This site is dedicated to all, who like me, are always interested in learning more about health and related lifestyle topics but are overwhelmed by the ever-increasing flow of confusing information in our daily lives.  In both my professional and personal worlds I am drawn to almost any topic that seems helpful and interesting.  Professionally I am a board certified periodontist who maintains a private practice in New York City.  When I am not in the office I am at New York University College of Dentistry where I am an attending faculty member leading seminar courses and instructing specialty residents and dental students in direct patient care.  The courses I teach incorporate the latest scientific literature published in professional journals with this information directly influencing patient care decisions and recommendations made on a daily basis.  These courses are more than simply academic exercises and are structured to apply emerging information to practical patient care solutions which serve as the basis for what I do in daily practice.   However, not all that is published is created equal and as a result, we need to be educated consumers scrutinizing and questioning not only “what is said” but also the quality of the basis on which it is derived.  Said plainly, I look at an article and try to figure out the fact from the fiction.  My interests range far and wide beyond just my profession and I apply this same way of thinking to whatever catches my eye, be it a newspaper article, non-fiction book, documentary – you name it.

Even though this site is far from limited to dental topics, I chose the name for it because my interest in doing this arose from the conversations I have had over time with patients who come to my practice for consultations and ultimately guidance.  In order for us to each make proper decisions about our health we need to have sufficient information.  AND, that information must be both of high quality and ethical and finding this out seems to be the biggest challenge.  The internet and social media have revolutionized access to information but the credibility and accuracy of what is posted can range from the real deal to downright fabrications (being polite here).  That’s where the “Dare” comes into the name.  Each healthcare decision you make, even with the best intentions of being informed and forewarned, may be nothing better than a dare you accepted as a kid but infinitely more dangerous and costly.  There is no guarantee that you will have all the information and it is impossible to rule out personal bias in recommendations, from even the most ethical and informed professionals, but you do have to first figure out for yourself who is worthy of your trust and go from there.  If you trust who is advising you then ask them one of my favorite questions:  “What would you do if you were me?”

I will try to impart a bit of my experience and guidance into the range of topics posted, but unfortunately reality beckons me to put out there for you a disclaimer.  What you see on this site are my personal opinions and do not necessarily represent any entities with which I am affiliated and I cannot guarantee  the accuracy of of the contents, despite best efforts, nor is this a substitute for proper evaluation and care with a professional in the respective subject matter or topic.  With that said, I look forward to sharing information with you and welcome your feedback.

Mitch Bloom