“I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to expose the students to the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the work field. I met a lot of smart and inquisitive students, I hope I inspired them to pursue their dreams.”
KIPP NYC is a network of free, open-enrollment public charter schools that prepare students for success in college and in life. I was thrilled to be invited to speak to the students attending KIPP NYC College Prep in the Bronx, NY. As a former teacher and the child of a mother who is now a retired teacher, I understand the importance of having mentors guide you through the ups and downs of high school and college.
Having programs such as KIPP College Prep is a great opportunity for students to have full access to the tools necessary for success. I was able to meet with other speakers who were equally as passionate about education and mentoring as I am. I spoke to a small group of students that were eager to hear my story and I was equally excited to tell them how I became a dentist and a teacher. I was asked about my reasons for becoming a dentist, how many years I was in school, if I still enjoy dentistry and how I plan to give back to my community.
I was very impressed by the attentiveness and inquisitiveness of my group. One student asked me if I ever wanted to give up while I was in dental school and I said yes! Dental school was the toughest 4 years of my life but I explained my determination and love of helping others did not stop me from achieving my goals. I remember telling them this “Yes, college can be tough but your college years will be the best years of your life. You might feel you want to give up but you have to remember that something worth having doesn’t come easy. You have to communicate and connect with people.”
It felt great to be given the opportunity to expose the students to the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the work field. I met a lot of smart and inquisitive students; I hope I inspired them to pursue their dreams. To learn more about KIPP NYC, please visit www.kippnyc.org
Dr. Benjamin Shirley D.D.S.
Dr. Benjamin Shirley D.D.S.
Speciality – General and Family dentistry
Education – Doctorate of Dental Surgery
Work Days – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Dr. Shirley was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics as a NASA scholar from Morehouse College and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry School of Dentistry. Dr. Shirley is passionate about teaching; he became a teacher and UFT member in Los Angeles before practicing dentistry in New York.
After teaching for 2 years, he began his career in dentistry by completing a General Practice Residency program at Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway, NY. He was an associate at various dental practices in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan before co-founding Upper West Side Dental in 2011.
He says: “I treat my patients the way I want to be treated; with respect, dignity and first rate care. It is my priority to make sure my patients are comfortable and well informed. My extensive education and experience working in a hospital prepared me for very simple and complex dental cases. l pride myself in not over treating my patients, listening to what they want and making recommendations to help them achieve the smile they have always dream of.”
Dr. Shirley is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, he holds a certification for Clear Aligner Treatment. Dr. Shirley would like to invite you and your family to be a part of his Upper West Side practice. He is ready to guide you and your family to a lifetime of dental health. Book your consultation with our Upper West Side Dentist today!