By Ester Venouziou, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Monday, March 9, 2009
Dr. Larry Lieberman has a passion for dentistry, which he has been doing for more than 25 years. He also is one of the founders of a dental program for low-income adults.
It's not every day we meet someone so enthusiastic about his job. Especially not someone who has been on the same job for more than 25 years. But Larry Lieberman loves what he's doing: He runs a dentistry practice in Palm Harbor, teaches seminars and is one of the founders of Gulf Coast Dental Outreach (a program launched last year for low-income adults). "You've got to have a passion . . . in anything you do, (to be successful) you need to have passion. I want to keep getting better, keep learning new things," he says. We talked with him recently.
How did you get started in this field?
"I've always wanted to be in the health care industry," Lieberman says. "It's helping people. Incorporates psychology, science."
What advice would you give someone interested in dentistry?
Talk to people. "Find a mentor, pick their brain. Shadowing is okay, but talking to them is better," he says. "There are so many avenues in dentistry: surgical, nonsurgical, cosmetic." Lieberman advises exploring all options.
Stay focused and keep up your grades. "There are a lot more applicants than positions in dental schools. . . . You need a commitment to studying and learning."
Stay current. "Once you get out (of dental school), that's when the learning really begins," he says, explaining that there are always new techniques and new services coming out. "When I graduated from dental school, we did silver fillings. Cosmetic dentistry was just getting started. Now, it's like a magic wand: What do you want most? We figure out how to get you there."
What do you like most about the job?
"Being able to make a positive difference in people's lives … Lots of people come in, they're nervous. We get to touch so many people's lives, help (improve) their self-esteem."
. . . and least?
"When you see people and you know what they need to get done, but they don't because they don't get it or because they can't afford it."
How about the "gross-out" factor?
"I don't get grossed out. If teeth gross you out, this isn't the thing for you."
How much school do you need — and how much can you earn?
• Four-year undergrad, then four-year dental school. Residencies are optional.
• Lieberman estimates entry-level pay to be $50,000 to $75,000.
If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing?
"Probably something else in the health care field," he says.
To learn more
Lieberman offers traditional services you would expect from a dentist, plus laser and cosmetic dentistry. He can be reached at (727) 785-8017 or www.dentist-lieberman.com. His practice is at Fountain of Youth Institute, 34170 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor.
Gulf Coast Dental Outreach is a program for low-income residents. Liberman, one of the program's founders, is one of about 40 dentists who rotate weekly to provide services for $15. The program is booked for the next several months. To find out more, call (813) 389-3748.
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