Dr. Gabriel Perjessy implants, a happy smile and gratitude 406 man}
Appreciating classical music, fine art, providing compassionate service and recognizing gifts are just the surface of traits possessed by Gabriel Perjessy DDS. Born in Hungary in 1943 from a long line of renowned symphony conductors on his mother’s side (Fricsay), and military line on his father’s side, he spent his younger years in post WWII Germany in DP camps. Through his mother’s insistence, the family emigrated to the U.S. in December 1951. From Ellis Island to Billings, MT, sponsored by the 1st congregational church – the family set roots. The family, including his sister and both parents, received U.S. citizenship in 1956. His mother, a strong and vibrant individual, was an enormous influence on his character, morals and values. Within 5 years she had the strongest Ballet School in the state.
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Photo by Alisia Dawn Photography
“Always feel fortunate that you are here and not back in Europe” she would initially say. “Be independent, take responsibility for your actions and create the life you want. Know who you are.”
He has carried this passion to be a positive influence in others’ lives as he saw with his mother. Dr. Perjessy considered his father to be the most talented individual he has met, yet he could not fit into the U.S. way of life and remained a “European” throughout his life. His sister Ildiko, studied ballet in Salt Lake City, then New York and Switzerland; she danced and taught for the Dallas Civic Ballet. Although the practice is a family practice, Dr. Perjessy’s focus has been implants and reconstruction. He is a founding member of SCTIR (Spokane Center for Tissue Integrated Reconstruction) headed by Dr. Kenji Higuchi. “My professional life was altered when I met and heard professor P.I. Branemark in the mid 1980’s. I went to Sweden to study under him on two oc-
casions and through collaboration between Dr. Higuchi and Branemark, Spokane was set up as a Branemark center.”
“Our entire office is focused on patient care,” Dr. Perjessy said. “We love challenging cases and we feel a strong sense of pride when we look at the changes in a patient’s appearance and self-confidence. Patients not only feel comfortable in our office, but also place their trust in the care given.”
Dr. Perjessy humbly touts how he always was gifted with his hands. For a short time, he struggled with choosing a career in Medicine, Dentistry, or Architecture. He went to Tulane University in New Orleans, LA on a scholarship and graduated with a Bachelors in Biology. Deciding on Dentistry he next graduated from Baylor University School of Dentistry in Dallas, TX in 1971. During his summers off from college and dental school, he worked for a construction company out of Billings building Butler buildings and grain bins throughout Central and Eastern Montana.