On this episode of Newly Erupted, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Lisa Bienstock for a valuable conversation about the business of dentistry. Dr. Bienstock discusses her experience as a partner, an employee, and now a practice owner, emphasizing how each role shaped her career while also working for her and her life stage at the time – ultimately cementing her mantra that you need to be the CEO of your own destiny.

She also shares the ways she “extends her reach” via multiple practices, mentoring future practitioners, and philanthropy allowing her to not only support and help more children who need care.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Lisa Bienstock is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and served as Vice President of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for 6 years and as a member of BODEX for 9 years total. She is the Associate Director of NYU Langone’s Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry program in Phoenix and the proud owner of five thriving private practices dedicated to creating positive, prevention-focused dental experiences for children.

A graduate of Columbia University/NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Center’s prestigious Pediatric Dentistry residency program, Dr. Bienstock has held hospital privileges at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since 2013. Beyond the clinic, she is a passionate educator, national speaker, and philanthropist, with a growing presence on social media where she shares oral health tips (and plenty of real-life parenting humor) on platforms like TikTok and IG. Most recently, she did a commercial for Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste.

But Dr. Bienstock’s proudest title? Mom. She and her husband—her biggest supporter and partner in all things—are raising three amazing kids: a curious toddler, a spirited grade-schooler, and a wise-beyond-his-years teen. Life at home is joyful chaos, filled with family dance parties, sticky fingers, and endless laughter.

When she’s not practicing dentistry or mentoring the next generation of pediatric specialists, Dr. Bienstock recharges by traveling, listening to audiobooks while running on her treadmill, and treating herself to the ultimate indulgence: a Dairy Queen Blizzard with Oreos and cookie dough. (Trust her—it’s the perfect combo.)

Dr. Bienstock brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of hustle to everything she does—and she’s on a mission to help children thrive through comprehensive, compassionate, and innovative care.

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Dr. Kristine Grazioso joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion focused on the importance of building a community in organized dentistry. Dr. Grazioso shares her journey from residency to now, espousing on the importance of her involvement in various AAPD councils and committees, as well her state organization, leading to the development of an alliance focused on the needs of independent dentists.

She also delves into her experience as a member of Cohort VI of the John S. Rutkauskas Leadership Institute, and the personal growth and connections gained that continue to shape her career.

Guest Bio:

Kristine Grazioso, DMD is a board-certified pediatric dentist, founder of South Shore Children’s Dentistry and Abington Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, and Vice President and founding member of the Alliance of Independent Dentists. With over 30 years of experience, she is a passionate advocate for children’s oral health, modern practice management, and preserving the future of independent dentistry. 

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Dr. Max Sulla shares his journey to the pediatric dental profession after coming to the United States as a refugee when a child. He speaks to the impact the support of his family and mentors had on his practical and business knowledge, as well as the importance of organized dentistry on building his network of peer support.

Dr. Sulla discusses the benefits he found to exploring various business models before setting up his own office locations, including carefully selecting a partner and office team. He stresses the importance of finding a team that balances one another and all-in together on the larger goals.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Max Sulla is a gentle, caring pediatric dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry with a strong emphasis on getting to know each of his patients. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Max is a careful listener and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your child’s individual needs. Dr. Max Sulla received his D.D.S. from the NYU College of Dentistry followed by his Pediatric Dentistry degree at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey.

He is one of a few trained laser dentists offering procedures for infants, toddlers and children relating to their airway, eating and speech issues offering laser lip ties and tongue tie releases without placing patients under general anesthesia utilizing CO2 laser that allows for procedure to be quick and painless. Mothers of so many newborns are thankful for making their breastfeeding experiences improved.

A member of multiple accredited organizations, Dr. Max is a past president of the NJ Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a AAPD Council member and currently serves as a public policy advocate for children on behalf of both organizations as well. Additionally, Dr. Max has been selected as a “Top Dentist” by New Jersey Monthly from 2009 to 2021. Currently, he serves as a President of NorthEast Society of Pediatric Dentistry where he oversees professional support to our affiliate states and provinces through communicating issues, supporting their CE courses and meetings, and providing leadership and other training opportunities. In addition, he lectures to both dentists and pediatricians about importance of Pediatric Oral Health.

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