THE ART OF DENTISTRY - School of Dental Medicine - Case ...

BY MARGARET MULLIGAN
Dentistry Is All in the Family
Laurie Brightman Gittess, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’86, ’88, met her husband Robert Gittess, D.D.S. ’93, when she taught his sophomore
orthodontics class at the CWRU School of Dental Medicine. She follows in the footsteps of many family members, including her
grandfather, Joseph H. Goodman, D.D.S. ’14.
Clockwise from left: Laurie Brightman Gittess, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’86, ’88,
Robert Gittess, D.D.S. ’93, Adam and Jennifer
Joseph’s son Donald J. Goodman, ADL, D.D.S. ’43, ’45, was
inspired by his father and his uncle Isadore (“Uncle Doc”)
Goodman, M.D. ’13, calling them “the guiding lights of
my life.” The inspiration endured across generations. Laurie
remembers “going to my grandfather’s office
when I was 3 or 4 years old. Uncle
Donald practiced across the street.
My grandfather's brother, William
Goodman, D.D.S. ’21, also practiced
nearby, as did Uncle Doc. My father,
Earl Brightman, M.D., an orthopedic
surgeon, practiced in the same area for
many years,” she explains. “At age 14, I
decided to be an orthodontist. I thought
that tooth movement was fascinating, and
I wanted to learn to create beautiful smiles.
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William Goodman, D.D.S. ’21 (photo taken 1984)
“Becoming the third generation of
dentists graduating from the dental
school, and the fourth generation
attending CWRU was the biggest
factor in my choice,” she says. “My
Uncle Donald and my aunt, Nancy
Goodman Blumenthal, FSM ’52
were pleased that I was carrying on
our family tradition. But I also chose
CWRU because of the excellent
reputation of the dental school. ”
Dr. (Donald) Goodman and his wife Ruth are ensuring that
continued excellence by the establishment of the Dr. Donald J.
and Ruth Weber Goodman Philanthropic Fund. It will benefit
the CWRU schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, as well as
other philanthropic organizations.
“I didn't know I would fall in love with Robert,” Laurie says,
“but he told his best friend, during orthodontics class, ‘See that
girl, I'm going to marry her.’ We were married just before he
graduated in 1993. Robert’s father (also an endodontist) and I
were thrilled to present him with his diploma.
“I love practicing with
my husband,” she adds,
“we work together very
well. Orthodontics and
endodontics are a good
blend because they are
non-competitive with
general dental referrals.
Once we leave the office,
our more difficult job
begins—that of raising
our two children, Adam,
13, and Jennifer, 10. We
are encouraging them to
go to dental school.”
Ruth and Donald Goodman,
ADL, D.D.S. ’43, ’45
Joseph Goodman, D.D.S. ’14
(photo taken 1964)