UPON GRADUATION FROM TEMPLE DENTAL in May of 2024, Dr. Ryan Bydalek proudly followed in the footsteps of his father (Dr. Michael Bydalek, ’89) and joined the family practice. His grandfather (Dr. Ray Bydalek) served as a Past Associate Dean and Director of Clinics at Kornberg and his uncle, Dr. Mark Bydalek, graduated in 1988.
At Kornberg, he was awarded the Cary Klimen, DDS Ethics Award for his integrity and leadership, serving as a mentor to undergraduates. Incisal Edge recently honored Dr. Bydalek with its prestigious “40 Under 40” award (at 27, he was the youngest recipient in the group and may be the youngest dentist recognized in the award’s history).
When asked, Dr. Bydalek defines success as setting goals for himself, working to achieve them, and then raising the bar and targeting new challenges so that he is constantly learning and growing. He pushes himself to not be complacent or comfortable. The education at Temple Dental echoes his beliefs: “Nothing was handed to us at school - we were very challenged by the requirements, especially since I chose to maximize my course loads to become the best dentist I could be. That said, the faculty was very supportive and helped me achieve all the goals I set for myself.”
Dr. Bydalek believes that integrity is what differentiates Temple Dental from other schools and holds himself to very high standards as well. The excellent clinical training at Kornberg is rigorous but he feels that it is demanding in a good way, giving him confidence in his work. Dr. Bydalek said it was very important to him personally to replicate the successes he had on plastic teeth in the first two years on clinical patients in his third year. “It’s just holding yourself up to the integrity and high standards that Temple represents,” he said.
What Dr. Bydalek loves most about dentistry is the relationships with patients, whether they are 10 or 89 years old. “It’s amazing when you meet a patient for the first time because so many people are apprehensive about going to the dentist. I really enjoy getting to know them and find that building a relationship helps them to relax and share their stories. Developing interpersonal skills is a job bonus which I feel spills over into all aspects of my life.”
Being in a family practice does have special benefits – Dr. Bydalek realizes how fortunate he is that his father can answer questions and offer suggestions on treatment options. Responding to his patients’ requests, he is now taking CE courses on clear aligners so that he can fully meet their needs. Dr. Bydalek is already making his #TempleMade family very proud and the future holds much promise for him.
Dr. Bydalek believes that integrity is what differentiates Temple Dental from other schools and holds himself to very high standards as well. The excellent clinical training at Kornberg is rigorous but he feels that it is demanding in a good way, giving him confidence in his work.