About SAID
SAID is a benevolent group of dental professionals whose mission is to improve the oral health of people with disabilities through service, education, and advocacy.
Our History
SAID was begun by Dr. Gerald Bensberg in 1966, who was the Director of the Attendant Training Project, a five-year program supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health and sponsored by the Southern Regional Education Board – a non-profit organization based in Atlanta.
Dr. Bensberg invited dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other interested professionals who served in facilities throughout fifteen (15) southern states to participate in a seminar to consider ways of delivering better dental care to dental patients with special needs. The seminar proved extremely beneficial to the attendees and the group decided to meet yearly, calling themselves The Southern Association of Institutional Dentists (SAID).
Since 1966, SAID has grown in scope and membership, and has boasted an active membership of over three hundred persons representing not only the southern states, but also Washington, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, & Canada.
The scope of SAID has changed to include not only the individual with developmental disabilities, but also those with mental health challenges. SAID was the only organization in the United States that dealt primarily with the dental needs of people residing in facilities formerly known as institutions. Its membership is comprised of dental professionals working full-time in intermediate care facilities and developmental centers or who devote a substantial portion of their time treating patients with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and other complex medical issues.
While SAID maintains its southern heritage, its spirit continues to be enriched by members from all regions of the country. In 2010, the SAID name was officially changed to “Special Care Advocates in Dentistry” because the original “Southern Association of Institutional Dentists” no longer reflected the diverse makeup and broadened focus of the organization. SAID also desired to recognize the movement toward community-based care and incorporate inclusive language. What has not changed is the original vision of improving the oral health of people with special needs.
2024 Presidents Message
Greetings,
Welcome to Special Care Advocates in Dentistry (SAID), an organization composed primarily of dental professionals dedicated to the mission of improving the oral health of people with disABILITIES through service, education, and advocacy for almost 60 years. Thank you for visiting our site, and we look forward to your engagement with SAID as we promote equitable oral healthcare for individuals with special needs.
I would be remiss if I did not begin this message without expressing my gratitude to the organization and its phenomenal membership, both long-term and new members alike. SAID proved to be a lifeline for me, approximately 20 years ago, as my journey began delivering care to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, many with co-existing mental health conditions and/or complex medical issues. The annual sessions never failed to equip me with increased knowledge, encouragement, and tricks of the trade to better treat the individuals entrusted to my care.
SAID is not only a benevolent group of dental professionals committed to providing care for these underserved and vulnerable populations, but the camaraderie of this group is unmatched. Look forward to not only establishing professional relationships, but genuine friendships as well.
We invite you to attend our 59th Annual Session, “Enhancing Oral Health Capacity for Individuals with Special Healthcare Needs” November 6th – 8th, 2024 hosted in the beautiful Historic Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana. This year our dynamic speakers will present on the topics of Dysphagia, Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Trauma Informed Care as they relate to dentistry, Tooth Avulsion; and much more. Whether you are in private practice, a residential facility, a teaching institution, public health dentistry, a safety net clinic, or involved in product development, you WILL gain a wealth of information that promotes positive oral health outcomes for people with the greatest unmet dental needs, all while earning up to ten hours of continuing education.
Your registration for the session will include the President’s Reception where there will be opportunities to connect and mingle with our speakers, members, and exhibitors.
Hope to see you in New Orleans!!!
In health and gratitude,
Monica Roberts
SAID President 2024
Jack Menius
Friend ・ Dedicated・Pioneer
Visionary・ Educator・ Mentor
In Loving Memory
Jack Menius was a key contributor to the establishment of the SAID organization. As one of the founding fathers and the second president of the organization, he helped form the mission and philosophy of service to special needs patients. Jack may be the only Masters level pediatric dentist to devote his entire dental career of 28 years to institutional dentistry and the education of undergraduates and graduate students in developing skills to meet the needs of people living in an institutional setting. In addition, he encouraged the dentists he taught to use these learned skills to help integrate people with disabilities into their private practices.
He was an avid supporter of SAID from its inception to its maturity by sharing his experiences and techniques used in the treatment of special needs patients. He, along with others, developed and introduced a number of treatment strategies that continue to be of value today. Patient centered therapy was a vital tool in his practice.
Jack was a strong and effective advocate for special needs patients. He had a clear vision of the future needs of people who were moved from his care into the community through the process of deinstitutionalization that became prominent during his career. He tried to lay the ground work for a network of community based dentists who would meet the challenge of providing dental service to people after they were living a more independent life in the community. He truly was a visionary, a dedicated educator and a mentor for many of us who followed in his footsteps. We were fortunate to have someone who was talented and dedicated as Jack to walk beside us in our journey through this very challenging field in dentistry. Jack exhibited the true concept of SAID.
Thank you Jack for everything.