Dr. Joseph Bernat is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where he completed both his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and his specialty training in pediatric dentistry. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Department of Pediatric and Community Dentistry, and the Director of Postgraduate Education in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Bernat also serves as the Clinical Service Director for Pediatric Dentistry for Kaleida Health and Director for the Craniofacial Center of Western New York. In addition, Dr. Bernat has been a Clinical Associate Professor, full time faculty member in Pediatric and Community Dentistry at the School of Dental Medicine since 1977.

Dr. Bernat has been honored with many awards including the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Fellowship for Outstanding Service to Organized Dentistry, the American Society of Dentistry for Children Award, and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Fraternity Award for Academic Achievement. Dr. Bernat has presented countless times all over the world on numerous topics, many related to child abuse, has been the recipient of multiple research grants in the Buffalo community, and has also participated in countless service activities throughout Buffalo, the United States, and overseas. You will also find Dr. Bernat’s name on over 45 publications.

Dr. Bernat maintains membership with 14 associations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Dental Schools, the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Buffalo Pediatric Society, and the Western New York Association of Pediatric Dentists.

Dr. Bernat stays busy in his free time with his children and grandchildren, and enjoys traveling and sailing.