Fall 2006 - College of Dental Medicine - Columbia University

Samuel Pritz, DDSA Happy, Generous LifeDr. Sam Pritz says he got into dentistry without anyidea what it was all about.That may be true, but thousands of people whohave known him after a notably long and brilliantlysuccessful career would find his claim hard tobelieve. Colleagues, students and patients characterizehim as a consummate dental practitioner, awise man who continues to share a substantial bodyof knowledge with upcoming generations in theprofession.After college he applied to Columbia’s DentalSchool and, although he says his grades were notacceptable, he and the Admissions Dean establisheda rapport, and because of this he was accepted.Upon graduation, he became an instructor in theProsthodontics Department. After two years ofteaching, he resigned and went into practice.His first office was at 57th and Fifth Avenue and thefirst four years he was supported by his father, whoalso paid the rent. Things changed in the fifth yearbecause Dr. Robert F. Loeb, the Chief of Medicine,and Dr. Dunnington, the head of ophthalmology,took an interest in him and sent many patients hisway. From that point on, things went very well. Thepractice ultimately became one of the most prestigiousin the country.About 15 years ago, Dr. Pritz came back toColumbia to teach in the operative department andhe says these years have been happy ones. He isalso a member of the CDM AdmissionsCommittee. Dr. Pritz says the school is one of thebest in the country and requires considerable fundsto maintain this enviable position, which is the reasonhe and his wife have made a pledge of one milliondollars to the College of Dental Medicine.