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It is official! The Chairman of Restorative Dentistry at SUNY/Buffalo has notified me that I have been appointed an Associate Clinical Professor in his department.
It is a sincere honor to receive this appointment because the University looked at all of my credentials and accomplishments to determine whether I had EARNED a position on the faculty.
My Curriculum Vitae includes:
1. 2600 hours of Continuing Education
2. Earning a Certificate of Proficiency in Esthetic Dentistry (2001, SUNY/Buffalo)
3. Successfully published an article in a peer reviewed journal
4. Presented many lectures in the Capital District of NY as well as in Baltimore, MD and Buffalo, NY.
5. Invited to lecture at the American Academy of General Dentistry annual meeting in Philadelphia, 2012.
6. Clinical Instructor for Dental Students, Post-Graduate Students and Dentists in General Practice
7. Posted many cases on the ACE Forum to much clinical acclaim
8. Won the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Contest
9. Mentor many young dentists in the Capital District
One of my mentors, Dr. Fred McIntyre always says that if the University does not teach excellence to its dental students, they will not KNOW excellence. It is my intention to show my students what excellence is any time that I am asked to teach.
My appointment would have made my Father very proud.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
My Hobby
In 1999, after I won the most prestigious clinical contest in dentistry, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Contest (there were 5 winners in the world) the Troy Record came to my office to interview me. I have the full story about me hanging on the wall in the waiting room of my Troy office. Every new patient that has come to my office since 1999 has read that article and the one thing that they all comment on was my statement that dentistry was my hobby.
When you think about that, what does the statement that, "Your work is your hobby," really mean? It means many things but I think that we can agree on some of the most important areas. When someone has a hobby they:
1. Want to lean and know as much as possible about the subject that interests them
2. Intuitively know that some people are average, good or great at this particular hobby and they want to seek out the best to teach them everything there is to know.
3. Devote more time to perfecting their skill in their hobby
4. Are willing to spend more money buying better tools or equipment to develop their skills.
5. Are not afraid to show their work to other hobbyists so that their work can be critiqued.
6. Tend to get better with practice as opposed to becoming bored by doing something over and over.
7. Are passionate about their work.
After almost 35 years as a dentist, dentistry is still my hobby and I am still perfecting my craft despite the fact that many of my colleagues don't believe that that is really necessary.
My work is my hobby and I hope to be a better dentist next year than I am this year. And in ten years, I hope to look back at the work that I am doing today and remark how much better I am than I used to be.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry no longer holds a Smile Contest but even at age 62, I feel that I still could win...Why wouldn't I win...my work is my hobby.
When you think about that, what does the statement that, "Your work is your hobby," really mean? It means many things but I think that we can agree on some of the most important areas. When someone has a hobby they:
1. Want to lean and know as much as possible about the subject that interests them
2. Intuitively know that some people are average, good or great at this particular hobby and they want to seek out the best to teach them everything there is to know.
3. Devote more time to perfecting their skill in their hobby
4. Are willing to spend more money buying better tools or equipment to develop their skills.
5. Are not afraid to show their work to other hobbyists so that their work can be critiqued.
6. Tend to get better with practice as opposed to becoming bored by doing something over and over.
7. Are passionate about their work.
After almost 35 years as a dentist, dentistry is still my hobby and I am still perfecting my craft despite the fact that many of my colleagues don't believe that that is really necessary.
My work is my hobby and I hope to be a better dentist next year than I am this year. And in ten years, I hope to look back at the work that I am doing today and remark how much better I am than I used to be.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry no longer holds a Smile Contest but even at age 62, I feel that I still could win...Why wouldn't I win...my work is my hobby.
Trust
Intelligent folks care about finding competent professionals to take care of them. When someone is honest, ethical and competent then and only then, can you place your confidence and trust in him or her.
Folks that want competent professionals to take care of them rarely ask, "And do you take my insurance (as full payment)?" Mediocre dentists have to 'compete' with a great number of other mediocre dentists who force each other to participate with insurance companies. Highly educated and competent dentists are a rare breed and therefore when a patient goes looking for competence, they are willing to pay for an exceptional level of care.
I have been treating a patient for the past 5 years and when we met, I transformed a dark and worn smile into something dazzling. So beautiful, in fact, that she continually commented on her worn, dark and uneven lower teeth. Last Friday was her appointment to finally make the changes on her lower teeth and during the appointment, she commented that she was having a difficult time finding doctors that she could trust. She immediately corrected herself and said, " I never have to worry about trusting you."
I will do everything possible to earn and keep your trust in me.
Folks that want competent professionals to take care of them rarely ask, "And do you take my insurance (as full payment)?" Mediocre dentists have to 'compete' with a great number of other mediocre dentists who force each other to participate with insurance companies. Highly educated and competent dentists are a rare breed and therefore when a patient goes looking for competence, they are willing to pay for an exceptional level of care.
I have been treating a patient for the past 5 years and when we met, I transformed a dark and worn smile into something dazzling. So beautiful, in fact, that she continually commented on her worn, dark and uneven lower teeth. Last Friday was her appointment to finally make the changes on her lower teeth and during the appointment, she commented that she was having a difficult time finding doctors that she could trust. She immediately corrected herself and said, " I never have to worry about trusting you."
I will do everything possible to earn and keep your trust in me.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Consumate Dentist
When the former Dean at SUNY/Buffalo School of Dental Medicine visited my office with his wife earlier this year, it was an effort to show his wife who is also a dentist that quality, ethical dental practices DO exist around the country. At one point when I told him that I had an article published in a peer reviewed dental journal, he turned to his wife and said, "The best dentists teach, publish, mentor and do excellent clinical dentistry."
I told you about my young dentist from Bangalore, India that I am mentoring and who spent a week in my office learning and studying how to do superb clinical dentistry. Today I received the following email which talks about a lot of technical stuff which you won't understand. But what you will easily see is the enthusiasm of a young dentist when he FINALLY conquers a clinical technique that he has been struggling with. He says:
Hi Dr.Benjamin, it took nearly 6 months for me to do a composite filling(class II ) without touching the bur on the carved surface!!!!! but this time i GOT IT.
I did this case today(upper molar with big class II including palatal cusps) with your filtek. Now i carve with the instrument which you had recommended, there was no highpoints at all, no polish, but it was looking so natural, amazing!!!, the photo is taken with the chair light so it has come bit yellowish. Criticize the case.(now while carving the composite restorations, your picture will be there in my mind till i finish the carving, probably i got this result because of that!!!!!!!). Take care, Ashok.
I am trying to be the consummate dentist: the teacher,the mentor, the writer and the excellent clinical dentist.
I told you about my young dentist from Bangalore, India that I am mentoring and who spent a week in my office learning and studying how to do superb clinical dentistry. Today I received the following email which talks about a lot of technical stuff which you won't understand. But what you will easily see is the enthusiasm of a young dentist when he FINALLY conquers a clinical technique that he has been struggling with. He says:
Hi Dr.Benjamin, it took nearly 6 months for me to do a composite filling(class II ) without touching the bur on the carved surface!!!!! but this time i GOT IT.
I did this case today(upper molar with big class II including palatal cusps) with your filtek. Now i carve with the instrument which you had recommended, there was no highpoints at all, no polish, but it was looking so natural, amazing!!!, the photo is taken with the chair light so it has come bit yellowish. Criticize the case.(now while carving the composite restorations, your picture will be there in my mind till i finish the carving, probably i got this result because of that!!!!!!!). Take care, Ashok.
I am trying to be the consummate dentist: the teacher,the mentor, the writer and the excellent clinical dentist.
"That's Why You're the Best"
Many dentists hear this from their patients and it is wonderful for the profession that patients feel that way about their dentist.
My patient called at 6PM last night and told me that he broke off his front tooth at the gum line and needed an appointment. I told him to come in at 7AM and I would restore his front tooth....And the front tooth was indeed broken right off at the gum line.
We fixed Fred's tooth and no one would ever know that an hour before, he was toothless. Fred has been my patient for 20 years and after looking in the mirror this morning...He said to me, "That's why you are the best."
I take those words as my patient's ultimate compliment. In fact, I want every single one of my patients to feel the same way as Fred. Money is meaningless when you have done your very best for your patient and they are appreciative...Isn't this why we become physicians and dentists?
"And that's why you are the best!!!!!" Those are some pretty sweet words
My patient called at 6PM last night and told me that he broke off his front tooth at the gum line and needed an appointment. I told him to come in at 7AM and I would restore his front tooth....And the front tooth was indeed broken right off at the gum line.
We fixed Fred's tooth and no one would ever know that an hour before, he was toothless. Fred has been my patient for 20 years and after looking in the mirror this morning...He said to me, "That's why you are the best."
I take those words as my patient's ultimate compliment. In fact, I want every single one of my patients to feel the same way as Fred. Money is meaningless when you have done your very best for your patient and they are appreciative...Isn't this why we become physicians and dentists?
"And that's why you are the best!!!!!" Those are some pretty sweet words
I Am Proud to be a Patient of Yours
I can think of no better words that a doctor can receive from one of their patients.
The entire email from Bill was:
Dr Benjamin
Thank you so much for your terrific care and artistry! I am proud to be a patient of yours! I am delighted with today's outcome.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill is thanking me for my competence and my concern. Isn't this what you would expect from your doctor...that he or she knows what they are doing AND cares about you?
Thirty or forty years ago folks would do anything they could to have certain doctors agree to treat them. The patient was PRIVILEGED to be be treated by doctor so and so.
Today, there are so few highly competent and caring doctors that it ALMOST doesn't matter which one you decide to see...The only question folks want to know about their physician or dentist is, "Does he accept my insurance?"
"I am proud to be your patient" means that Bill and I have established a RELATIONSHIP in which I am ethically bound to pursue excellence in his care.
In some ways, I like the old days better.
The entire email from Bill was:
Dr Benjamin
Thank you so much for your terrific care and artistry! I am proud to be a patient of yours! I am delighted with today's outcome.
Best regards,
Bill
Bill is thanking me for my competence and my concern. Isn't this what you would expect from your doctor...that he or she knows what they are doing AND cares about you?
Thirty or forty years ago folks would do anything they could to have certain doctors agree to treat them. The patient was PRIVILEGED to be be treated by doctor so and so.
Today, there are so few highly competent and caring doctors that it ALMOST doesn't matter which one you decide to see...The only question folks want to know about their physician or dentist is, "Does he accept my insurance?"
"I am proud to be your patient" means that Bill and I have established a RELATIONSHIP in which I am ethically bound to pursue excellence in his care.
In some ways, I like the old days better.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Disappointed Patient
Fortunately I am not talking about one of my patients. I consulted with a patient who was incredibly disappointed by the 'cosmetic dentistry' that she had received in another dental office. What most (younger) dentists have not learned is that the folks that are willing to have cosmetic dentistry will hold the dentist to VERY HIGH standards. These patients know exactly what they want to see in their smile and most younger dentists today feel that they can satisfy the esthetic requirements of these very demanding patients despite the fact that they do not have the knowledge or the experience to do so. My consult patient had every right to be dissapointed because the work she received did not rise to the level of excellence and the dentist that did the work has no clue as to why his patient is not happy. These dentists dismiss their patients as being 'unreasonable' or 'too demanding' rather than looking at their work objectively.
Do most cosmetic patients select the WRONG dentist to do their work? Absolutely!!! Most dentists lack the training, education, experience, judgement,passion or skill to satisfy the demanding cosmetic dentist.
Every patient demanding excellence in dental treatment MUST consult with several dentists before making the selection as to who will do their treatment. I tell all of my patients who are seeking comprehensive or cosmetic dentistry to visit many dental websites and dental offices to evaluate who is excellent and who is just trying to sell you treatment that they have no hope of delivering on.
Buyer beware has never been more important.
Remember...Ford is telling you that they do not make cars as well as Lexus by charging much less than Lexus.
Do most cosmetic patients select the WRONG dentist to do their work? Absolutely!!! Most dentists lack the training, education, experience, judgement,passion or skill to satisfy the demanding cosmetic dentist.
Every patient demanding excellence in dental treatment MUST consult with several dentists before making the selection as to who will do their treatment. I tell all of my patients who are seeking comprehensive or cosmetic dentistry to visit many dental websites and dental offices to evaluate who is excellent and who is just trying to sell you treatment that they have no hope of delivering on.
Buyer beware has never been more important.
Remember...Ford is telling you that they do not make cars as well as Lexus by charging much less than Lexus.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Don't You Just Love It?
I visit almost every dental website in the Capital District. I want to see what other dentists are offering as well as look at examples of their dentistry. The vast majority of dental websites do NOT have examples of their cases while many dentists website contain photos of patients that they have NOT actually treated. In other words...they had to BUY the photos of beautiful smiles because they don't have anything to show you.
I just went to a website of a dentist in Saratoga Springs who placed more emphasis on the dental insurance that he accepts than he does on the treatment that he has provided for his patients.
Why do patients select dentists who do not emphasize excellence? Excellence is not subjective. Any dentist can place his or her work on their website for everyone to see and evaluate.
Please visit other dental websites and look at their work and their accomplishments and the choice for your family dentist should be obvious.
I just went to a website of a dentist in Saratoga Springs who placed more emphasis on the dental insurance that he accepts than he does on the treatment that he has provided for his patients.
Why do patients select dentists who do not emphasize excellence? Excellence is not subjective. Any dentist can place his or her work on their website for everyone to see and evaluate.
Please visit other dental websites and look at their work and their accomplishments and the choice for your family dentist should be obvious.
The Right Thing is ALWAYS the Right Thing
I will always provide the BEST advice to my patients even if it means that I will not be directly involved in their treatment and I will not earn any money from that patient.
I gave the patient the following advice in an email:
If you were my wife AND you were willing to have orthodontic treatment then that is what I would recommend. I sincerely appreciate the fact that you trust me sufficiently that you ask my opinion…I will ALWAYS look after YOUR best interest.
My patient responded in her email:
I can see that you are looking out for my best interests. I do intend to get the uppers done, but that still leaves me with crooked,unsightly,lowers, and the orthodontist won't do the bottoms without the tops. As it stands, when I look in the mirror, all I see are those awful bottom teeth. Like everything else in my life, I'm starting late. After reading your refreshingly honest letter, I have decided to go with the braces, and see you in about 20 months. Thank you again
What does this exchange of ideas demonstrate?
1. That I care deeply that my patient have the best treatment even though I earn no
money.
2. That my patient understands that HER best interest is my concern.
3. That we have established a relationship of trust and caring despite the fact that
I have only met this patient on two occassions.
Isn't this what a Doctor-Patient relationship is about? Or is this just the way it used to be? I was trained by the old doctors who understood the SACRED nature of the doctor-patient relationship and throughout my career I have made this sacred trust the basis of my practice. Insurance companies have tried to destroy our relationship but it my office, it has and will always be how we will do business. The right thing is always the right thing.
I gave the patient the following advice in an email:
If you were my wife AND you were willing to have orthodontic treatment then that is what I would recommend. I sincerely appreciate the fact that you trust me sufficiently that you ask my opinion…I will ALWAYS look after YOUR best interest.
My patient responded in her email:
I can see that you are looking out for my best interests. I do intend to get the uppers done, but that still leaves me with crooked,unsightly,lowers, and the orthodontist won't do the bottoms without the tops. As it stands, when I look in the mirror, all I see are those awful bottom teeth. Like everything else in my life, I'm starting late. After reading your refreshingly honest letter, I have decided to go with the braces, and see you in about 20 months. Thank you again
What does this exchange of ideas demonstrate?
1. That I care deeply that my patient have the best treatment even though I earn no
money.
2. That my patient understands that HER best interest is my concern.
3. That we have established a relationship of trust and caring despite the fact that
I have only met this patient on two occassions.
Isn't this what a Doctor-Patient relationship is about? Or is this just the way it used to be? I was trained by the old doctors who understood the SACRED nature of the doctor-patient relationship and throughout my career I have made this sacred trust the basis of my practice. Insurance companies have tried to destroy our relationship but it my office, it has and will always be how we will do business. The right thing is always the right thing.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Our Journey Continues
On Friday, May 21, Root Canal Experts had their 6th course for our local dental community. The course lasted 8 hours and almost 25 dentists attended. Many more local dentists(Saratoga Springs) could have decided to attend this course about advanced implant restorations. Why would 25 dentists give up a full days income on a gorgeous Friday in the wonderful City of Saratoga? Golf or a glass of wine on one of the outdoor dining sections of a local restaurant would have been a more enjoyable option to sitting in a classroom.
The local dentists who were attending the course as well as the Course Directors, Francisco Banchs and Allyson Byrne, strongly believe that we can all take better care of YOU, our patients, if we learn as much as we can about the treatment that we provide for you. Why would any patient go to a dentist who WASN'T in the course? I most certainly wouldn't.
We thank Root Canal Experts for caring enough to make 25 dentists better.
The local dentists who were attending the course as well as the Course Directors, Francisco Banchs and Allyson Byrne, strongly believe that we can all take better care of YOU, our patients, if we learn as much as we can about the treatment that we provide for you. Why would any patient go to a dentist who WASN'T in the course? I most certainly wouldn't.
We thank Root Canal Experts for caring enough to make 25 dentists better.
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