In response to the critical shortage of dental services for disabled children and adults, We Care Dental Group in Rancho Mirage has become a beacon of support for the developmentally disabled community in the Coachella Valley. A staggering 88 percent of disabled individuals face unmet dental needs, a gap that inspired Russell and Marianne Benson to open doors to quality dental care for this often-overlooked group.
The Bensons, having raised a developmentally disabled child themselves, recognized the lack of dental professionals willing to treat such patients and the absence of a dental curriculum that addresses their specific needs. Treating developmentally disabled patients often requires extended appointment times and extra patience, but many dentists resort to general anesthesia to manage the process—a practice We Care Dental Center does not employ.
“We don’t want to over-medicate our patients, many of whom have complex medical histories,” explained Dr. Mel Glick, a board member at We Care. “We find that many of our handicapped patients can be treated successfully without the need for anesthesia.”
The Bensons’ dedication to helping children with developmental disabilities led them to establish the center. Upon retirement, they founded Desert Friends of the Developmentally Disabled (DFDB), a nonprofit organization focused on advocating for dental care in this community. The center runs with the support of volunteers, including five dentists and dental students from Western University, who provide vital services such as cleanings, exams, fillings, root canals, and extractions under professional supervision.
In October, the center hosted a weeklong Dental Sealant Project aimed at children aged 12 and under who had no history of cavities or fillings. The project, which offered free sealant application, was funded by the Anderson Children’s Foundation in Palm Springs. Dr. Olivia Masry, a New York-based dentist and member of a hospital dentistry committee advocating for the dental needs of individuals with disabilities, volunteered her time to support the initiative.
“Preventive care is key, and dental sealants are a huge step forward in reducing decay,” Dr. Masry explained. “Sealants help protect the chewing surfaces of teeth from bacteria and decay, especially in younger children. The process is less invasive and less time-consuming than restorative treatments, making it easier for children to tolerate.”
For Dr. Masry, volunteering is a way to fulfill a personal commitment to give back to society. She has a history of volunteering internationally, including trips to Jamaica, Cambodia, and a Navajo reservation, where she provided dental care to underserved populations.
“If everyone did just one thing to help others, our world would be a much kinder place,” she said. “As dentists, we have the ability to alleviate pain and improve lives, and that’s what motivates me to keep giving back.”
Through their efforts, We Care Dental Center is not only addressing immediate dental needs but also building a foundation for long-term oral health among children with developmental disabilities in the Coachella Valley.
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