After serving Braintree for over 35 years, Dr. Salem says that nothing feels more rewarding than knowing he is providing the highest level of care using the most modern and effective methods. Combining his 40+ years of experience with the latest advancements has led to life-changing results for so many of his patients, and he’s eager to show you just how great your teeth can look and feel when you partner with the right dentist here in Braintree.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Salem first knew he wanted to be a dentist while in college. He realized how oral health can affect someone’s overall health and how much a beautiful smile influences people’s self-confidence and social acceptance, so he wanted to make it the focus of his life and career.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Salem graduated from the University of Vermont in 1979 and the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1983. Since graduation, he has been involved with and contributed to nearly all areas of dentistry. He is a former Assistant Clinical Professor, having served at Tufts University for over 18 years. Dr. Salem has been published in national and international dental journals on subjects ranging from the construction of crowns with superior aesthetics to patient management.
To stay abreast of the most modern procedures, Dr. Salem has earned the award of Mastership within the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization dedicated to the constant improvement of its member dentists. Mastership is attained by completing more than 1,100 hours of continuing education and passing a rigorous examination covering all aspects of modern dentistry. Recently, Dr. Salem has passed the written examination for board eligibility in the American Board of General Dentistry. This certification is the most rigorous endeavor in all of dentistry, with less than 200 dentists (>1%) in the entire world having attained this honor. On top of this, he continues to further his knowledge and skills by attending courses through Spear Education.
Dr. Salem is also an inventor and patent holder, helping to advance the art and science of dentistry. He routinely acts as a consultant to other dentists, dental material companies, and other companies that service the dental industry.
In addition to private practice, teaching, publishing, and consulting, Dr. Salem has remained a generous contributor to the community. He has presented to audiences ranging from children to senior citizens to help promote dental health and inform the public of new dental therapies such as implants. He has organized a loan fund at Tufts to help dental students with the high cost of their education and is a former director of the Tufts Dental Alumni Association.
Dr. Salem’s efforts both within and beyond the dental office have led him to earn multiple awards, having been named “Best Dental Care Facility” for 2022 and 2023 by Market Surveys of America. He was also named the “Best Dentist in Braintree” by the Braintree Award Program in 2023.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Originally from Bennington, VT, Dr. Salem comes from a very close-knit family of two devoted parents and five siblings. His father and uncle owned a grocery store started by his grandfather, and he and his brother worked there throughout high school and college. It was in his family and in constant operation for over 100 years! He says he can still pack a bag of groceries as well as any bagger at Stop and Shop or Whole Foods.
A lover of athletics, Dr. Salem is a former triathlete who once attained the elite level in the New England triathlete series. He has been playing golf, skiing, and lifting weights since childhood, and he enjoys these wholesome activities with his five children today. They have introduced him to surfing, but he admits to being quite terrible at it at the moment! He is an avid reader and says he is often amazed by how much he has learned from so many great authors and scientists.
