Dr. Stephens, pictured with SCDA President Dr. Allen Wong and SCDA Vice President Dr. Eric Sung at the SCDA Annual Conference held recently in Orlando, Florida.

For more than a century, Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) at the University of Rochester has stood at the forefront of dental education and patient care. With a mission rooted in service, research, and the training of future generations, EIOH has earned national recognition for its excellence in delivering care to underserved populations—including individuals with special healthcare needs. That same spirit of dedication and progress is reflected in the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA), an organization founded in 1937 and now entering a new chapter of growth and impact.

At the intersection of these two institutions is Dr. Nadia Stephens, assistant director of EIOH’s Specialty Care Clinic and longtime advocate for inclusive, patient-centered oral healthcare. Her recent reappointment to the SCDA Board of Directors marks a continued commitment to advancing dental care for vulnerable populations while also strengthening the educational pipeline for future dental professionals.

A Shared Vision: Education, Access, and Compassionate Care

The alignment between EIOH and SCDA is no coincidence. Both institutions recognize that access to compassionate, competent dental care is a fundamental right—especially for those living with disabilities, complex medical conditions, or aging-related challenges. Through advanced clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration, EIOH has consistently prepared its students and residents to treat patients who require specialized attention and thoughtful approaches. This mirrors the SCDA’s mission to promote the oral health of people with special needs through education, advocacy, and professional development.

Dr. Stephens’ leadership reflects the shared values of both institutions. Her role on the SCDA Board, now extending into a second consecutive term, comes at a pivotal moment for the field.

“Special care dentistry is not yet recognized as a formal dental specialty,” Dr. Stephens notes, “but through SCDA’s Fellowship program and advocacy, we are continuing to elevate the standards and visibility of this critical area of practice.”

Dr. Stephens was able to meet with many who share her commitment at the 2025 SCDA Annual Conference, held in Orlando, Florida. The conference underscored the momentum building within the field and served as a powerful platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and recommitting to the values at the heart of special care dentistry. From the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities to the American Society of Geriatric Dentistry, to the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, the conference brought together leading voices to discuss the future of care and collaboration.

In addition to her board role, Dr. Stephens has been invited to serve on the SCDA’s Scientific and Educational Committees—where she will help shape the next generation of dental professionals by developing strategies to engage dental students and residents. These efforts are designed to create pathways for ongoing involvement in special care dentistry and strengthen long-term affiliation with the association.

“Engaging with students early helps foster a lifelong commitment to caring for patients with special needs,” Dr. Stephens said. “It’s a way to ensure continuity of care, expand the learning community, and cultivate leadership in a space that desperately needs more champions.”