1. What can you tell us about your
background?
I attended Temple University School
of Dentistry and completed my specialty
training in periodontology and dental implant
surgery at the University of Maryland in 1996.
I have been in the same private practice for
19 years. I have also been teaching perio-
dontal and implant surgery in the graduate
periodontology program at the University of
Pennsylvania (Penn) since 1996.
When did you become a specialist
and why?
In college, I originally thought I would
become an orthopedic surgeon. The
knowledge and skills required to regenerate
alveolar bone necessary to perform proper
implant placement falls into a similar line of
thought. The use of growth factors, bone
grafts, membranes, and so on, makes this
field dynamic and always challenging.
However, I finally decided to focus on
dentistry, and I entered my perio residency
immediately after graduating from dental
school. I was always drawn to the surgical
aspects of dentistry such as microbiology,
pathology, and surgery. I was torn between
oral maxillofacial surgery and periodontology.
I felt periodontics gave me the best opportu-
nity to be involved with my combined inter-
ests. Periodontitis is an infectious disease,
often requiring antimicrobial and surgical
therapy. The blend of keeping teeth via perio-
dontal therapy and the regenerative nature of
implant surgery was what sold me on perio-
dontology as my career path.
Is your practice limited solely to
implants, or do you practice other
types of dentistry?
While implant therapy is a key part of my
practice, as a board-certified periodontist,
my first goal is to help patients maintain their
natural dentition in a state of health, func-
tion, and comfort. I perform nonsurgical and
surgical periodontal therapy. This includes
resective procedures such as crown-
lengthening and osseous surgery. It also
includes regenerative therapy such as
combining growth factors with bone grafts
and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to
regenerate lost attachment apparatus, and
soft tissue augmentation for root coverage/
esthetics regularly.
All of these procedures lend themselves
directly to implant surgery. Often, hard and
soft tissue augmentation is necessary either
simultaneous or prior to implant placement.
Having specialty training in periodontics
makes this a seamless crossover. Having a
strong background in regeneration makes
adjunctive dental implant surgeries such
as ridge augmentation, sinus grafting, and
mucogingival procedures routine in my
surgical specialty practice.
Why did you decide to focus on
implant dentistry?
During dental school, I spent a lot of time
in the graduate periodontics clinic. I may hold
the unofficial record for the number of peri-
odontal surgical assists for a dental student.
I saw the implementation of the surgical prin-
ciples of Drs. Brånemark and Schroeder
and the evolution of implant dentistry from a
hospital-based to an office-based discipline
that was taking place in the early 1990s.
The excitement this generated in the clinic
was amazing. My perio-dontics training at
Maryland under people such as Drs. Sylvan
Feldman, Karl Zeren, Arnold Sindler, Paul
Rosen, and John Bruno taught me how to
make implant surgery an exciting and real-
istic career path. The meticulous attention to
infection control, minimizing surgical trauma
and technique was emphasized. Studying
the literature and hearing pioneers such as
Drs. Brånemark, Albrektsson, Buser, Nevins,
Tarnow, and others present at Congresses
inspired me to go beyond the didactic
requirements of my graduate program,
and I started reading textbooks pertaining
to implant surgery, bone regeneration, and
esthetics. This truly piqued my interest in
making advanced surgical procedures a
focus moving into private practice.
I also felt how rewarding it is to improve
patients’ quality of life by alleviating their
dependence on removable prostheses and
helping to provide them with permanent,
esthetic solutions that had affected their
self-esteem for many years in certain cases.
Barry P. Levin, DMD
Academics, sound science, and
no shortcuts
8 Implant practice Volume 8 Number 3
PRACTICE PROFILE

2. Do your patients come through
referrals?
Yes. The majority of my patients are
referred by restorative dentists. Having
good relationships with restorative doctors
is essential for the health of any surgical
specialty practice and greatly impacts the
overall positive experience and outcome for
the patient. I am fortunate to work with some
of the most talented restorative dentists in
the Philadelphia area. We have created such
a sense of familiarity with streamlined proto-
cols that enhance treatment coordination
and process. At the same time, however,
more and more patients are being referred
by other patients, or they discover my prac-
tice online. Overall patient experience and
satisfaction is also so critical to the long-term
success of a practice.
How long have you been practicing
implant dentistry, and what systems
do you use?
I have worked with over 10 different
implant systems over the 19 years I’ve been
in practice, between working in the office
and treating patients at Penn. My experience
has led me to the point where I felt I needed
one system that provided optimal surgical
and restorative options, but with science
backing all aspects. This is why I currently
work exclusively with the ASTRA TECH
Implant System™ EV by DENTSPLY Implants.
Supporting the ASTRA TECH Implant System
is a decades-long history of science and
success, which is critical for me as a clinician
looking to provide the most reliable and
optimal outcomes for my patients.
What training have you undertaken?
My periodontics specialty program
provided me with years of formal implant
training. Periodontics teaches the art of
diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical tech-
nique, and wound healing. The importance of
the literature, both classic and current, was a
major point of emphasis. Supporting clinical
decisions with sound scientific evidence is
mandatory. I have continued my training by
attending and teaching both didactic and
hands-on courses at major Congresses
such as the AAP, AO, EuroPerio, etc. Also,
teaching at Penn alongside master clinicians
like Drs. Louis Rose, Edwin Rosenberg and
Arnold Weisgold, and others, I’ve collabo-
rated and learned so much from sharing
experiences with these true experts.
Who has inspired you?
Personally, I grew up with a father who
built a business from the ground up. He
went to the Wharton School of Business at
night for years while building a career and
supporting his family. His work ethic was
evident 7 days a week, and understanding
that there is no substitute for hard work has
rubbed off on me.
Professionally, I had the honor of being
one of the four residents in Dr. Gerald Bowers’
last class before his retirement. Learning
periodontology from one of the true legends
was a privilege I cannot express in words.
I went to Maryland because the program
was renowned for having the regenerative
emphasis on periodontal treatment. Dr.
Bowers engrained in us the philosophy that
all treatment must be based in sound science
from the literature. Becoming board certified
was a given, and I was proud to receive my
acceptance as a Diplomate from Dr. Bowers.
I was also inspired by Dr. Emanuel Tress.
“Manny” brought me into his long-estab-
lished practice right out of my residency. Not
only did he give me an opportunity to build
my own identity, but he taught me so many
aspects about how to communicate with
referring dentists, patients, and colleagues.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity
Manny has given me.
Teaching at Penn, I have not only become
colleagues and friends with some of the “all
stars” of periodontics and implant dentistry,
but in subtle ways, I’ve been mentored by
legends in our field. The knowledge these
men have shared with me, both directly and
indirectly, has been invaluable. Appreciating
the path modern implantology has followed
serves as a blueprint for the proper future
direction of our field.
What is the most satisfying aspect
of your practice?
The most satisfying aspect of my
specialty practice has to be the gratitude
that patients show after their treatment is
completed. When people come to you
despondent about their oral health and
appearance, and your therapy truly changes
their attitude and outlook, you cannot help
but feel tremendous satisfaction.
Professionally what are you most
proud of?
I would have to say that I am most proud
that I have built my practice “the right way.”
There is immense pressure to take shortcutsOperatory in new office in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Front office under construction
“Dr. Levin provided an expert and painless implant procedure and
was so kind and understanding of my individual concerns. His staff
follows his lead in patient care and satisfaction. Now, more than ever,
I understand how important it is to see an experienced specialist
trained in implant surgery.” – Beverly R., Elkins Park, PA
Front office after construction
10 Implant practice Volume 8 Number 3
PRACTICE PROFILE

3. at every turn in private practice. Doing proce-
dures people are not adequately trained to
perform, using inferior, unproven products
sold at discount prices, not basing treatment
on sound science, etc., is everywhere. I am
most proud that I stay within my specialty
scope of practice, use only premium, solidly-
researched materials, and read multiple jour-
nals monthly. The treatment performed in
my office is always based on this scientific
approach. Shortcuts are simply not an option.
What do you think is unique about
your practice?
I think my practice is unique because
I bring an academic approach to a private
practice. I serve as an editorial board
member of several peer-reviewed journals,
including being the Implant Section Editor
for Compendium. I regularly publish clinical
research and case reports and lecture nation-
ally and internationally. I bring this scientific
approach to my patients each and every day.
I spend the majority of my time in private
practice. Relating proven treatment modali-
ties to real-world patients is something I am
most proud of. Because I present regularly
and document procedures, I look at every
procedure as if I am sitting in an auditorium,
looking at my surgeries on a large screen.
This is a compass for staying the course and
trying to perform to the best of my ability.
Also, with a brand-new state-of-the-art,
office, we can offer cutting-edge technology
while still maintaining the over 50-year tradi-
tion of patient care and a family atmosphere
of the practice.
What has been your biggest
challenge?
I think the biggest challenge is making
the public aware of why they should seek
a specialist for implant care. Weekend
courses, mini-residencies, and lack of
regulations blur the lines for prospective
patients. It’s very easy for under- or untrained
dentists to appear qualified to perform care
best rendered in a specialist’s practice.
This can lead to less than ideal outcomes,
and patients begin to fear implant therapy
because they or someone they know has
had bad experiences with implants. When a
true team comprised of surgeon, restorative
dentist, and lab technician work together,
there can be success for everyone; and even
more importantly, results can be predictable
and optimal for the patient. This is the biggest
challenge we face moving forward.
What would you have been if you
hadn’t become a dentist?
If I did not become a periodontist special-
izing in implants, I would probably be one of
the three Levin Brothers in the family busi-
ness. The fact that I chose dentistry as a
career is good news for my two younger
brothers, who are the two happiest people
because of this. The forklift business is also
better off for my choice, I’m sure!
What is the future of implants and
dentistry?
I think the future of implant dentistry is
exciting, yet needs to be approached with
caution. The vast amount of technology drives
all fields to an extent. The emergence of three-
dimensional printing, CAD/CAM technologies,
and tissue engineering will have major foot-
prints on our field. The dentists 20 years from
now may look at our patients’ radiographs
and wonder what these metal screws are.
The challenge we all face is knowing when
certain technologies are safe, predictable,
and proven scientifically. It is up to the peer-
reviewed journals, the researchers, and dental
schools to exercise patience before touting
biomaterials, techniques, and technologies.
With that word of caution, I think the things
we will accomplish in the future will be great!
Regeneration of lost hard and soft tissue will
always be at the forefront of my practice.
Simply accomplishing osseointegration is no
longer an acceptable endpoint. Inconspicu-
ously blending dental implants and restora-
tions within the partially edentulous patient’s
dentition with long-term stability is our goal.
For edentulous patients, giving them back a
fully functional and esthetic dentition should
always remain our focus.
This is also one of the reasons that I am
currently just finishing the construction on a
brand-new office. The new office is designed
around the integration of state-of-the art
technology and process efficiency for the
highest level of patient comfort and treat-
ment outcomes.
What are your top tips for
maintaining a successful specialty
practice?
I think staying current with the science is
crucial. For one to be a successful specialist,
he/she must offer more than a “megadon-
tist” can provide. We must use our specialty
training as a platform to start “ahead of the
curve.” Our background in surgery, wound
healing, and science gives us this head start.
Keeping open lines of communication
with all members of the team is critical.Dr. Levin with his staff
Dr. Levin in his office
12 Implant practice Volume 8 Number 3
PRACTICE PROFILE

4. The surgeon must understand the unique
challenges our restorative colleagues face
and how they manage specific situations.
Being familiar with CAD/CAM technology,
digital impression systems, and occlusion
makes this communication most produc-
tive. If each team member understands and
respects the other’s role, optimal treatment
prevails.
It is also very important for the specialist
to maintain a modern, clean, and comfortable
environment for patients. People need to feel
that they are being cared for at an extremely
high level when they see a specialist, with
patient satisfaction being one of the best
marketing strategies you can have.
What advice would you give to a
budding implant dentist?
Training is key. What a dental school
curriculum can offer will always be limited.
There is simply too much critical infor-
mation and experience to serve as the
“minimal requirements” for graduation. It
is up to individuals to find their passion
and pursue mastery appropriately. In my
opinion, an ADA-certified residency is the
best way to receive formal education in a
particular area, without the bias of manu-
facturer-provided, private courses and in
an adequate length of time to teach funda-
mental principles and learn the literature.
After completing a graduate program, it
is up to these individuals to continue their
education for the duration of their careers.
There are many opportunities to continue
learning at major Congresses and smaller
continuing education courses. Reading
peer-reviewed journals and collaborating
with other doctors in person and online
strengthen one’s knowledge.
Tell us some details about your
practice.
My private practice has recently opened
a new location in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania,
with eight operatories, three designated for
hygiene. Two operatories are set up for
evaluations and nonsurgical procedures, and
three operatories are equipped for surgical
treatment, including IV sedation, adminis-
tered by a physician. We have had digital
radiography for 10 years and in-house CBCT
for 8 years. This new facility has a state-of-
the-art sterilization center and private consul-
tation room for comfortable explanations and
Q & A appointments for our patients.
My office manager, Jennifer Scamuffa,
runs the practice. She is a member of the
American Association of Dental Office
Managers and manages the daily business
of the practice as well as performs patient
consultations.
The team consists of two dental hygien-
ists, three surgical assistants, and two front
desk team members. We have little to no
turnover, and I am the third-longest tenured
member of the team. Our patients truly appre-
ciate the same faces they see at every visit
and share recipes, borrow books, and share
pictures of the children and grandchildren with
our crew. Relationships are very important in
our practice. I am extremely proud to be able
to provide state-of-the science specialty care
in this brand-new facility while carrying over a
half-century tradition of patient comfort and
friendships to our new office.
What are your hobbies, and what
do you do in your spare time?
My hobbies include continuing a 30-plus
year weightlifting habit. My youngest son
has begun training with me, and this has
re-invigorated my passion for fitness. I also
help coach his travel basketball team with my
wife. She played basketball in high school,
and I am really enjoying the role of mentor
and coach of 10 great 5th grade boys.
All three of my kids lead pretty active
lives. My 16-year-old daughter and 14-year-
old son are both active in theater and music,
and I really enjoy seeing them perform.
Running to soccer and basketball
games, school plays, and concerts
fills time pretty well during the
academic year.
I have always loved the Jersey
shore (not the one on TV). We try
to spend as much family time as
possible in the summer at the
beach. I have always wanted my
kids to have that love of the shore
that my parents instilled in me.
Dr.Levin and his son,David,with legendary Hall of Fame coach
John Chaney, who ran a practice for the team this season
Top 10 favorites
1. Bone and dermal allografts
2. Digital photography
3. rhBMP-2 and rhPDGF-BB
4. Piezosurgery®
5. CBCT and planning software
6. X-otomes and periotomes
7. Loupes with illumination
8. Resorbable mesh for ridge augmentation
9. ASTRA TECH Implant System™ EV
10. Peace
Dr. Levin with his family
Volume 8 Number 3 Implant practice 13
PRACTICEPROFILE