Profile in Giving

ELIAS ZAVARO DMD 90

Paying It Back to Pay it Forward

BY ROBERTA MARTONE

Elias Zavaro DMD 90 has been thinking about the best way to give back to Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) since he opened his practice in 1991.

“My education at GSDM enlightened me about modern and advanced dentistry, as well as the standard of ethics so critical to the field,” said Zavaro, noting that today’s digital dentistry has changed the playing field. He is proud to be part of the GSDM family and very happy about recent GSDM expansion and renovation, which positions GSDM at the forefront of dental schools throughout the world.

“Current students will have more dental chairs available to treat patients and better lab facilities, which will definitely have a positive impact on the quality of dentistry provided to patients,” he said.

In addition to expanded research and treatment spaces, Zavaro appreciates the more accessible, flexible, and comfortable floor plan of the renovated building, and was pleased to support the new elevator bank. These new elevators will facilitate easy movement of students, residents, faculty, and staff throughout the building.

Zavaro said he wouldn’t be at the top of his profession today if it weren’t for the professors who were an integral part of his educational experience at GSDM. He especially appreciates the teachings of Carl McManama, Stephen Dulong, Steven Gordon, and Val Welz. Beyond explaining the intricacies of dental implants and the complexities of surgical procedures, the professors also enlightened him and his peers about the ethical nuances of the field.

“My professors had unique clinical and pedagogical characteristics that translated into superior clinical knowledge and perfect teaching techniques for the students,” said Zavaro. “Their hands-on instruction, especially in the labs, was instrumental in my choice of specialization in dentistry. The classroom interaction with my peers and faculty prepared me with real-world experiences that have made me the dentist I am today.”

As for his advice to current students at GSDM, Zavaro said the journey through dental school has both positive and negative aspects— although, in the end, the positive far outweighs the negative. “While dental school can be stressful, the stress is temporary and disappears upon graduation. Once you’ve reached that goal, you welcome the opportunity to treat patients with diseases as well as the ability to make their lives easier and better,” he said.

“That’s a lasting, positive contribution to society we can all appreciate.”