The Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester has named Adela Planerova, DDS, MS, as the inaugural chair of its newly established Special Needs Dentistry Department. This appointment underscores EIOH’s commitment to advancing accessible, patient-centered oral health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions.
Dr. Adela Planerova
The associate professor of Clinical Dentistry and Clinical Medicine brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to her new role.
For the last nine years, Planerova has served as director of Dental Services at UR Medicine’s Complex Care Center, where adults with complex childhood onset conditions receive primary medical, dental and other specialty care under one roof.
In her new position, Planerova will continue to oversee all activities related to this patient population at the Complex Care Center, in addition to EIOH’s Golisano Specialty Care Clinic, oral health services at the Golisano IDD Institute and in the operating room. Her responsibilities include all aspects of post-doctoral education, research, patient care, community outreach and administrative functions.
Planerova earned her dental degree at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic and served as a dentist and lecturer in the Pediatric Dentistry Department there and at the city’s General Hospital. She completed two EIOH post-doctoral residency programs and earned a master’s degree in Medical Management from the University of Rochester. She also completed a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship at the University of Rochester. Selected for their leadership potential and career goals, LEND trainees are given the tools to become expert clinicians, leaders in interdisciplinary service, and engage in research, advocacy, continuing education and program development.
“Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing integrated oral health and primary care and building multidisciplinary teams,” said Eli Eliav, DMD, PhD, MBA, EIOH director. “Dr. Planerova will also work to expand much-needed services for patients with disabilities and complex medical conditions.”
Oral health is the number one unmet health care need for people with an IDD. EIOH is the largest provider in the region for people with complex needs. Several innovative techniques for managing patients with IDD were developed by EIOH. Today, the institute serves nearly 2,000 people with IDD a year from more than 40 New York counties. EIOH’s residency training programs train dentists and dental specialists to better serve patients with IDD and medically complex conditions.
“Our new Special Needs Dentistry Department unites multiple services under single leadership, allowing us to streamline care, expand collaborations, reach more patients and families, and train more providers to significantly improve access,” Eliav added. “Dr. Planerova’s background and expertise position her to advance our mission and make a meaningful impact.”
In addition, Planerova serves as assistant director for EIOH’s newly formed Excellence in Clinical Education and Leadership for Specialty Dental Care (EXCEL) program, recently funded by a $2.1 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant.
Her dedication to the field has been recognized with several accolades, including the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service, a Special Congressional Recognition for her commitment to people with IDD, and the New York State Dental Foundation Dean’s Award.
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