Martin Braverman, DMD 1978, worked as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for nearly 40 years. We connected with Dr. Braverman to learn about his time spent at UBC as both a student and instructor, and about his passion for surgery.

What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?  

When I was 15 years old, I spoke with my dentist, who explained the opportunities dentistry has to offer, including the chance to run a practice and make my own decisions. I always liked helping people and enjoyed the idea of being my own boss, so it felt like a good fit.  

I was social in high school, and while my grades weren’t as high as they could have been, I was accepted into the Bachelor of Science program at UBC with the goal of becoming a dentist. I spent time working in David Suzuki’s laboratory, counting Drosophila, and I realized that although I enjoyed research, I felt like a failure when an experiment didn’t work. Although in hindsight, I realize that just because an experiment doesn’t work doesn’t mean you’re a failure. 

Do you have some favourite memories of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?   

Back in the day, we all had to wear white shoes in the clinic. My dad owned a shoe store, so he got my entire class a deal on white shoes. I’m pretty sure that’s why I was elected class president for all four years of dental school! 

It was also during my time at dental school that I became interested in surgery. Dr. David Zack and I got along very well, and he invited me to attend an oral surgery conference with him in Seattle, which was a great experience for me. He later offered me a position at his clinic for a few months over the summer after fourth year, but I was one denture short of graduating—I had completed the denture, but the patient didn’t like it and refused to pay, so I was told it didn’t count. Dr. Zack vouched for me, so I passed, and I did a denture in his clinic right away to make it count!   

How did you get into oral surgery?   

I’ve always had an affinity for surgery—I love cutting into things, and the sight of blood doesn’t bother me. I did a year of travel dentistry after working with Dr. Zack and then worked as an associate in Quesnel, BC. I started applying to surgery, but there was a mail strike at the time, so only some of my applications were received. I had a few interviews but didn’t get accepted anywhere, and I was told that a hospital-based General Practice Residency (GPR) would improve my chances.  

UBC Hospital, which is across the parking lot from the dental school, had just opened, and I was approached by one of my dental school professors to be the first GPR resident in the new hospital dental clinic. I was accepted as the first and only dental resident. I remember dreading telling my boss because he had just put in two new dental chairs for me at the clinic in Quesnel, but he was very supportive.  

Throughout my GPR, my attitude was to learn as much as possible. I was given a lot of unique opportunities, such as cutting one side of a mandibular osteotomy for the first time, which I’ll never forget.  

In 1981, I was accepted into the oral and maxillofacial surgery program at Tufts Dental School in Boston, where I lived for three years. After graduating, I worked as an oral surgeon in Vancouver for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2022.  

You’ve been teaching at UBC for over 40 years. What do you enjoy most about teaching?  

I enjoy giving back to the profession. I also find it invigorating to be around young people who are excited to learn—it keeps me in the game and on my toes. Teaching is a great way to inspire students to pursue oral surgery, and when I was working, I always gave them the opportunity to visit my practice and watch me perform procedures. I think most students consider me a tough instructor, but many come back later saying they understand my methods now that they’re working.  

What are your passions outside of dentistry?  

I love to travel, ski, golf and spend time with my family. I recently took a seven-week cooking course that I’d been wanting to do for years, and finally felt like I had the time! My favourite dishes to cook these days are those from Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines. I find it incredibly relaxing to knead dough by hand for pasta or bread.