Meet Dr. Benjamin Shirley, DDS

Dr. Benjamin Shirley is passionate about creating and maintaining healthy smiles, one person at a time. A second-generation dentist, he grew up learning dentistry from his father, a retired dentist whose legacy he is proud to continue.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dr. Shirley earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Morehouse College — where he was a NASA scholar — and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry School of Dentistry. His love of teaching came first: he spent two years as a Los Angeles classroom teacher and UFT member before beginning his dental career.

That background shows in every appointment. Dr. Shirley completed his General Practice Residency at Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway, then served as an associate in practices across Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan before co-founding Upper West Side Dental in 2011.

He has practiced dentistry since 2005 and runs the practice alongside his wife Anna — a husband-and-wife team, with remote patient coordination support — so every patient gets real conversation time instead of the office-mill run-around.

“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated; with respect, dignity and first-rate care. It is my priority to make sure my patients are comfortable and well informed. My extensive education and hospital experience prepared me for very simple and very complex cases. I pride myself on not over-treating — listening to what you want and recommending what helps you reach the smile you have always dreamed of.”

He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, and holds a ClearCorrect clear-aligner certification. He invites you and your family to join his Upper West Side practice for a lifetime of dental health.