Dr. Benjamin Lamielle
N. Wayne Hiatt Rising Star Award Winner
As a young dentist, Columbus-based ODA member Dr. Benjamin Lamielle has brought a fresh voice to the association. For his efforts, Lamielle will receive the ODA’s N. Wayne Hiatt Rising Star Award during the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held Friday, September 16, in conjunction with the 145th Ohio Dental Association Annual Session in Columbus.
On receiving this award Lamielle said it is a tremendous honor. “The satisfaction I receive from exceeding a patient’s expectations is still at the top of my list but this is a close second,” he said. “It definitely gives me something to live up to and I’ve always strived when I’ve had a reputation to uphold. I’m really excited.”
His remarkable commitment as a young dentist to the Columbus Dental Society in his role as a Board member, Executive Council member, Bulletin Editor, Capital Club member and ODA delegate signifies Lamielle’s dedication to dentistry in Ohio. Lamielle’s thoughtful articles as a guest columnist for the ODA Today also bring a heartfelt perspective to the industry.
Lamielle became involved in dentistry through participation in the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program after graduating from The Ohio State University. “I obviously think it’s a great program and tried to help the ODA reach out to dental students and get them involved,” said Lamielle. “From there, Dr. Carole Kelley personally asked me to get involved with the Columbus Dental Society as the society’s editor. I’m grateful to her for extending a helping hand in getting me more involved with organized dentistry.”
As a former participant of the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program, he has taken the time to share his experience with dental students from both The Ohio State University and Case School of Dental Medicine. Lamielle has been a guest speaker for students at both schools to promote the program and relay his experiences as a participant following his graduation from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2004. Lamielle chose to practice in a designated dental health professional area through the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program as a way to “give back” to underserved populations in Ohio.
In stating some of his professional goals for the future, Lamielle responds that “there are so many new things going on in dentistry. It’s important to have a thirst for knowledge. I also want to enhance my involvement in organized dentistry and try to be a role model and voice of reason in the profession.”
Lamielle’s advice to young people is to get involved.
“There are way too many non-dentists or misguided dentists out there who claim to know what’s best for our patients and our profession and in reality they’re way off base. The best way to ensure that dentistry belongs to us is to be involved in organized dentistry,” Lamielle said. “It’s what’s best for our patients and for ourselves.”
Lamielle started his own dental practice, Hilliard Modern Dental, a little over two years ago, and considers his career a success thus far. “It’s my baby and I’m pleased to say that even in these tough times it’s turning into a healthy, happy child. I want to continue to see the office grow and become a continued source of comfort and pride for my patients, staff, and family,” he said. “I always try to deepen my understanding and skill set by adding a new trick or procedure to my repertoire every year.”
Dr. William J. Meyers, Chair of the CDS Honors and Awards Committe for the Columbus Dental Society, thinks highly of Dr. Lamielle.
“A seasoned dentist can certainly mentor the new dentists and encourage them to become active members of organized dentistry, but when one of their own illustrates the value of joining the tripartite, new dentists listen,” Meyers said. “And it is not just the new dentist that benefits from Dr. Lamielle’s writing, all ODA members benefit from his refreshing literary style.”
Lamielle’s commitment to the community is present in all aspects of his career as well as personal life. He is a past member of Worthington-Linworth Kiwanis as well as a past volunteer for the Capital Area Humane Society.
In addition to his volunteer work in his personal life as well as the dental profession, Lamielle is focused on family. “My wife and I were set up on a blind date by Dr. Kimberli Best, a classmate of mine, during my 4th year of dental school. Every other blind date I had ever been on was a nightmare; it’s safe to say this one was a dream,” Lamielle said. He has been married to wife Lindsay for 5 years with a three - year old son Benjamin Jr. and twins due in July, Lamielle says he loves being a father. In his spare time he enjoys back country hiking and camping. He loves anything associated with the outdoors and wishes he had a little more time to devote to traveling. Lamielle is an avid reader and enjoys cooking and good food as well as cheering on the Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns in the fall. He is also a big fan of the Cleveland Indians and the OSU Men’s Basketball team.
The Rising Star Award is part of the Ohio Dental Association Awards of Excellence Program, which recognizes and honors distinguised achievements in the dental profession. The ODA Council on Membership Services (CMS) had the privilege of selecting the 2011 recipient of the Rising Star Award based on the following criteria:
- Young leader in dentistry
- Outstanding leadership and initiative
- Strong commitment to volunteerism within the community and the profession
- Demonstration of promise for continued and future accomplishments within the dental association
Congratulations to Dr. Benjamin Lamielle!