Danielle Goldstein
Pediatric Dentistry
Dental School: University of Southern California
Years in Practice: 12
You have a wildlife and African safari motif in your office decor. What inspired that?
This was the office decor when I joined [Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry and Othodontics] 12 years ago. The safari theme creates a warm, welcoming and interactive environment for children and adults.
Your father, Bruce (pictured), and husband are both orthodontists. Do you often “talk shop” at home or family gatherings, or leave it at the office?
We have a rule about leaving work at work, [but] are all passionate about our careers and love the opportunity to work with one another at the office. The benefit of our specialties working together is that we can collaborate in order to provide our patients with the most comprehensive treatment.
Did your dad do your braces as a kid… or were you able to avoid that misery?
I would call it treatment, not misery! My father was my orthodontist [when I was a] child and, after all of these years, I still get compliments on my smile. I was definitely not the easiest patient, as I kept asking to have my braces removed each visit. [He was] the orthodontist for all of my friends as well.
What’s your favorite “bad for teeth” food or drink?
Definitely Darrell Lea Australian strawberry or mango licorice. I was introduced to it when I was studying abroad in Australia during college.
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
I’d either be a teacher or a pediatrician. I absolutely love working with kids, and those were two other career paths I explored when I was thinking about a profession.
Bruce Goldstein
Orthodontics
Dental School: The State University of New York at Buffalo
Years in Practice: 40
Did you encourage Danielle to follow in your footsteps, or was that a decision she made all on her own?
I would like to think that I had some influence on Danielle’s decision. I knew pediatric dentistry would be a perfect fit for her [because] she has an outgoing personality and loves children. Danielle has proved me right. The truth is she met her husband, Tal [Masserman], and they together decided to pursue dentistry.
Did you have braces yourself as a kid?
Never had braces. When I told my wife that I was thinking about continuing my education to become an orthodontist, she said, “Are you crazy? You never even had braces!” It was one of the best decisions I made in my life.
Philanthropy is a huge part of your practice. Tell us about some of the local causes you support.
A few years ago, in lieu of our holiday party, our office donated time and money to AZMOM, providing free dentistry for the needy. We have been blessed in life, and it is our obligation to help people that have been less fortunate.
You’re from Rochester, New York! Do you miss the city’s signature “Garbage Plate” dish? Have you found anything similar in the Valley?
The Garbage Plate is a famous menu item from Nick Tahou’s in Rochester. A combination of fatty meats, fries, eggs, cheese and other greasy food, all dressed with Nick’s famous hot sauce. Nothing clogs coronary arteries more than a Garbage Plate. I avoid it at all costs!
“If I wasn’t a dentist, I’d be…”
An architect. I love the idea of creating something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
