Dr. Birnbaum earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Northwestern University in 1972 and his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Prosthodontics at Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry in 1974. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is a former Clinical Instructor of Fixed Prosthodontics at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and a former Assistant Clinical Professor of Fixed Prosthodontics at Boston University Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry.
Dr. Birnbaum has published and lectured internationally on Aesthetic dentistry and acts as a consultant to many manufacturers. He is a member of the editorial team of the Aesthetic Dentistry Research Group, publishers of "Reality", and has served on the Editorial board of Current Opinion in Cosmetic Dentistry and as a dental consultant to Good Housekeeping. Dr. Birnbaum is an Associate Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, the International College of Prosthodontists, and the Academy of Osseointegration, and was elected to fellowship in both the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists, as well as membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the honorary dental fraternity.