Robert B Amsterdam, DDS

Technically, he’s Dr. Robert Amsterdam but around the dental office, he’s simply Dr. Bob. If you ask him about his work, this is what you’ll hear: “The dentistry we practice here is cutting edge, but at the same time, it’s compassionate. It’s high quality dentistry carried out in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.” In other words, it’s balanced dentistry. It’s technology applied with a relaxed, confident control that builds reassurance for the dental client while it respects the client’s pocketbook. Dr. Amsterdam opened his Briarcliff Manor practice in July, 1973, having graduated from both Tufts University School of Dentistry and the U.S. Army Dental Corps (where he was Captain Bob). As well as practicing dentistry, Dr. Amsterdam attends Rotary meetings (he is member of Briarcliff Rotary Club), serves as a product evaluator for Clinical Research Associates, a nationally known non-profit testing organization, and serves as Senior Attending on the Phelps Memorial Hospital Center Medical Staff. He observes that dentistry has changed dramatically since his dental school days, and he studies constantly to keep up with procedures and technology. (See Our Technical Advantage link.) “I was an undergraduate psychology major in college,” Dr. Amsterdam remarks, “and I really enjoy working with people who are fearful at the start but whom I can convert into relaxed, trusting and motivated dental patients.” Dr. Amsterdam balances his professional activities with family life. He and June Amsterdam, his wife of forty-two years, see a great deal of their two daughters Alison, an attorney, and Lauren, who runs her own advertising agency. Both girls live nearby so the Amsterdams regularly see their five grandchildren—four girls and one boy. What does Dr. Amsterdam like? Tropical fish and the challenge of maintaining the balanced, complex microcosm in which they thrive. He also likes bright colors (and drives a screaming yellow Volkswagen). And great dental patients. What makes a great dental patient? “A person who freely express their desires and concerns,” Dr. Amsterdam says. “An individual who appreciates and strives for the very best—someone who is prevention-oriented and who can therefore reap the benefits of minimally invasive dental treatment as the years go by.” And there’s a maxim by which Dr.Amsterdam tries to live by: “Always do your best—even when no one is watching.”