From Canada to St. Louis: Avi Goldberg, D.D.S., (CADE ’12) Finds His Orthodontic Passion at SLU
Avi Goldberg, D.D.S., (CADE ’12), grew up in Canada, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, where he graduated with distinction and received the University Medal in Dentistry. So when he first visited Saint Louis University to pursue his Master of Orthodontics, he knew very little about the University or the city, he said. But after his interviews and exploration of SLU’s Center for Advanced Dental Education, he told his wife he knew he wanted to attend CADE.
Goldberg recently reflected on his career journey through the Oral History Project.
“The orthodontic program at CADE has a storied history, and the friendly faculty and impressive facilities drew me in,” he said. “Our class of 14 students was an equal mix of Americans and international students, giving me the chance to form lifelong friendships with peers from around the world.”
More than a decade after completing the program, Goldberg said he continues to enjoy the tight-knit community and the deep sense of connection that he shares with his former CADE classmates.
“Seeing colleagues at national meetings and alumni events always feels like bringing the family back together,” he said. “It’s a reminder of the shared experiences that tie us to this program.”
CADE’s orthodontic program, the oldest dental specialty at SLU, is known for its progressive excellence, compassionate service and multidisciplinary approach to the care of craniofacial and dental patient problems. Goldberg credits the program’s outstanding full- and part-time faculty for providing him and his classmates with exceptional training and mentorship throughout their residency. Among those who made a particularly lasting impression were the late Gus G. Sotiropoulos, D.D.S., or “Dr. Gus,” and the late Rolf G. Behrents, D.D.S., Ph.D., or “Buzz,” he said.
“The faculty’s wealth of knowledge and passion for the program made a lasting impression on me,” Goldberg said. “Dr. Sotiropoulos served on SLU’s faculty for more than 60 years, and Dr. Behrents’ legacy and impact on our profession, faculty and alumni network were profound. Our education and experiences would not have been the same without the remarkable mentorship and commitment of all the faculty who helped shape our training.”
Seeing colleagues at national meetings and alumni events always feels like bringing the family back together. ... It’s a reminder of the shared experiences that tie us to this program.”
Avi Goldberg, D.D.S., (CADE ’12)
Goldberg said he appreciates the knowledge he acquired at CADE and credits the program for his success. After graduating, he joined a group practice and later purchased his own office on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Following in his mentors’ footsteps, he has taught part-time at his local dental school for over a decade.
“My master’s degree opened doors for me to serve on boards, including the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists and, most recently, as president of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists,” Goldberg said. “Saint Louis University provided an exceptional educational experience that has positively shaped my career. I'm grateful for the connections and opportunities Saint Louis University and CADE afforded me.”