said:

"I don't want my hygienist deciding what kind of restoration my patients need. She is good especially with the digital x-rays telling and showing patients that they have a broken down tooth or a very large filling that is leaking that needs to be restored. I do mostly onlays an occasional crown and a lot of larger composites like Einstein, or I mean Gerald."

Dentists around the United States know who I am and what I do. I am known for preserving natural tooth structure by placing very strong direct posterior resins instead of cutting down teeth for crowns.

In the final third of my career, I have made my mark on my profession and I like that.

Dentists Were Angry

2011-03-26T10:31:00.001-07:00

I told you about the continuing education course of the decade in which four dentists will provide interdisciplinary dental treatment to our patient at no cost and for the benefit of dentists so that they can learn how to provide excellence to their patients.

We sent our 400 invitations to dentists around the Capital District and we ELECTRONICALLY limited attendance to the first 12 dentists that signed up. Dentists were not happy with us for keeping the course so small and even complained to one of the local Dental Societies. We relented and agreed to allow four additional dentists to join the exclusive group of dentists attending the course.

We were thrilled and overwhelmed that so many dentists wanted to make a three year commitment to learning.

We must be doing something right if so many professionals wanted to join us.

You Are a Dying Breed.

2011-03-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

I saw a new patient this week who is a semi-retired gynecologist who practiced in Albany but now in Vermont. At the end of his appointment, he said to me, “You are a dying breed! Your concern for your patient, your pursuit of excellence and the fact that you only do what you are good at, is a rarity among physicians and dentists today.”

My work is a reflection of who I am and what I do. I take care of patients that truly want to be taken care of and I am honored to treat patients that want what I do which is fine restorative dentistry.

Lexus and I believe the same thing: The unrelenting pursuit of Excellence. For those patients that want and appreciate excellence, I am one of their options.

An Earthquake, a Tsunami and a Nuclear Disaster

2011-03-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

In the history of the world, I don't believe that there has been this many problems besetting a country as we are witnessing in Japan.

You might ask, "Why should we care?"

The answer is simple: We are all in this together. Everything affects EVERYBODY!
No country in the world is self reliant and no country has all the answers.

Whenever there is a crisis there are no Republicans and no Democrats; No liberals and no conservatives. A crisis makes us all AMERICANS.

A crisis IN the world is a crisis FOR the world.

If we don't fight together, we will struggle alone.

I pray for Japan's success during these impossible times.

The Course of the Decade

2011-03-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when dentists see the work of some of their colleagues, they become upset that the standards are not up to par. And sometimes a group of dentists join together to right a wrong and to show our younger colleagues that excellence can be done in the Capital District and if they want to know how to do it, we will show them.

Four dentists in the Capital District, an Endodontist, an oral surgeon, an orthodontist and I will treat ONE patient for up to three years of dental treatment with our goal to produce as perfect an outcome as possible for our patient. We are inviting up to 12 of our dental colleagues to join us on our journey towards excellence.

Our colleagues will pay us nothing to take our course which is unheard of for a course like this. And our patient will also not pay us for our dental treatment.

Then why would we do this? What do we want to gain from helping other dentists learn and giving our patient the gift of dental excellence that she would never be able to pay for?

We will conduct this course solely for the benefit of our patient and as a tremendous learning experience for other dentists. Each of us teaching our course will PAY thousands of dollars for our involvement in presenting this course as well as almost 100 hours each of our time for planning, preparation and treatment.

There has never been a course like this in the Capital District or as far as I know, anywhere else in the country.

I can't wait.

A Maverick?

2011-03-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

We discuss many things on the ACE Dental Forum. Clinical dentistry (my favorite), the business of running a dental practice, ethics and even some politics.
One of my favorite contibutors is Dr. June Darling, a noted psychologist and dental business consultant. June provides us with her rational and reasonable thoughts about why we are who we are and why we behave like we behave as well as why some business relationships work and why they don't.
She recently responded to a dentist who asked about 'Team Meetings' and I sent her a private email informing her that I in 34 years I have never had a team meeting. Her response to me was "It does surprise me that people can have great organizations without having some sort of team meeting. But Gerald wouldn't you call yourself a "maverick"?"

I responded to Dr. Darling with the following:

1. I will not hurt anyone for money
2. I will do the very best that I can for each patient that I treat
3. I will not be unethical
4. I will treat my staff with dignity and respect and as much like family as I can
5. I will strive for excellence because that is what my patients expect and pay me for?
6. "Do the Right Thing" is the office motto and we follow it?
Which of these makes me a maverick?

Have our values as a society changed so much that my old time values would label me a 'Maverick?'

You have asked me to take care of you and I have PROMISED you that I will.What an old fashioned concept.

My Nursing Home Visit

2011-03-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

I told you about the elderly man who has been my patient for 30 YEARS and was worried that no one would take care of his wife who is in a nursing home. I assured Mr. F that I would continue to see his wife in the nursing home to keep my eye on her implant supported dentures.

This morning I went to a nursing home in Troy to see my old friend. She is 82 and remains sharp as a tack. Unfortunately, she is very unhappy in the facility and wants to go home which, of course, just is not possible. She cried for most of my hour long visit and either wants to die or go home.

I stayed to talked with Mrs. for much longer than the dental exam required but she is lonely and this was the least I could do for someone who has given me 30 years of loyalty. I kissed Mrs. F when I arrived and when I left. 30 year relationships of any kind are rare but a professional doctor-patient relationship is truly to be cherished.

I am honored to have taken care of Mrs. F these past three decades. And if you think my visit was motivated by making money, you are completely wrong. There was no charge to see my old friend. Would you ask your old friends to pay you to visit?

It Was MY Fault

2011-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

I went to Home Depot today to buy a few things for my apartment. I bought six light bulbs and tall kitchen bags and went to the self service check out machines that never have a line. As I was removing the 6 pack of light bulbs from the shopping cart to the scanner, one 2-pack of bulbs fell out of the big package and one bulb broke. The person behind me worked at Home Depot but was just a customer like me and he told me to give the package to the check out clerk and go get another 6 pack of bulbs. My initial and only response was: THIS IS NOT HOME DEPOT'S FAULT. I dropped the light bulp and therefore, I should pay for it.

Not enough folks step up and take responsibility when things don't go right, especially when it involves money. This WAS my fault and I will accept responsibility and I DID pay for it.

Just like in the old days: You break it, you pay for it... The only thing no one can steal from me is my INTEGRITY.

In my office when something goes wrong, I take responsility and ownership. Recently, a patient told me that she didn't like something that I had made for her. I told her that this was not a problem and I would send the work to a different (better) lab. She told me that she had already paid for the work and I told her that it was not a problem; she would NOT have to pay me any more money.

This is what INTEGRITY is all about. You can take my money but you can't take my INTEGRITY.

The Standard of Excellence

2011-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

I am honored when one of my colleagues holds my work up as the gold standard for a particular dental treatment. This usually happens several times a month. This morning, a very quality oriented dentist from Georgia posted examples of his recently placed direct postrior resin restorations. Along with the photos of his work, he made the following comments:

"These restorations were done using Artiste, body and enamel shades. I've gone back to Bond It and get much better margins with the fourth generation material and with Surpass. I count Surpass as a fourth generation on steroids. These are not Gerald or Denny quality but bur marks are only on occlusal adjustments."

I am in awe when another dentist cites my work as an example of what all dentists' work should be like. It re-enforces my belief that the treatment that I do for my patients is THE standard of care. And remember...I do not earn my living by destroying your beautiful, natural tooth structure to place crowns like so many other dental professionals. I WANT you to keep your own tooth structure.

I thank my colleagues for their generous praise and I thank YOU for being my patient and recognizing that I am truly here to take care of you.

"You Need To Do The Consult For Free"

2011-02-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

I think that it is time to re-visit something that I blogged about before but the subject arises frequently and it is important that I address the issue again.

Most of my initial contact with someone who is deciding to become my patient is by email. People go to my website and either tell me about the problems that they are having with their mouth or smile or they want to know the answer to an insurance related question. Just as often, however, a person asks if I would do a cosmetic consultation for FREE.

I try to be as polite as I can when someone asks me that question. My first gut reaction always is: "What would you say if your boss asked YOU to come to work for FREE?" but of course, I do not say that.

My fee for a consultation is $125 and most of the time, the materials used in the direct resin mockup cost $75. Our office does NOT earn any income from our consultations and, in fact, the overhead costs per hour to run a modern dental practice is far in excess of the $125 that we charge for the consult.

I also explain to a prospective patient that if we did not charge for a consultation that thousands of people would ask for a consult with only a handfull of people actually deciding to have treatment. The bottom line is that if someone is offended by paying for a consultation, that they will then be offended by the fees for our dentistry.

This is America and in America we pay for what we want. Is this a new concept? I don't think so.

How Others View Us

2011-02-19T05:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard a recording of yourself and think, "That's not how I think I sound?" We all THINK that we sound different from what we are hearing.
I think that how we view ourselves may also be different from how others view us.We all think highly of ourselves and that is what makes up our egos and self respect.

I am honored to know that my colleagues feel that I am a pretty good clinician because that is how I view myself.

This morning I received an email from my young friend and mentee from Bangalore, India. This was his email:

Hello Dr.Gerald, I read this in today's newspaper, Its a saying from Mike Ditka, "Success is about having, excellence is about being. Success is about having money and fame, but excellence is being the best you can be".
When I read this, a picture of you just flashed in my mind. You are a true example of the later. Have a nice weekend. Regards, Ashok.

A dentist in Houston sent me an email after I posted a case from 9 years ago that was still functioning perfectly even though most dentists have only 5 years of success with this technique. The dentist said: " Hey Gerald,
>> Coming from you I would expect that! :-)"

How we view ourselves is very important to our psychological wellbeing. How our world views us is the only thing that is really important.

What You and I Take for Granted

2011-02-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

I firmly believe that dentists should NOT be placing as many crowns as they do. I believe that a very well done posterior direct resin restoration is the least expensive, most tooth conserving and among the strongest ways that I can fix your teeth.

I could make much more money by cutting down your teeth like other dentists but I would rather help you keep as much of your own tooth structure as I can. A dentist in Pennsylvania asked me to tell the ACE forum HOW I restore your teeth with resin fillings in a step by step explanation. I spent an hour detailing my technique which I believe is one of the best in the world and within minutes of posting my technique, I received this most gracious note from the Pennsylvania dentist:

Gerald you ARE an ACE in the truest sense. Thank you for teaching me/us!

You and I take my resin restorations for granted because I have been doing this for you for so many years. In reality, my work is viewed by other dentists as a wonderful example of excellence.

I am honored by my colleagues compliments but I am more honored to be your dentist and take care of YOU.

A Note From A Colleague

2011-02-13T20:44:00.001-08:00

I am always honored when a colleague praises my work. I have worked extremely hard during my almost 35 year career to do the very best for you, my patient. I have spent thousands of hours studying dentistry at a cost of millions of dollars while many of my colleagues were out playing golf or relaxing on Lake George.
I posted photos of some of the direct posterior bonded resin fillings that I placed on Friday on the International ACE Dental Forum. I informed my colleagues of the procedure and what my fee was to my patient. What shocked the other dentists on the Forum was NOT the quality of the work that I was showing to them but that the fee to my patient was soooooooooo inexpensive for the quality of the work that I was showing.Dentists KNOW what fees are appropriate and which are too high or too low. Many dentists wrote me privately stating that my fees are too LOW. One of them, a superb older dentist in California asked me if he could write a piece for my blog telling my patients how low my fees are and how lucky my patients are to have such a talented person as their dentist. I emailed him that he could write such a note but that I was NOT asking him to do that.

Here is his note to me:

Dear friends and patients of Dr. Benjamin,

While I'm a dentist in California, I've been following Dr. Benjamin's work in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for over a decade, since he's been sharing his work as a member of our international study group.

I'd have to say that he's one of the professionals setting the highest standards of what we can accomplish with current materials and technologies today.

Frankly, when I heard what Gerald was charging for his most advanced levels of care, I was somewhat astounded how low the fees were. I hope people in your area have some idea of what Dr. Benjamin is able to accomplish for them and the great VALUE he brings to you in his commitment to your care. I think you are very lucky to have him in New York, and we'd be happy to claim him in California.

This note is completely unsolicited, but I felt it was time to say something, since sometimes we don't know we have a gem when it's in our own pocket.

regards,
William C. Domb, DMD
Upland, CA
Director, Inland Institute of Aesthetic Dentistry

I am truly humbled by his note to you, MY PATIENT.

An Invitation

2011-01-29T19:07:00.001-08:00

A year or so, I was casually invited to lecture at the annual meeting of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) in Philadelphia in 2012. On Friday, I received the official invitation of an offer to lecture. This is quite an honor for a small town dentist who has not gone out of his way to achieve national recognition. My restorative dentistry is recognized for excellence not only in this country but in India, South America and Australia.

I am truly honored to be offered the opportunity to lecture to a large number of my colleagues. As you know, my primary professional interest is in providing excellent dental care to you, MY Patients. Writing articles, lecturing and teaching are a distant second to direct patient care.

I will give some thought to accepting this wonderful honor. The most important thing is that my patients know that my colleagues believe that my work is excellent.

A Patient in Need

2011-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a new patient who was dissatisfied with her previous dentist. She had a dental emergency before Christmas and her dentist told her on four occasions that he did not have time to treat her.

WHAT?????

My patient had lost a front filling three times and wanted to become my patient. She had an appointment on Tuesday at 5 PM for a full mouth series of radiographs (X-Rays) and she told me that she has had a terrible toothache on the lower left side since the weekend. After asking her why she hadn't called me, I asked her if she would like me to get her an appointment with my endodontist for a root canal on Wednesday and she thanked me. As soon as I emailed Dr. Banchs to ask him to see my patient, he took the elevator down 2 floors and came to my office to meet my patient and reassure her that she would be seen the next day.

On the way out she told Dr. Banchs and me, "I am not used to being treated this way."

Why would any patient go to a dentist that will not see them in their hour of need?

I just don't get it. I have dedicated my life to taking care of MY patients and I have no desire to change now.

Your health and your comfort are my MAIN CONCERN.

"It Just Wasn't the Right Thing to Do"

2011-01-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

There was a front page story in Thursday's New York Times about a baseball pitcher who earned $12 million a year to play and REFUSED to take his salary.

"When I signed my contract, my main goal was to earn it. Once I started to realize I wasn't earning my money, I felt bad. I was making a crazy amount of money for not even pitching. Honestly, I didn't feel like I deserved it. I didn't want to have those feelings again."

Can you believe it?

It is so rare in American life that someone even talks about 'Doing the Right Thing' and even rarer to have them walk the talk.

'Do The Right Thing' is MY OFFICE MOTTO. It is on the stone card holders in my office. Anyone who has been my patient for any length of time will hear me recite my motto and go on to say that if I can't give you VALUE for your money, that I don't want your money.

Just last week, my office manager Tricia told me that she hears "Do the Right Thing" in her sleep...And I am happy to hear that.

The one thing that my patients must know about me is that I will never do anything to hurt you to earn my fee. We MUST do the right thing.

Would I Do It On My Own Daughter?

2011-01-23T13:23:00.000-08:00

Would I do the treatment on my own daughter if she was my patient?

I saw a new, 26 year old female patient on Friday for a consultation for my area of expertise, cosmetic dentistry. She was referred to me by another of my patients specifically to improve her smile. After examining her teeth and smile, I performed a Direct Resin Mock UP which is a technique that I have perfected for demonstrating to patients what their smile would look like if they decided to have treatment. More importantly, the Mock Up tells ME where I need to go with this case. My patient was thrilled with the Mock Up and informed me that she wanted to move forward with treatment.

I told my patient that I could significantly improve her smile with veneers but that if she were MY DAUGHTER, I would strongly recommend an orthodontic consultation because I feel that it would be better to MOVE her teeth into the correct position rather than to remove tooth structure for veneers. The correct treatment is first to move her teeth AND THEN place porcelain veneers.

I could earn more money immediately if I just placed porcelain veneers in the next few weeks. I would rather wait a year to have her teeth orthodontically placed in the right position first BEFORE placing veneers.

Why don't I want to earn money now?

Because I would not treat my own daughter with veneers without first having orthodontics. Because it is not the right thing to do.

Before deciding on any medical or dental treatment, you must always ask your physician or dentist what they would do if you were their wife, son or daughter.

A New Patient

2011-01-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am (thankfully) seeing a lot of new patients in Saratoga. Many want me to be their new general dentist and others are specifically looking to improve their smiles. Last week I consulted with a new patient who wanted a new dentist AND wants to improve her smile. I chatted with my new patient and then performed a direct resin mock up which is a technique that I have perfected and that I frequently lecture to other dentists about. The mockup is designed to allow a patient to preview what a new, beautiful smile would look like IN THEIR MOUTH prior to having any work performed. My new patient now understands that their mouth has deteriorated and that I have the ability to make vast improvments. More importantly, it enables me to learn everything that I need to know directly from the patient's mouth before I start treatment.

My new patient sent me this wonderful email today:

The images are so dramatic, I can't believe the difference. Thank you for your promptness. I was very anxious to get the photos and take my time to peruse them.
I felt so comfortable at your office that before I left I had already made up my mind that I would like you to be my new dentist.
I'm looking very forward to more discussions regarding my new smile!
Thank you,

I am truly honored when a new patient selects our office for their dental treatment. I sent this patient an email telling her that I will do everything that I can to make her happy in our office.

I said it....AND I MEAN IT.

The Pursuit of Excellence is a Lonely Journey

2011-01-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

I am reading the book "Talent is Overrated."
Is Tiger Woods a great golfer because he has the 'golf gene?'
Are World Class chess players better than the rest of us because they are smarter or have better memories?

The answer to both of those questions is 'NO.'

All the the evidence points to the fact that world class individuals have dedicated their lives to 'deliberately practicing' their craft...NON-STOP.

People that know me think that I am odd or different because I think about my work constantly and that I am trying to improve my skills even at an age when most dentists are retiring. They don't get it...And they NEVER will get it.

I study dentistry, I read about it, I go to different institutes to learn from THE BEST in the World. When I watch TV, I point out who had a great dentist and who went to a mediocre one.

Yes I am different just by the fact that I love what I do. I have spent thousands of hours locked in a class room for three and four days at a time and spent millions of dollars to do so.

And why did I do it?

So that I could try to be the best at what I do........for YOU, my patient. I also did it for ME so that I could feel good about myself and the service that I provide to my patients.

Folks just don't understand and that is why the pursuit of excellence is such a lonely journey.