Joey and Alvin

Susan's family went to Dr. Joseph Accardo of Niagara Falls, NY for their dentistry.(Dr Accardo helped me to gain admission to dental school which is why I am your dentist today.)Joey, as my Mother-in-law used to call Dr. Accardo, was her childhood friend growing up in Niagara Falls. My family went to Dr. Alvin Benerof of Far Rockaway, NY for our dentistry. My Father was Dr. Benerof's first patient in his new dental practice after World War II.

There was an incredible amount of trust and respect for Joey and Alvin because they were our dentist and because we KNEW that they would never hurt us or mistreat us just to make money. Each of our families went to these dentists for more than THIRTY YEARS and we knew these dentists, they knew us and we all actually LIKED them.

Fast forward thirty five years and I can tell you how much has changed in the doctor/patient relationship. I am blessed with an incredible amount of patient loyalty but I AM THE EXCEPTION. The only question that the majority of dental patients ask is, "Is this covered by my insurance." Sadly to say, that is not the most intelligent question that a patient can ask the person taking care of them.

Perhaps a patient would be better served by asking the following:
1. "Is the treatment that you are suggesting the BEST POSSIBLE TREATMENT?"
2. "What would you do if I was your wife?"
3. "Are you the best possible person to do the root canal or might I be better off if you referred me to a specialist?

Our families trusted Joey and Alvin because we KNEW that they would do their best to take care of us. How many patients believe that their best interest is being served by the physicians and dentists that take care of them?

Few patients fundamentally trust the people that take care of them because everything has become about the money.

HOW SAD!!!