Leonard Goldstein’s dental journey

For Leonard Goldstein, DDS (DEN ’67), the pursuit of excellence was a family legacy.

Inspired by his successful dentist father, Jacob Goldstein, DDS—who championed education as the ultimate priority—Leonard and his older brother, Stephen Goldstein, DDS (DEN ’65), followed him into the profession, both graduating from what was then Western Reserve University Dental School.

Leonard Goldstein embraced his father's advice: "Be whatever you want—and do it because you have love for it and want it."

Building a foundation of excellence

Accepted to Western Reserve's dental school early in his college career, Leonard Goldstein found his passion. He credits the school for giving him "the tools and education to become a very successful dentist."

Soon after graduation, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, during the Vietnam conflict, providing dental care to recruits. While in the Army, he seized the opportunity to participate in a Prosthetics and Surgical Fellowship Program—one of many advanced education programs he would undertake—cementing his belief to always take an opportunity when it arises.

Upon returning home, Leonard worked with his father while building his own practice, which he opened on Long Island in 1970. With a commitment to "finest dental treatment," he and his business partner established a private, fee-for-service practice.

Leonard Goldstein held himself to the highest standard, recognizing the significant overhead in a quality dental practice yet understanding that when taking “shortcuts, that becomes a Standard of Care.”

He and his partner never turned anyone away based on their ability to pay. For 30 years, he maintained unwavering dedication to his schedule and patients, serving as the "captain of the ship" in his practice.

A life of continued learning

The value of education continued to define the Goldstein family; his brothers also pursued high levels of achievement, with Stephen Goldstein teaching dentistry and Jeffrey Goldstein earning an MBA and PhD before directing clinics at UCLA School of Dentistry.

Leonard Goldstein was no exception. While practicing and teaching, he earned a PhD in electromedical science and directed a Hospital-Based Facial Pain Center. Though a devastating bike accident in 2000 forced his retirement from his dental practice due to loss of sensation in his dominant hand, his active mind and dedication to education persisted.

He seamlessly transitioned to a new career in Osteopathic Medical Education and Graduate Program Development. This path led him to roles as an associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology and eventually to the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, where he now holds full professor titles across its Schools of Osteopathic Medicine, Dentistry and Oral Health. He has published over 200 medical/dental manuscripts and co-authored a textbook.

Legacy of quality

Now 81 and residing in Scottsdale, Arizona, Leonard Goldstein continues to work full-time at A.T. Still University. He remains profoundly grateful for the "outstanding dental education" he and his brother received at Western Reserve—a foundation that laid the groundwork for a life of service and excellence.

His enduring philosophy is simple: “Good enough is never good enough.” He hopes to be remembered as someone who is "smart and believes in quality," and will be happy as long as he believes he "did all I could."