Dr. Ira Kamp: Inspiring Excellence Through Compassion, Wisdom and Purpose
Dr. Luciana Flores learned more about herself than anything else during her AEGD residency. And, she says, Dr. Ira Kamp had a lot to do with that.
Author of Journey to Mudryi, Dr. Kamp has been teaching part time in General Dentistry for nearly 20 years.
Dr. Flores, a seasoned dentist with 26 years’ experience in Brazil, credits Dr. Kamp with teaching her a vital lesson: seeing—and hearing—patients in a whole new way. Especially patients who may have mental health and emotional challenges, fears and anxiety about treatment, and who are very resistant to being examined.
When one such patient came in, Dr. Flores approached Dr. Kamp. “It was a particularly challenging situation,” she recalled. “I had used all the tricks I know for dealing with difficult patients but had very little success.”
“The patient isn’t a problem, they have a problem,” Dr. Kamp explained to her. “We need to see this patient, so let’s give it a try and figure out how we can solve it.”
“In just minutes from the time Dr. Kamp entered the room, he had gained the patient’s trust,” Dr. Flores said. “It was amazing how he was able to make a connection so quickly. I learned so much from him. We need more of him in dentistry.”
Compassion is the very essence of Dr. Kamp’s approach to practicing dentistry and teaching. “Compassion can be one of the attributes that distinguishes a healer from someone who is delivering health care,” he explained. “When present, it opens the door to a relationship that gets to the core of our suffering. Listening creates a place for the compassionate mind to show up. It is up to us as healers to be aware of the thoughts that we bring into healing, leaving behind
our judgments and opinions.”
“Dr. Kamp comes only once a week, but his impact is that of a full-time faculty,” said Dr. Ahmed Alsayed (GenDen ’22), who learned a lot from him as a resident and continues to learn from him today in his role as assistant professor.
During Dr. Alsayed’s residency, Dr. Kamp approved a high-risk, difficult case involving a new technique for a patient who had experienced facial trauma.
“He told me, ‘I want you to learn this, I want you to have this experience, and I am here to help you,’” Dr. Alsayed said. “The treatment went very well, I learned a lot, and very much appreciated him introducing this to me. I’ll never forget it.”
“It’s not about doing things the right way all the time, it’s just bringing excellence into your work,” Dr. Kamp said about his approach to teaching and clinical care. “If things don’t work out, you still bring excellence into it. It’s more of a way of being rather than achieving.”
“Dr. Kamp is very generous with his knowledge,” added Dr. Alsayed. “He’s extremely competent, knowledgeable and patient. He helped me think differently as a practitioner and as an instructor.”
He encouraged Dr. Alsayed to gain an understanding of the highest level a resident or student can reach, and then try to push them a little bit higher. “Don’t be greedy,” Dr. Kamp told Dr. Alsayed. “Give them everything you have.”
A recipient of the Part-time Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Education, Dr. Kamp lectures on practice management, dental sleep medicine, acupuncture and implants.
“He has high demands in regard to quality both of himself and the residents,” said Dr. Hans Dr. Malmström, professor and chair, EIOH General Dentistry. “Dr. Kamp brings a unique perspective of patient care, but also how to manage life as a busy professional. He has been a very loyal and dedicated faculty member in General Dentistry for 18 years. Each week, he drives 2 hours each way from Ithaca to join us.”
Before dental school, Dr. Kamp became certified to teach. He likens teaching to coaching, something he did many years for his son’s baseball team. “As a coach, I learned a whole bunch
about how to motivate people and channel their energies,” he said. “I like challenging people.”
“He always encouraged us to consider multiple options and was quick to remind us that it’s
important to have an open mind,” said Dr. Isamar Rivera Ramos (GenDen ‘14, Peds ‘16). “His demeanor with the residents and patients is always a positive one. He brings a sense of calm to each situation.”
“He’s always asking where he’s needed next,” said Dejon Williams, a dental assistant who has worked with Dr. Kamp for four years. “He’s a very nice guy and is always smiling. He treats everyone with respect.”
Dr. Kamp also has special moments when working with colleagues like Dr. William Nesbitt and Dr. Anita Drake, and Dr. Karen Geise, who he says, “are great fun to
work with.”
“Ira has always been very kind and helpful,” added Dr. Drake, who has worked with him for 15 years. “I learn a lot from him, and he always encourages you to step outside your comfort zone.”
“When I’m at Eastman, I cherish every moment,” he said. “This is heaven for me. It’s a great place and a real joy to be with residents and share what I know.”
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