When our Dental Assistant, Mchele (that is the spelling of her name!) went to visit her daughter
in Georgia, she took the pictures featured on our front page. The old time dental operatory and
equipment belonged to a dentist whose name was Dr. William T. Belford. When the good doctor
practiced in his home, he used an old fashioned foot pedal drill and a chair his mother had given
to him. The old time dentist practiced from 1919 up until his death in 1980. All his original
equipment was purchased for about $600 and most of it was still used by him until the end of
his career. An X-Ray machine, bought in 1931, was his newest piece of "modern" dental
equipment. Similarly, Dr. Drew Strum's father, Milton Strum, D.D.S. (who practiced in Valley
Stream, NY from 1950 - 1982), set up a practice in his home. But unlike Dr. Belford, who waited
until after WWI to set up his practice, Dr. Milton Strum set up his Long Island practice after WWII had
ended. Dr. Drew Strum now has a collection of his father's dental practice photos, some old dental
tools and even some old apothecary jars in his possession. They are a remembrance of the Strum
dental tradition that now spans many years across two generations! Someday we hope to post
photos of Dr. Milton Strum's Dental Office in honor of his service, dedication and phenomenal skills.
But for now, we welcome you to visit our present office where modern dentistry is in full practice!
