During my high school years, I discovered my talent for working with my hands and my inclination towards technical tasks. While many of my peers chose to pursue a career in medicine, I decided to become a dentist instead, as dentistry seemed like a natural fit for me. The allure of dentistry was that I could provide care for people while still allowing me the freedom to explore other interests. Little did I know that this decision and my acceptance into McGill University’s Dentistry program would open the door to a life filled with diverse experiences.
In the mid 1970s, after dedicating 15 years to my dental practice I felt a longing for something more. I taught first and second years in the Faculty from 1973 to 1979 and during this time, the longing persisted. My childhood love for art resurfaced and prompted me to enroll at Concordia University, known for its renowned Faculty of Fine Arts. I practiced dentistry during the day, and in the evenings, I attended classes and immersed myself in the world of art. I managed this delicate balance and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with distinction, an achievement that only a select few of my fellow graduates had earned.
The integration of my artistic abilities with dentistry allowed me to create beautiful smiles, incorporating art into my practice.”
I never neglected my love for music. I developed a deep appreciation for opera. I met regularly with fellow opera enthusiasts to indulge in my passion. My dedication to creating a balanced life brought me joy in nurturing my many interests.
But my passions did not stop there! I was a keen skier, hitting the slopes three days a week and reveling in the exhilaration of the sport. Driven by my wife Beryl, I discovered a love for gourmet cooking, savoring delicious meals alongside our adventures. Not only that, but I am also a family man. We have three daughters and five grandchildren, and on June 29, 2023, we celebrated our 65th wedding anniversary. We are happy to report we are both healthy and mobile and had a lot of fun telling people that we have been married for 65 years.
My dental medicine journey coincided with a significant turning point for the field. During my studies at McGill in the 1950s, technological advancements in dentistry began to flourish. The advent of tools like the Cavitron and high-speed air rotor propelled dentistry forward, allowing my classmates and me to be at the forefront of this progress and witness the rise of specialties such as endodontics and periodontics.
After completing my dentistry degree, I further expanded my skills through a year of oral surgery training at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center (Jacobi Hospital) in New York City. As I combined my expertise as a restorative dentist with periodontal work and oral surgery, I experienced an exciting phase of my career. The integration of my artistic abilities with dentistry allowed me to create beautiful smiles, incorporating art into my practice.
I dedicated most of my life to dentistry, maintaining an unwavering commitment to honing my skills and providing excellent care to my patients. I ran a successful practice and employed other talented dentists. My acceptance into McGill and the skills I acquired during that time shaped my career until the age of 77, when I decided to end my dental practice. Reflecting on my journey as a dentist, I cherished the fulfilling moments, the opportunity to help others, and the excitement of this ever-evolving field. Driven by the philosophy of leaving room for life, I embraced a well-rounded existence, filled with art, music, skiing, and the joy of creating beautiful smiles. By leaving room for various interests, we can discover new avenues of fulfillment and create a vibrant tapestry of experiences.