Direct Resin Bonded Restorations (Fillings)

I have told many of my colleagues on the ACE dental Forum that the only thing that causes more destruction of natural teeth than tooth decay are dentists. Do you think this makes me popular among my peers? I don't think so.
My colleagues ask me why I don't just place a crown on a tooth since direct bonded resin fillings are going to be crowns someday anyway. To me that's like asking why be born if you are destined to die anyway...It makes no sense.
The direct bonded resin filling is THE BEST and most conservative restoration that a dentist can place WHEN DONE CORRECTLY. The problem is that very few dentists have taken the time to master the technique and consequently much prefer to do full coverage crowns.. And the best part is that they can make much more money doing a crown than a 'filling.'

So why are so many crowns placed?
1. The insurance companies encourage the removal of beautiful, natural tooth structure and the placement of crowns by the large fee differential paid for crowns compared with bonded fillings.
2. Most patients don't care if their teeth are cut down as long as their insurance company pays for most of it.
3. Dentists refuse to master the challenging techniques for the placement of tooth conserving, strong, beautiful and long lasting direct bonded resin restorations.

So what is a patient to do? Go on the internet and find the most talented, most passionate and best educated dentist that you can to take care of you. The choice is really easy.But only if you care enough to save your natural tooth structure!

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

This is the mantra of one of my mentors, Dr. Fred McIntyre.
I am working on this very challenging case and I have spent the entire day (Friday) planning out how I need to approach the treatment on this case. Before I ever touch a patient on all of the beautiful cases on this website, I do the entire case on stone models. If you cannot successfully do the case on stone, you will not be able to do the case in the patient's mouth. Isn't it nice to know that BEFORE you start preparing teeth? Remember in grammar school when the teacher gave you a practice test on Wednesday in preparation for the real one on Friday? Planning cases on stone models is exactly the same thing and when I actually do the work in my patient's mouth, that is really the SECOND time that I have done this.
Why am I telling you this? The vast majority of dentists will take the stone models and send them to the dental laboratory and ask them to plan out the case. So how does the dentist prepare for the patient's appointment? THEY DON'T!!!
When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
So when you want to know WHY I probably charge more than some other dentists, it is because I have spent hours and days in preparation for your appointment. You trust me and I will do my very best not to let you down.

A Visitor

Almost two years ago, in a quick visit to a root canal website discussion group,I noted that a dentist asked the group how to polish bonding resin on front teeth. The world famous endodontist ( a root canal specialist from Manhattan) responded to the question posted on the forum that he only performed root canals and perhaps another dentist would be so kind as to answer the guests question.
I posted my answer to the question and never returned to the root canal site. Eight months later, I received a personal email from a young dentist in Bangalore, India asking additional questions. I sent the young dentist answers to his questions and I received another email with new questions...And on and on.
I have been mentoring this young dentist from India and in 10 days, he will visit my office in Saratoga and spend time with me learning how to do beautiful, strong, bonded dentistry.

I am honored that someone would travel around the world to spend time with this old country dentist. One might ask WHY he would do this since there certainly other dentists with a greater reputation.

I have never sought to be in the dental limelight, present lectures for large honorarium or be paid by the dental manufacturers to hawk their products. I will lecture at the School of Dental Medicine in Buffalo or at Root Canal Experts Learning Center and accept no payment. Or I will mentor young dentists also at no charge. My young colleague from India could see from my work that I was only interested in pursing excellence and that is who he wanted to learn from.

We will be honored to have Dr. Ashok Gowda in our office on February 9.

Standing Room Only

Last September, I gave a lecture to 20 local dentists about predictable excellence in Esthetic Dentistry in the Root Canal Experts Learning Center in Saratoga. Approximately 100 invitations were mailed out and the first 20 dentists who accepted the invitation were able to attend the course. The course directors were so overwhelmed by the response that they asked me to give the course again for a handful of young dentists who regretted that they were going to be out of town on the lecture date. This time invitations were sent out and within a day or two, the course completely filled up and there was again disappointment. We now have a second group of 20 dentists including 4 dentists who want to hear the lecture again. Sometimes dentists even call the Learning Center and ask to be included because they know that the learning experience is wonderful. I do not receive any compensation for giving this lecture...I do this because it is a professional obligation to help other dentists achieve their own next level of excellence. As a result of my last lecture in Saratoga, I have met some additional young dentists who ask to sit down with me to discuss their challenging cases. I am honored to have reached the point in my 34 year career where my young colleagues recognize my level of expertise and seek me out to help them.

Don Hewitt of 60 Minutes

60 Minutes aired a tribute to Don Hewitt, the founder, editor and producer of one of the longest running shows in history. During the show a remark was made about Mr. Hewitt which went something like," He loved what he did, he never got bored with the job and he never got burned out."
I have written about several individuals on my blog and all of them, including me, have the same characteristics: they love what they do, they are passionate about their job, they never lose interest in what they do and going to work is their favorite thing to do.
Why is it that the average citizen selects a physician, dentist, car mechanic, lawyer or accountant who is disinterested in the job and sees their profession as a means to occupy their time to earn a living.
Why would you do that when fabulous professionals ARE available to take care of you and your family and will care for you not because you pay them but because they just love to do the job that you hired them to do.
Please listen to me...Find the best trained, most talented, most passionately involved people in their craft to take care for you....That is a win-win situation. Excellent people are dying to be hired and if we don't hire them, they will find something else to do and excellence will no longer exist.

It is Now Offficial

Mother’s gum disease linked to infant's death
Watch this for yourself at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34979552/
The infection in the Mother's mouth caused bacteria to get into her bloodstream and eventually into the fetus's body causing death.
This is not the first time that I have told you how important it is to have a very clean mouth. This is very important and you need to listen...
I keep trying to tell you that I am NOT a cosmetic dentist; I am a really good dentist with a talent for fixing teeth and taking care of my patients.

Close Them Down

Many articles and television programs have been seen over the last few years about dental practices that cater to Medicaid patients. 20/20 had a recent segment on one of those dental companies which you can see by following the link:
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/dental-chain-reaches-settlement-medical-fraud-performing-unnecessary/story?id=9615119.
Today's Times Union also had a story about Small Smiles.
Those of us involved in dentistry have known for a long time that Mediciad type dental practices steal in order to survive. The government pays below cost fees and the only way possible for these clinics to survive financially is to do unethical treatment. Is it the dental companies or society that is guilty in the abuse of our children. (SmallSmiles treated children). If society offers unethical pay to dentists for working in these places and then the dentists behave unethically, who is guilty?
I will never work for Medicaid fees and I will never abuse my patients for money...And you can take that to the bank.

New Patients

Six years ago I flew to Seattle, Washington to have my dental work done. A few years later, my wife flew to Seattle to be treated by one of the top 5 restorative dentists in the world to have her dental treatment. In the past few years, I get in my car and drive 5 hours to Buffalo, NY to have treatment.
This week I had a patient fly in from Florida and this morning I will treat a young man who drove in from his college in Virginia for me to restore his front teeth which were injured when he was a child. His teeth had just been repaired for the umteenth time in December and they had broken again.

Many dentists have their old patients who moved away return for dental care because they TRUST their long time dentist. But the patients that I am seeing this week are new and not long term patients of record. Each was referred by a Saragota Dental Specialist who I have either treated as a patient or has worked with me a very long time.

I am thrilled that a patient would think that it was worth the effort, time and money to fly into town for ME to be their dentist.

I think that it is just great to have a reputation that encourages people to seek you out despite the great efforts involved. After all, most cities have a dentist on every corner. But then again...We know that there is a difference in quality among dentists.

America's Top Dentists

Isn't it a beautiful plaque?
I was selected as one of "America's Top Dentists" for the year 2010. I have been selected over a period of several years as well. So what does it mean to be selected for this group?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! This is a meaningless award that is given to many, many mediocre dentists. So why did I decide to get the plaque? Because so many patients are used to seeing the 'America's Top Dentists' plaque in the offices that they have visited, I didn't want folks to think that I wasn't selected.

My curriculum vitae (professional resume) includes many significant accomplishments including:
1. Attaining a Certificate of Proficiency in Esthetic Dentistry (2001)
2. Winning the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Contest (1999)
3. Founded the first Esthetic Center within a Dental School (1996)
4. Have 2500 hours of post doctoral education
5. Mentor several young area dentists
6. Lecturer
7. Published an article in a peer reviewed journal
8. Become nationally recognized for my abilities in placing direct resin posterior composites
9. Providing dental care for a significant number of dentists both locally and in other states.


These are significant and meaningful accomplishments.
Being selected for inclusion in "America's Top Dentists" means nothing to me and is something that you need to ignore when you select a dentist to take care of you and your family.

It is a really nice plaque though.

A Dentist's Patients

I am honored to have all of you as my patients. You chose ME to be your dentist and you know how I feel about our relationship. The doctor/patient relationship to me is sacred. You trust me and I am personally, ethically and professionally bound to take care of you.

I have many dentists in my practice and perhaps I take care of more dentists than any other general dentist in the area. In fact, my first two patients yesterday morning were dentists. There are a few dentists throughout our nation that have a large number of dentists as their patients. In fact, my West Coast mentor, Dr. Frank Spear once said in his lecture, "75% of my new patients are either dentists or dentist's families."

Dentists know dentistry. More importantly, they know where they want to go to have their own dental treatment. There is no greater honor than the respect of your colleagues who never have to ask themselves, "How am I going to find a good dentist?" lololol

Perhaps your dentist should be the dentist's dentist.

Teeth Matter

I was looking at CNN.Com and there was a story about Brooke Mueller,wife of Charlie Sheen. The story said:

Brooke Mueller, who was rushed to intensive care in a Los Angeles hospital with 105-degree fever on Tuesday night, has pneumonia in both lungs and her kidneys are filled with infection, according to her mother Moira Fiore.

"I talked to her doctor, and they are filling Brooke with antibiotics," Fiore tells PEOPLE. "She waited too long to get her impacted wisdom tooth removed and the infection has spread all over. It is in her bloodstream."

She "WAITED TOO LONG TO HAVE HER IMPACTED TOOTH REMOVED."

We cannot remain healthy unless our mouths are healthy as well.
Cardiologists and other physicians that do not INSIST that their patients visit a dentist and have their teeth cleaned are guilty of malpractice and negligence in MY OPINION.

Can you imagine? An infection that started in Brooke Meuller's gum tissues has now resulted in an infection throughout her body.

Call your dentist today for an appointment!

Incredible (Continued)

Many dentists are jealous about protecting their mediocrity and will never give another dentist the recognition that they are due. Really high level dentists have always recognized quality in other dentists and seek them out to study with them. Yesterday, a dentist in Pennsylvania publically acknowledged that my work in direct posterior bonded restorations sets the standard of excellence for all other dentists to follow. Some would argue that one man's opinion is meaningless so I though that I would post a follow up email, praising the work of the dentist posting his case. The second dentist also acknowledges my work as the Standard of Excellence in his post:

Really nice Kurt. Yes, the material gave you a great color match, but
the material didn't do that exquisite anatomy.

I follow Gerald's and Dennie's posts displaying their direct work AND ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE, I AM AMAZED AND CHALLENGED TO DO AS WELL. (My emphasis added)

One funny thing I have found is that the two use pretty different
techniques. Gerald does a bulk fill, while Dennie places each
cusp/incline seperately.

Just goes to show you there are many ways to success in dentistry.

John

Isn't it great that YOUR DENTIST is recognized as one of the best at what he does?
As always, I am honored and humbled by my colleagues comments.

Incredible!

The subject in email post on the ACE dental forum was:
"Another Benjamin-like Effort."
The dentist that posted his case with photos then went on to say the following:

Group, I have been on a quest to create direct resin works of art that rival Gerald Benjamin's. This is my latest effort. I can say that Filtek Supreme seems to be a nicer material for getting natural looking results. This resin began with some flowable probably A2 and god only knows the manufacturer. Then Either A2Dentin or A3Dentin ( I had both out and can't remember which) then the secret weapon B2E(enamel). Gerald says this enamel shade will match everything.

Your dentist is the standard by which other dentists judge their own work. I am honored to have reached the point in my professional career where my work is THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE in the area of bonded posterior direct resin restorations (that you might call white porcelain fillings.)

Platinum vs Gold

We had a two new patients,husband and wife, in our Saratoga office last week. I had treated the man a few years ago in my Troy office when I was taking emergency call for an area dentist. It could not have been a major problem because I don't even recall what problem I had solved for the man (although I could go look at my records.) The husband was chatting with Tricia before I entered the treatment room and he told her that he had been going to the same dentist for many years but that when Dr. Benjamin treated him on an emergency basis, he knew that there was a difference in a platinum dentist and a gold dentist and that when Dr. Benjamin moved closer to his home, he knew that he wanted to become his patient.

I am thrilled that I made such a good impression on my patient when he had that dental emergency. It is my job to take care of my patients in the best way possible to make them happy. I don't know any other way to treat my patients. And by the way, I never charge to see another dentist's patient on an emergency basis when I am taking call for him or her....Even on a weekend.

"Well How Would I Know if My Dentist was Good?"

I was invited to dinner by a very good friend of mine who also happens to be a dentist, although a specialist. Invariably, people will talk about their dental experiences and then ask me ,"How would they know if their dentist was good?"
Most people have children and everyone knows when their child has great anticipation about a trip or a new toy or even a birthday party. Believe it or not, when someone REALLY loves their work, their is the same excitement that you see in a child.
I love to fix teeth....I just do. Sometimes a patient will ask one of my assistants about my enthusiasm for what I do and my staff will say to the patient, " He really does love doing dentistry."
If your physician, dentist, lawyer or car mechanic loves what they do, you can pretty much assume that they are very good at what they do.

Warner Nash, MD

I have never met Dr. Warner but after reading his obituary in today's New York Times, I know that I would have a lot in common with him. I would like to quote directly from his obituary:
He graduated with an MD in 1953 from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. It was there that he discovered the work he loved and met the person with whom he would share a life of immeasurable joy, Artemis Damaskinidou, his medical school classmate. Warner approached his work as an OBGYN at Lenox Hill and Doctors Hospitals with Passion. He adored delivering babies as a solo practitioner for over 40 years. He always wore a warm smile and had a constant sparkle in his blue eyes.

Is this the physician that YOU should have selected as your doctor? You bet. When will folks understand that there are doctors and then there are doctors? You need to find people to take care of you and your family that LOVE what they do...Sorry folks the majority of professionals would rather be doing something else... And that is the sad reality.. They take care of you because that is how they earn their living. If you ask them if they love to go to work, they will laugh at you and shake their heads.

I hope that when I pass on that my obiturary will look just like the one Warner Nash, MD had written for him....That would make me very proud.

The Talent Code Part 2

Folks that know or watch people who are truly great at what they do intuitively knew what Daniel Coyle described in his book "The Talent Code." There is nothing new about what your parents told you many years ago: "Hard Work Pays Off."
Believe it or not, I think that Daniel Coyle is missing the most important quality for enduring greatness. The missing ingredient is the LOVE of what you do. Just like the old time baseball players who used to say, " I would play this game even if they didn't pay me."

Do you remember Sunday nights when you were young? Most of us dreaded that time of the week because we knew that in a few hours we would have to go to school. May be some of you still hate Sunday evening even though your favorite show is on TV. You know that you will face another week at a job that you can not stand.

I love Sunday evenings! I love Monday mornings even better. I LOVE picking up my instruments and fixing teeth. If you gave me a choice between going on vacation and going to work.......I would go to work. Many folks just don't understand this and that is ok...I am used to it.

Love what you do and you have an opportunity to be GREAT at your Life's Work. Practice, Passion and Motivation will get you to the gates of greatness. When you add Love to the mix...Greatness is in the realm of possible.

The Talent Code or What it Takes to be Great

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle is a book that delves into what makes a person great rather than merely good. The author identifies three fundamental principles that lead an individual to become great at what they do:
1. Deep Practice is the willingness to practice at an extremely intense level hour after hour.
2.The investment in time, passion and practice which is combined with an incredible amount of motivation.
3.Studying with master level coaches or mentors. The development of great skills requires other people of greatness who are able to bring out the best in others.

Mr. Coyle's beliefs are nothing new for me or any other person who not only strives for excellence but does, in fact, achieve excellence.
Up until the recession hit our office mid year 2007, I practiced 60 hours a week for 27 years. And when not actually treating patients, I was attending continuing education and have attained 2500 hours of study which is more than any other general dentist in the Capital District. My education was not the result of a few hours of study during a vacation to an exotic location like so many other professionals do but it was spent with many of the world's best restorative dentists such as Frank Spear, Fred McIntyre, Newton Fahl and Paul Belvedere.
Greatness is the result of study, passion, and practice.
Why would any patient accept mediocre care from their physician, lawyer or dentist? Excellence exists and you MUST find it.

Protecting YOUR Rights to Seek Excellence

A few weeks ago, I told you about how the government won't let you spend your own money to buy excellence if you are involved in an auto accident or on the job. Well this morning I had a meeting with Assemblyman Bob Reilly, the State Representative for Latham and Clifton Park. The Assemblyman was approachable, kind and friendly. When I explained that if you were injured on the job or in a car accident, the State of NY forbids you or your employer from buying the best possible dental care when you wanted to pay for your own treatment. Assemblyman Reilly listened carefully, repeated what I had said and then shook his head and said that he didn't think that the State regulation was right and that he would look into that for me to see whether that stipulation in the law could be changed.
Many things in our lives are not right but most of the time we are too complacent (or lazy as in my case) to take a stand and approach our government leaders. When the GOVERNMENT says that we cannot buy a legal product or service using our money, I just could not let that lie.
Thanks Assemblyman Reilly for listening to my complaint and learning how we can fix the problem.

But There for the Grace of God Go I

I visited my local Starbucks this evening which is what I do 3-4 times a week. Sitting at a table was an older man who appeared to be homeless. He had a cup of coffee and a roll that I found out was 'donated' by one of the clerks.
As I was waiting for the baristas to prepare my coffee, I wondered how a human being could fall to such depths and I became very sad. The man was sleeping at the table and as I left the store, I shook him and handed him $5 and got a mumbled "thanks."
I always think about what would happen to me if I suffered a major setback. Would some kind soul offer me food and perhaps let me warm up for a few minutes.
I didn't give the man money because he needed it..I gave it to him because it made ME FEEL BETTER.
Watching someone suffer always makes me think of the saying, " But there for the grace of God, go I."
I found out that the man entered the store and asked the clerk if he could WORK for a cup of coffee. No one should have to beg for food.

Mentoring

Successful people will tell you that they have had one or more people in their lives that acted as their mentors. When young professionals complain that their careers are not progressing as they had hoped, the advice given to them is to "go find a mentor."
I have had two mentors in my career, one on the West Coast, Dr. Frank Spear and the other on the East Coast, Dr. Fred McIntyre. I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to study with Dr. Spear in Seattle. To study with Dr. McIntyre, I used to get in my car on a Thursday evening and drive for 5 hours to Buffalo, NY to have a one hour meeting with Dr. McIntyre at 7:30 in the morning to discuss your dental treatment with him and then immediately return home.
I am presently mentoring 4 or 5 young dentists including a dentist from India. As you know, I have spent more than $2 million on my post graduate education to take approximately 2500 hours of education. I have studied with the best in the world and after practicing dentistry for 33 years, I recognized that it was time to 'distribute' some of the things that I have learned or invented. My young mentees are free to call or email me at any time at no cost to them. The only thing that I ask of my proteges is that develop a passion for their profession and have a desire to do the right thing for the right reason. Our patients must always come first!
The opportunity to pass along what I have learned to the next generation is extremely rewarding and the right thing to do.

"You Kept Your Word"

I received a call on Saturday from a frantic patient who had her 15 year old fixed bridge fall out. Mary is new to the area and just recently became my patient when she had a horrific toothache. When I originally met Mary I gave her my cell phone number and told her that if she ever had a dental problem that she should call me and I will help her.
Well yesterday she had the problem, she called, and I saw her mid day Saturday afternoon to re-cement her old bridge. As she was leaving my office, Mary turned and said to me, "I can't believe it. You told me that you would help me if I needed you and you did. You kept your word." I thanked Mary for becoming my patient.

Treating a patient right does not just happen during regular office hours. In fact, I have been in my office at 10PM, 1AM, 3AM and 5AM taking care of my patients. That doesn't mean that I will see a new patient or another dentist's patient in the middle of the night. But, when needed, I will see MY PATIENT.
I keep my word to take care of my patients. I gave my word when I took the oath upon graduating dental school that I would do my best to care for my patients..After 33 years...Nothing has changed. I will do my best to take care of you. I give you my word.

I Am Not Alone

I have posted more than 100 blog entries since I started The Benjamin Blog and in each one, I speak to the VALUES that have made the American people great. The traditional values of: Trust, Honesty, Hard Work, Integrity, Giving Value for the fee charged, Passion for what we do, and the pursuit of Excellence. Dr. Scott Weed is a young dentist who has decided to become an endodontist. He recently had a personal experience that he wrote about and distributed to a small group of friends and colleagues. His writings were never intended to be widely distributed but they are so in tune with the essence of the message on this blog that I asked him if he would mind if I placed his message on The Benjamin Blog.
Please understand that we should NEVER miss an opportunity to learn about those rare individuals who are passionate about what they do and strive for EXCELLENCE not because they can earn more money but because they are human beings that receive their satifaction from WHAT they do and HOW they do it. For these folks, excellence is never an option but a modus operendi (method of operation) of how they approach their work, their passion and their life.
Please read Dr. Scott Weed's story...You will love it on this first week of the New Year.

Salt Lake City, UT 2009
Excellence knows no professional bounds!
by Scott T. Weed DDS
Wednesday, December 23

I had an experience of a lifetime today.

My wife and I with our five young children made the drive last week from Los Angeles, CA to Salt Lake City, UT to spend the Holidays with my in-laws. When we mentioned to them that we’re thinking of starting violin lessons for our two girls, my father-in-law tells me that he’s got a neighbor, Peter Prier, who’s a master luthier. He arranged for me to take my girls (Sadie who is almost 5 and
Stevey who is 6 1/2) to Peter’s shop. I was excited. My 3 y.o. son Gordon tagged along too...

We arrived at the shop at around 3pm today and spent a good hour there. Peter emerged from the back of the shop and after introductions I mentioned that I’d like to get the girls started on the violin. He's probably between 65 and 70 years old, stands about 6 feet tall, was born in Germany and came to the States in 1961. His slight German accent perfectly harmonized with the totality of the scene. He stood before us studying the girls in a way that intrigued me. He snapped up and turned to a rack of student violins behind him and said, “This should be a perfect size,” as he grabbed the 1/10 violin. He guided the tiny instrument into the arm and under the chin of Stevey and had her “palm grasp” the scroll of the instrument with her left hand and said, “See...a perfect fit.”

He repeated this for Sadie. Without delay Peter began tuning the instrument with no reference pitch whatsoever. He plucked swiftly at the strings singly and in combination with each other as he adjusted the tuning pegs. Next appeared a bow with which he rasped the strings as if assessing the tone of the violin. He set that instrument down and proceeded to do the same with two others. Then he went back and forth between the instruments playing bits of notes and runs...his mind seemed to race. He did this for only about 30-60 seconds per instrument but it seemed like 10 minutes. “This one is the best,” he said handing me the instrument. It’s hard to explain but he had both a confidence about him and a great humility. He commanded both respect and obedience without saying a word. He could have said to me during the process, “Go empty that trash can in the corner,” and I’d have done it for him.

We then talked about instrument construction and when I told him I had minor experience building guitars the conversation turned to woods, shellac, resins, glues, carving instruments, etc. He asked me to wait a minute and he’d return.
After 3-5minutes he returned with an old violin. He explained that it was made in 1718 by Antonio Stradivari. He said it was called the “firebird” due to it's reddish finish and brilliant flamed maple and sound. He picked up a bow and played for 5 minutes or so and I was absolutely mesmerized by the complex yet warm tone. I immediately recalled a Latin phrase inscribed on an Elizabethan lute:

Viva fui in silvis
I was alive in the wood
Sum dura Occisa
I was cut by the cruel axe
Securi dum vixi tacui
In life I was silent
Mortua dolce cano
In death I sweetly sing

This was maple from northern Croatia and Alpine Spruce grown during Europe’s “little ice age.” He explained that of all of Stradivari’s instruments, those built from 1700-1720 were considered his best and that this “firebird” was among an elite group of 12 instruments.

He stretched out his arm toward me and told me to take the instrument. I hesitated. "You want me to hold it?" "Yes," he said. I carefully extended my hand and took the instrument. He could tell I was considering its weight in my hands and said, “It weighs one pound exactly.” I examined the wood, the finish, the purfling, the f-holes, the original printed name inside with date...everything. I cannot describe the feeling of awe as I held this instrument and could not help but think of the man who made it. An ordinary Italian man born in 1644 made the decision that he would be the best luthier he could be. And his legacy remains now 291 years later in the hands of a kid from the Nevada desert who thinks he wants to do root canals. Humbling. Peter told me he was selling the instrument for $8 million soon to a Swiss man who has “more money than he knows what to do with.” The ultimate plan of the Swiss buyer is to donate the instrument back to a museum in Stradivari’s hometown of Cremona, Italy. I plucked a few of the strings, knowing that my hands were among the most profane to coax sound from the instrument. I handed the instrument back to Peter.

We then discussed the violin for my girls and he talked about the price for the violin, the bow, and the case and at no point did I feel pressure, nor did I feel any bit that he was a salesman. I felt that he understood me and wanted to give me what would be best for my needs. I really don’t know much about violins but I trusted him completely. I paid for the instrument and loved every minute of it. I told my father-in-law, who was with us there, that I would do business with a guy like that any day of the week. I’d fly across country to buy from Peter if I need another violin. It doesn’t feel like I spent money. It feels like I gained a ton and in exchange gave something to a man who deserved every penny and then some. I can’t imagine coming any closer to the true spirit of “Americanism” than this transaction. One thing he said that struck me was this: “I can’t afford to sell junk here.” This is when he mentioned that there are dealers online who sell violins for $125 or $150. I felt a bit ashamed that I had found a website earlier that sold a $125 model and had considered getting it. As I was leaving he said, “Now don’t forget, if it doesn’t work out for your girls, or if they continue to play and outgrow the instrument, bring it back and I’ll give you full value.”

Peter Prier is an expert. He practices excellence. He does not compromise. He carries with him a confidence that is a direct consequence of his practice philosophy. He runs a “boutique” shop in downtown Salt Lake City, UT and I spent about $500 more there than I had planned. But I couldn't be happier. My girls are excited and will always remember standing in a small shop, the smell of wood in the air, and this old German man with a green shop apron playing beautiful music for them on a cold snowy day.

Excellence knows no professional bounds. Excellence is not always appreciated by everyone. But the rewards of living an excellent life are orders of magnitude greater than pursuing any other path...