All stainless steel is not the same. It varies depending on the alloys used, the heating and cooling cycles implemented, and the finishing process. As dentists, we have all seen instruments “age” differently over the years, and the sterilization process has a lot to do with it. After hundreds of autoclaving cycles, instruments may develop pitting, rusting and discoloration. There is no question that some instruments tolerate the sterilization process better than others, and this is directly related to the quality of the stainless steel used. Our instruments are made from high-quality, French and Italian stainless steel and they’ve been painstakingly tested in our offices to not only ensure the quality, but also ergonomic design. As a result, we have developed a line of dental instruments that are Dentist Preferred. Value Driven™.
We are dentists, helping dentists.
And we’re selling direct, because we’re sick of paying retail.
Lou Berman, DDSAnnapolis, MD
Lou Berman, DDS
Dr. Berman received his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and his Certificate in Endodontics from The Albert Einstein Medical Center. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Endodontics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and a Clinical Instructor and Guest Lecturer at The Albert Einstein Medical Center. He is past president of the Maryland State Association of Endodontics and is a member of the Journal of Endodontics Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Berman is the co-author of the chapter on Diagnosis and the chapter on Root Fractures in Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp, for which he is the co-editor with Dr. Kenneth Hargreaves. He is also the senior editor and contributing author of the comprehensive textbook, Dental Traumatology. A board-certified endodontist and Fellow of the American College of Dentistry, Dr. Berman has been in full time private practice in Annapolis, Maryland for the past thirty-four years.
Why did you start Berman Dental Instruments?
When I found out how much a mirror handle actually costs to produce, my jaw dropped. I started this company because there was no way I was going to continue paying “standard” industry pricing. Berman Dental Instrument’s approach is simple: Provide high-quality instruments that are fairly priced. We’re offering a solution to those who are tired of being taken advantage of. What I wanted for myself, in a dental company, I am striving to provide to my colleagues.
Why is value important to you and the Berman Dental Instrument team?
Value means getting more for your money. We also value one another, our time, and the quality and dependability of the instruments we sell and use in our own practices. High quality instruments at a low price, that’s value.
What do you look for when purchasing dental instruments?
Quality dental instruments should not rust or pit after autoclave use. The instrument should be sharp, where needed, and should be resistant to bending or breakage. And, I very much prefer a wider handle design for periodontal scalers and curettes.
Dr. Pamela Ray is a Board Certified Periodontist in private practice in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Ray graduated from UT Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School in 1989 and completed her periodontal training under Dr. Jim Mellonig in 1991. She received her Diplomate status from the American Board of Periodontics in 1996.
Dr. Ray entered solo practice immediately and remained an associate professor at UT teaching undergraduate dental students. She has lectured extensively on the topics of periodontal disease treatment, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, and periodontal restorative relationships for natural dentition and dental implants. She also enjoys lecturing to dental hygienists on the topics of periodontal and implant maintenance.
Dr. Ray has served as President of local, state, and regional periodontal societies. Her service nationally to both the American Academy of Periodontists and the American Dental Society has involved membership recruitment and retention and service on the Councils of the ADA Annual Session and Communication. She is a Fellow in the International College of Dentists and a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. She is most proud of these peer nominated, ethics and service-based affiliations.
What does value mean to you?
Getting something of quality for a good price. It may not be the least expensive option, but for the quality it is fairly priced.
What do you look for when purchasing dental instruments?
Quality, durability, and pricing. If there is a workhorse instrument that I go through often, getting it at a good price can really make a difference for my bottom line! Be a smart consumer when it comes to purchasing dental products. Do your research and don’t over pay on pricing for the same product you can find at a better price elsewhere.
Why do you prefer Berman Dental Instruments to other dental instrument companies?
No other instrument company that I’ve dealt with has ever had as much input from active, practicing dentists.
Dr. John Phillips is a lifelong resident of Chickasha, OK. He graduated from Chickasha High School in 1988 and attended undergraduate studies at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in June of 1996, and opened his practice in the fall of that year.
In 1998, he was voted the Crown Council Young Dentist of the Year, which opened the doors for him to learn from the top cosmetic and restorative dentists in the nation.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists and a founding member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. As clinical instructor, he has taught other doctors how to safely incorporate sedation dentistry into their practice.
He aspires to always be on the cutting edge of dentistry and strives to be competent in all the dental advances of today. He is continually learning new techniques and always wants to offer his patients every treatment option available. His purpose as a dentist is to always listen to his patients and give them exactly what they want and need.
What does value mean to you?
Nothing frustrates me more than paying more for something than I have to. Berman Dental Instruments offers high quality instruments at half the price. These instruments will change the way you practice. For example, at this pricing you can have more surgery setups, which means more procedures, better efficiency, and more same-day services.
What do you look for when purchasing dental instruments?
Not all instruments are the same. Berman Dental Instruments feel great in your hand! Whether your hands are large or small, these instruments are wonderfully made and feel great. I prefer Berman Dental Instruments because the company is dentist owned; the instruments work perfectly for me and they are priced appropriately.
If you could go back and give your younger-self dental advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to be aggressive with constantly learning more, especially atraumatic extraction techniques. There is so much to learn! Our patients have a lot of options, especially if we are conservative with their teeth and bone.
Dr. Maria Lopez Howell graduated from UT Health Dental School in San Antonio in 1983. She joined the faculty of the Department of Restorative Dentistry in 1985 and directed courses in operative dentistry for almost 20 years. In 1995, she earned an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) certificate. She is this dental school’s first recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award.
Dr. Howell has maintained a private practice in general dentistry with her husband, Dr. Mark Howell, in Garden Ridge, Texas, since 2001. She continues to hold the adjunct faculty appointment of clinical professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry.
Dr. Howell is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and served as a bilingual spokesperson for almost three decades. Additionally, she supported two ADA annual sessions as co-chair of programs for the Committee on Local Arrangements. She has been president of the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the Texas Section of the American College of Dentists and the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
What do you look for when purchasing dental instruments?
I look for quality and reliability at the most reasonable cost.
What does value mean to me?
In this context, the word VALUE connotes quality with the advantage of a financial benefit. My perception of value rings true in Berman Instruments through either the accumulated savings that reduce overhead costs or having more “setups” to increase profitability.
Why do you prefer Berman Instruments to other dental instrument companies?
Who better to offer the working knowledge of instruments that either initially or eventually help us achieve ALL dental treatment goals than the clinicians behind the only dentist-owned dental instrument company?
Since graduating from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2009, Dr. Justin Bonaventure has practiced dentistry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Dr. Bonaventure strives to stay active in the local community.
Dr. Bonaventure spends time furthering his education to stay on the cutting edge of dental procedures and to provide a wide range of dental procedures to service patients’ needs in one location. Aside from all general dental services, Dr. Bonaventure utilizes digital technology and offers implant services, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.
In addition to being an active board member of Berman Instruments, Dr. Bonaventure also serves as a faculty member for DC Dental, is a member of the American Dental Association Louisiana Dental Association, and Greater Baton Rouge Dental Association where he served as the President in 2012.
His passion for dentistry stems from creating beautiful smiles and forming lifelong relationships with patients. Dr. Bonaventure puts incredible effort into making his practice patient centered, family friendly, and inviting to all people. His philosophy is compassionate and outstanding care in timely manner, “We do more than provide care, we actually care.”.
What instruments do you recommend?
I recommend the Lucas #87; it is a very versatile instrument at an incredible value. This instrument is useful in socket debridement (post extraction), bone grafting procedures, and soft tissue removal. You also can never go wrong with the iris scissors; the low price is great and allows you to have multiple sets in operatories.
What does value mean to you?
To me, value means standing behind the products and services you provide. It’s easy to stand behind products you believe in. When something is worth supporting, it must have value.
What do you look for when purchasing dental instruments?
When purchasing instruments, I am focused on cost and feel. Traditionally, dental instruments have been overused because they were extremely expensive to replace. Berman Instruments allows my practice to purchase more replacements because their pricing is low and their quality is high. This translates to more efficient dentistry and can lead to increased profit.
Berman Instruments provides a simple platform to order, lower instrument prices, as well as value. Anytime you need something, customer service is there to help!
