Brandon Axelrod, DDS ’25 Brings Compassion, Excellence to Oral Surgery Patients

Brandon Axelrod, DDS ’25 is a first-year oral surgery resident at Weill Cornell Medicine with a unique talent for balloon art.

As a dental student, Axelrod performed at celebrations across Long Island as “Magic Brandini,” and in January 2026, he began sharing his creations through social media. In less than six months, he has gained 159,000 followers on Instagram and 67,000 followers on TikTok, along with brand partnerships, influencer collaborations and even a celebrity shout-out.

Axelrod graduated from the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 2025 with his DDS and says that his experience gave him the tools he needs to succeed in residency and beyond. Furthermore, he notes that mentorship from the world-class faculty at Stony Brook helped him conceptualize what kind of provider he aspires to be.

In the future, Axelrod hopes to incorporate his whimsical side into his practice. Whether creating a balloon for a patient or connecting in another way, Axelrod hopes that his expertise will help ease patients’ fears and make their experience a positive one.

Read Rachel Steigerwald’s Q&A with Axelrod in SB Matters.