Dr. LaMastra - Your Amherst Dentist
Michael S. LaMastra, DDS
I love to improve the way a person feels about themselves and help them overcome whatever it was that caused them to stay away from the dentist to begin with. I became a dentist because I liked science, I had an artistic side, and I liked working with my hands. I was influenced by my father, who was a dentist himself for more than 30 years. Every night when my father came home from work he told us about his day, sharing stories from his patients and how he cared about them personally. My father loved his profession and communicated that love to me. He taught me that it was a great gift and a great responsibility to be able to help people through dentistry.
I see my patients as so much more than just teeth and mouths; I see them as a whole person with needs, goals, and in some cases, fears. I treat each person the way I would expect to be treated. I have learned much from my patients over the years because their lives are filled with interesting, diverse experiences. These relationships will be remembered for the rest of my life.
Education and Continuing Education
- Bachelor of Arts degree – College of the Holy Cross
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery – SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
My ongoing commitment to continuing education enables me to treat my patients with the very latest in dental materials and techniques. Since materials and methods change rapidly, it is vital for me to stay informed of advances in the dental field. In over 30 years of practice, I have completed advanced education in many areas including aesthetic dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, implant dentistry, functional orthopedics, sleep apnea, TMD treatment, and laser dentistry. In addition, I taught restorative dentistry at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and worked at Roswell Park /Center for Cancer Research in the Thyroid Screening Clinic.
Professional Aff iliations
- American Dental Association
- New York State Dental Society
- Erie County Dental Society
- Eighth District Dental Society
- UB Dental Alumni Association
- Fonzi Dental Study Club
About the Office
In this office, we truly work together as a team. My staff members keep me on track, communicate patients’ needs, and keep a running dialogue of what’s happening in the office at every moment. They all pitch in and help one another constantly, doing everything necessary to keep the office running smoothly, all for the benefit of our patients.
Outside the Office
I am originally from Buffalo and currently live in Lakeview with my wife of 31 years, Zulah. We have three grown children, Michael, Kristin, and Melissa, as well as two dogs named Rascal and Hazel and a cat named Oreo. My leisure time is spent woodworking, skiing, sailing, and playing golf. I am also an avid Bills and Sabres fan.
As a former Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster, I had the opportunity to participate in many high adventure camping trips. Now I see a lot of those kids as patients with children of their own. It is great to see how they have become men and still espouse high values, some of which were learned in scouts. Being involved in scouting allowed me to make a lot of friends and see a bigger cross section of my community.
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