New York University Establishes the Smigel Prize
By Robert Nixon, DMD.
When Dr. Irwin Smigel left the military service after World War II, he taught a college philosophy class to students. Nervous on his first day, he decided to initiate the class by asking the age-old philosophical question, "If a tree falls and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" The class quickly started debating the question; half of the class was on one side of the argument, the other half was on the other side. When the conversation started to become heated, Dr. Smigel had to think quickly to calm the class down. "Each of us should think of ourselves as a tree," Dr. Smigel offered. "Eventually, every tree is going to fall. The question is, does it make a sound? Will your individual tree have any effect on the world, on your friends, on your environment? It's not how much noise you make, it's what you leave behind." Dr. Smigel, regarded by many in the dental profession as the Father of Aesthetic Dentistry, has been honored by the establishment of the Irwin Smigel Prize in Dentistry.
His contribution to aesthetic dentistry, as a visionary clinician, and educator, was lauded by Dr. Michael Alfano, dean of NYU College of Dentistry. The prize will recognize, on an ongoing basis, other distinguished clinicians who have made significant contributions to aesthetic dentistry. He stated that support will come from leading manufacturers of aesthetic products. Dr. Smigel said he is proud of the honor. "All my life I've been devoted to teaching aesthetic dentistry," he said. "At my last couple of lectures I said I feel that when my tree fails, the move made a sound and can he heard through most of the world." This honor was celebrated by many of Dr. Smigel's friends and admirers at the recent meeting of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, over which Dr. Smigel presided. The meeting drew over 1,000 attendees from all over the world. The ASDA, founded in 1976 by Dr. Smigel, has been a model for the establishment of aesthetic dental societies in Japan, India, France, Brazil, Turkey, and Korea. Dr. Irwin Smigel's impact on the field of aesthetic dentistry has spanned over 3 decades. In 1979, he gained national prominence with his best-selling book, Dental Health/Dental Beauty. Shortly there after, Dr. Smigel was showcased on the syndicated television show, That's Incredible, on which he performed the first nationally televised bonding demonstration. Public response to the show was enormous, and the new era of conservative aesthetic dentistry was ushered in.
Dr. Smigel has continued to be a major spokes person for aesthetic dentistry with his continuing education programs, featuring leading clinicians in the field.In the mid-80s his monthly column in Dentistry Today entitled Smigel on Bonding, did much to promote values and rewards of aesthetics to the dental profession.In addition to writing hundreds of articles and publishing two books, Dr. Smigel is adjunct professor for continuing education in aesthetics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine.The favorable response to the announcement of the Irwin Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry was considerable. The following representative tributes reveals the deep admiration in which Dr. Smigel is held by some of the dentistry’s top clinicians, educators, ASDA members, and dental manufacturing executives.
"The inception of the Dr Irwin Smigel prize could not have been timelier it perpetuates an overdue tribute to a true gentleman who catalyzed this exciting new period in dentistry." Dr. Robert Nixon
"A fine professional and humanitarian in every sense of the word, Dr Smigel is highly deserving of this most prestigious award." Dr. K. William "Bud" Mopper
"Dr. Smigel's willingness to give of himself has been a role model to me and the count-less individuals who have had the good fortune to pass his way." Dr. Jeff Morley
"Dr. Smigel is one of the great pioneers of aesthetic dentistry, and I am extremely proud to have him as my mentor" Dr. Larry Rosenthal
"Genius... the infinite capacity of taking pains to achieve excellence. That is what you are, and what you have done. That is also one of valuable things I have learned from you." Dr. Marcelo Fonseca Ferera
"Apropos of this award, I am obliged to share my favorite Irwin quote: What good is your knowledge unless it is shared with others." Dr. Galip Gurel
"When Reality was in its infancy Dr. Smigel was one of the few to give us a platform for our message and encouragement to persevere. Now, 15 years later. he is still a source of inspiration." Dr. Michael B. Miller
"Dr Smigel came to Japan and singlehandedly taught, motivated, and encouraged our leading dentists to enter the field of aesthetic dentistry in the 20th century." Masahiro Kuwata, CDT
"To watch Dr. Smigel perform, his magic on a patient or in front of an audience is thrilling. I am in awe of his humanity and kindness." Adrian Jurim, CDT
"Dr. Smigel's colleagues and friends are a true testimonial to a man for which the entire dental industry has the deepest respect." Daniel Materdomini, CDT
"Dr Smigel introduced me to the wonders of aesthetic dentistry when each year's vacation was spent in his office to watch and learn. He is my mentor" Dr. Philippe Chpindel