For the Ghisalbertis, dentistry is more than a profession; it is a part of their family legacy, with both sons, Dr. Giancarlo and Dr. Pierangelo, following in their father Dr. Luciano Ghisalberti’s footsteps.
For Drs. Luciano and Giancarlo Ghisalberti, dentistry is also a shared calling and a father and son bond that’s strengthened by their dedication to serving others through Dental Lifeline Network.
Dentistry Together
Working together as father and son in the same field is a unique gift for Drs. Luciano (father) and Giancarlo (son) Ghisalberti. Dentistry was a natural fit for Dr. Luciano, who loved working with his hands and bringing smiles to people’s faces. His son, Dr. Giancarlo, inherited this passion. Dr. Giancarlo still remembers the first case he and his father worked on together and cherishes the many lessons he’s learned from being by his side – such as the power of empathy in dentistry and putting people first. To him, being able to call his father a mentor and a colleague is a blessing that not many get.
Volunteering Together
Growing up, Dr. Giancarlo watched his father change lives through dentistry, particularly through his volunteer efforts with DLN’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. Now, they share that purpose, often working together on DDS cases.
Among the many impactful DDS cases that they’ve worked on together, Dr. Luciano Ghisalberti points to a specific case that stands out to him, involving a DDS patient whose dental health had severely deteriorated over the years due to multiple medical challenges. To Dr. Luciano, being able to team up with his son on a case like that, where they could blend their skills and see the transformation in the patient’s confidence, was incredibly rewarding.
“For me, the most impactful moments are seeing my son carry on not just the profession, but also the heart behind it,” said Dr. Luciano Ghisalberti. “That’s the legacy that means the most.”
For Dr. Giancarlo, there’s nothing quite like seeing a patient cry tears of joy after seeing their new smile – it reminds both him and his dad why they do what they do.
Why Dental Lifeline Network?
Volunteering together is an important part of Drs. Luciano and Giancarlo’s relationship – it helps them stay connected to each other and to their values. Together through Dental Lifeline Network’s DDS program, they’re able to create change for people who truly need it.
“Volunteering with Dental Lifeline Network deepens our bond and keeps us grounded,” said Dr. Giancarlo. “My father and I challenge and learn from each other every step of the way, and together we realize the impact even one case can have on someone’s life.”
Work-Life Balance and Father’s Day
For the Ghisalbertis, a work-life balance is crucial. As a father and son in the same field, they emphasize setting boundaries, ensuring that at home, they are family first. They also prioritize activities outside of dentistry, such as golf and fishing. This Father’s Day, their plans include a round of golf and a steak dinner, acknowledging that “talking dentistry” is an inevitable and cherished part of their bond.
The Ghisalbertis’ Impact
For decades, Dr. Luciano Ghisalberti has been a dedicated DDS volunteer. Since 1996, he’s transformed the lives of 16 patients through $37,155 in donated care. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Giancarlo Ghisalberti joined the DDS program in 2021 and has given $20,850 in donated treatment to 7 patients. He currently serves on the DLN • NJ Board.
