Special Needs Professional: Bruce Lish, DDS

Today’s article is on another important professional in the special needs community. Dr. Bruce Lish is the Chairman of Dentistry at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City and runs his own private dentistry practice in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Lish provides specialized dental care for individuals with disabilities. Unlike most dentists, Dr. Lish always employs general anesthesia for routine dental work like cleanings and X-rays. This extra step is necessary to allow him to perform these procedures on some individuals with special needs. Indeed, in a recent interview Dr. Lish said that, “If general anesthesia is not necessary, I don’t do the work. I only see patients that cannot be seen by a general dentist and who need an operating room and general anesthesia.” Dr. Lish said that, as a dentist who works in a hospital, he is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the facilities offered by the hospital and provide care for these individuals. These include operating rooms that are needed to perform some of these procedures.

When asked about his mission, Dr. Lish said, “This population needs quality dental care. Of course, everyone deserves great dental care, but most people are capable of getting it on their own. This population has very limited outlets, and I enjoy being able to provide for this population.” Dr. Lish also noted that it can be difficult to deliver proper dental care to young adults who have moved out of the guardianship of their parents. He said, “It’s our responsibility to take care of those who can’t take care of themselves. These individuals need the care and we’re here to provide it.” Lastly, Dr. Lish noted that, while dental care is important, it is a part of a broader picture of general health and well-being. Individuals with special needs and their families must ensure that they are healthy medically and dentally, in order to lead fulfilling lives. The Disabilities Leadership Council strongly supports Dr. Lish’s work in the special needs community, as a provider of essential services to these individuals. Founder Stuart Flaum said, “The work that Dr. Lish is doing for this community is wonderful. Health and well-being are important not just for individuals with special needs, but for everyone.”