Dr Gary Silverstrom: 5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Dentist

An Interview With Luke Kervin

Be an excellent listener — Your patients will always appreciate when you are attentive and listen to what they are looking for or what they are experiencing.

As part of our series about healthcare leaders, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Gary Silverstrom.

Dr. Gary Silverstrom has established himself as one of the rare dentists who combines experience and skill with a warm chairside manner and a finely-honed eye for aesthetics. As part of his efforts to improve the patient experience, Dr. Silverstrom stays current with the latest developments in dental technology and techniques. Whether a patient is seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments such as porcelain veneers or more extensive restorative dentistry treatments to improve his or her oral health, Dr. Silverstrom is committed to producing results that meet or exceed his or her expectations.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?

This year marks my 15th year in practice. I went to NYU Undergrad and NYU Dental. I was a Psychology major, as I figured psychology could be useful in my dental practice to form interpersonal relationships with patients. My dad is a dentist, so I grew up in the field. When you understand the value in dentistry is really about the relationship, dentistry becomes very appealing.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

After 15 years in practice, what becomes most interesting is the types of patients and what we get to treat. The most interesting is when we built our full- service digital laboratory named after my daughter. It is most interesting because it allows us to create teeth and deliver teeth. Having the background, I know how to create the restorations and modify them to look more like teeth.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

A patient, not in for some time, arrives for an emergency. He mentions that he had not be in for a while as he was ‘away’. I asked him if he had an enjoyable time while away and where did he go. Little did I know his ‘away’ was in prison for a well published Ponzi scheme.

Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?

A smile speaks volumes. Self-esteem and confidence means everything. Regardless of age or position, my goal is to changes people’s lives as a cosmetic and restorative artist. My philosophy has always been to positively affect each person you come in contact with, one person at a time. Certainly, that is accomplished daily in my dental office. In addition, I created the Smiles for Life Award, in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy wreak havoc on the oral environment. A smile makeover is performed to return form and function, and who deserves to smile more than a cancer survivor!

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

The particular person I am most grateful for, who continues to be my mentor every day, is my dad. Growing up, I watched how he operates and treats his patients. One story that sticks out to me was when I was four years old, he had one patient that was getting ready for her wedding and her front tooth had broken off. He came in on a Sunday and brought me with him. He helped her out and she is still a patient of ours today.

Is there a particular book that made an impact on you? Can you share a story?

I have an entire shelf in my house where if you were to take them all and put them together, it would give someone the secrets to building a successful practice. John Kois’ work has helped shape my opinion on how to care for people in the proper fashion.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

The most impactful thing I can think of is our Smiles for Life Award. Each year we choose a nominated candidate who has gone through cancer to give them a complete smile makeover.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story about how that was relevant to you in your own life?

‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”

As a clinician, I am ultimately a caretaker, giving with no expectations of receiving anything in return. However, the more you give, the more you receive, and this has always been my life’s credo.

Can you share your top three “oral hygiene tweaks” that will help people look and feel great?

1. Often people are displeased with their apparent small teeth and gummy smile. Simply sculpting the excess gum with the wave of the magic laser wand presents the beautiful and larger teeth that have been hidden in one visit.
2. Tongue cleaning is the most effective way to eliminate bad breath, as bacteria, coffee, and food congregate in the grooves and crevices of the tongue creating odor that is easily removed by daily cleaning
3. Replace your toothbrush every couple of months. They can harbor bacteria and as they wear down, they become less effective.

Ok thank you for all of that. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experience, what are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Dentist” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)

1. Humility — Be humble and open to continual learning. No matter how much you know, there is always an opportunity to learn more.
2. Commitment to excellence — Stay committed to treating patients with the highest quality care. This is how you establish relationships with patients for years to come.
3. Attention to detail — Treat each case as its own, and always pay attention to even the most minor details as they actually could be very important to patients’ overall health.
4. Be an excellent listener — Your patients will always appreciate when you are attentive and listen to what they are looking for or what they are experiencing.
5. Enjoy people — Patients become a huge part of your life so it’s important to foster relationships and enjoy each interaction you have throughout the day.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

If I could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, it would be for everyone to have total oral health.

What is the best way for our readers to follow you online?

The best way for readers to find us online is to follow us on Instagram — @silverstromgroup

Thank you so much for these wonderful insights, and for the time you spent on this interview. We wish you continued success and good health!