Dr. Myron Graff
Smiles by Graff and Dr. Myron Graff are just that! Dr. Myron S. Graff opened his first practice in Orthodontics, Smiles by Graff in 1976 has been creating beautiful smiles ever since.
Dr. Graff graduated from NYU in 1968 with a Bachelors degree, majoring in Biology. He then went on to the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and received his DMD degree. Between 1972 and 1976 prior to opening his practice in New Port Richey, he served our country with the elite title of Captain in the US Army Dental Corps., in 1976 he graduated from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery.
Dr. Graff chose to practice Orthodontics because it combines working with adolescents and adults, helping to remove impediments to excellent self-image, helping give confidence to young people, making a difference not only in his local community but the world, all very important elements to him and his practice.
Dr. Myron Graff focuses on assisting each and every person (patients and staff) to realize that they can achieve everything and anything to which they are determined if they set their goals and work towards achieving them. Smiles by Graff is the only full time Orthodontic practice in West Pasco County, set in a spectacular 3,300 sq. ft. space with cutting edge technology and equipment, all to serve their patients. It’s a “boutique” like practice offering individualized treatment and personal interaction with patients, young and old.
Dr. Graff is also heavily involved in community and believes in giving back. His community involvements include: over $55,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors from each of the local high schools, sponsorship of two local baseball/softball teams and soccer teams. He is a Life member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, West Coast of Florida Dental Association, Florida Association of Orthodontics, past President of the West Pasco Dental Association, American Association of Pediatric Dentists, a 20+ year member of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce and a past president of Temple Ahavat Shalom (a reform synagogue located in Palm Harbor, FL).
Smiles by Graff has patients who not only live in Pasco, but Hernando, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. People recognize Smiles by Graff Orthodontics when they see the adorable and always smiling Giraffe. This unique self-branding goes together like peanut butter and jelly, Graff = G(i)raff(e), and is the cutting edge branding created by Mindshare Advertising, especially for Dr. Graff.
Panache asked Dr. Graff to share his most memorable work related experience with our readers. Dr. Graff stated, “Each time I hear from a past patient who has chosen to make a career in dentistry, I feel that I have (especially) contributed to the perpetuation and enhancement of our noble profession. When we argued for water fluoridation in the New Port Richey area, I realized that dentistry is the only profession that has labored for eradication of dental disease, even though it would detract from the profitability of the dental profession.”
Dr. Graff’s favorite part of owning his practice is helping others and giving back. “Owning a small professional practice allows me to create the type of society that I would like to live in. We offer professional (financial) courtesy to people who work in the educational, health care, law enforcement, military, fire and clergy fields. People in these professions are often underappreciated and I am doing my part to acknowledge their worth to our community.” Discounts are offered to patients in these professions, and in 2009, Smiles by Graff gave the community $177, 568 in discounts!
Myron Graff is not only an Orthodontist; he is the father of three adult children and a loving and generous grandfather to his wonderful grandchildren. His success can be attributed to many things, past and present and he tells us. “When I entered college, I quickly realized that I was not as smart as I previously thought. This observation was reinforced when I entered dental school. Since I couldn’t get smarter, I understood that I would have to work harder. The attribute of perseverance has served me well. To this day, I’m first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. Often more times than not, my car has been spotted on a weekend at my office, I always get caught! Through the years, many people have encouraged me and I am eternally thankful to all of them. My belief in the inherent good in most people has reassured and rewarded me, again and again.”
Michael Murphy is not fearless of competition; he says “what’s that”? “I actually believe in this day and age that competition comes from everywhere on the art gallery side. We have everything from the internet, to discount warehouse clubs, and craft stores, trying to sell art. As for framing, our biggest competition are really clients that have never been in my framing gallery and believe that picture framing is picture framing. I truly believe there is no one with more knowledge, more selection, and more creativity in the United States than us. These large chain stores put up big signs that say certified picture framer and they are certified,… by the store. Many of the processes that are done can create long-term damage to the art work . When you see a problem on the front of your artwork, it’s probably too late or will be a very expensive to fix . We see lots of damage from bad framing . Many times the mistakes that happen are hidden underneath the mat or are covered up by the backing, thus making it hard for the consumer to be aware of these damaging issues, until it’s too late. The other misnomer from these large chain stores is the false impression of giving 50 or 60% off of anything. We recently made a bid to a client. Our normal everyday prices without a discount on average come in lower or close to the same as the large chain store’s discounted 50%-60% off price”.
