Since he opened his dental practice in Greenwood, in 2019, Ben Dunlap, D.M.D., has been enjoying rapid growth and expansion. Raised in Spartanburg and trained at the Medical University of South Carolina, he knows the Palmetto State and has a passion for providing quality and affordable dental care with dignity to all those in the area who desire and need it. This passion – to improve overall health through proper dental care – has led to a creative idea about how to reach more people in the greater Greenwood area.
Research confirms that poor dental hygiene and lack of regular dental care can cause serious health issues. Not only does the risk of heart attack or stroke double, but other conditions such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory infections, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis can also be negatively impacted.
Knowing the seriousness of this responsibility, one might wonder why anyone would postpone or avoid regular dental visits. There are several reasons, but, according to Dr. Dunlap, “In the Greenwood city area, transportation and expense are huge problems, especially for the large elderly population living here on a fixed income. It is my goal to break down these barriers that prevent people from showing up at the dentist regularly.”
In the past three years, Whole Life Dental has become firmly established at its clinic site on Montague Avenue, and regular bookings are now being scheduled months ahead on the calendar, but Dr. Dunlap is still pursuing his dream of making dental care more affordable and available. One of his creative ideas has been to create Whole Life Dental On-Site, a portable dentistry service equipped to travel to nursing homes, assisted-living locations, manufacturing facilities – just about anywhere people are congregated.
In less than an hour, a team consisting of a dentist, a dental hygienist and a dental assistant can be set up at a facility and ready to see 10 to 12 patients. A clean, closed room is basically all that is required. Each traveling unit will carry its own portable dental and denture-making equipment.
For elderly patients living in retirement or assisted-living facilities, having a dentist who does regular six-month house calls may actually be safer than venturing out to a clinic. Dr. Dunlap’s fully vaccinated dental staff, who are already practicing the highest health and hygiene standards in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, follow strict cleaning protocols for aerosolized procedures. Being seen and treated in the security of their home environment is comfortable and reassuring, especially for those suffering from mild dementia.
Dr. Dunlap is enthusiastic about this new form of dental concierge service.
“In addition to senior facilities, I can see mobile units traveling to schools, businesses and even personal households for bi-yearly teeth cleaning, general dental care and even denture provision.
My goal is to increase dental health, especially for the poor and the elderly, by keeping the entire process convenient and affordable.
My portable units will make this mission a reality. We are already receiving local bookings, but my goal is to eventually expand across South Carolina.”
For more information, visit www.wholelifedentalsc.com or call 864-229-7092.
By Janet E. Perrigo