The University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) has appointed Dr. Adela Planerova, DDS, MS, as the inaugural director of its newly established Department of Special Needs Dentistry.
This appointment underscores EIOH’s commitment to improving oral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions.
Dr. Planerova, an Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry and Clinical Medicine, brings extensive expertise to her new position.
For the past nine years, she served as Director of Dental Services at the Center for Integrated Care at the University of Rio de Janeiro School of Medicine, overseeing comprehensive primary care and specialty services for adults with childhood-onset diseases.
In her new position at EIOH, she will oversee all special needs-related activities across multiple programs, including the Golisano Specialty Clinic, the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disabilities Oral Health Services, and operating room care. Her leadership responsibilities will encompass postdoctoral education, research, clinical care, community outreach, and administration.
Dr. Planerova graduated from Charles University in Prague, where she practiced and taught pediatric dentistry before moving to the United States.
At EIOH, she completed two residencies and later earned a Master of Medical Administration degree from the University of Rochester.
She also completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship, a program designed to develop future leaders in interdisciplinary care, advocacy, and clinical innovation.
“Her leadership will help integrate oral health into primary care and foster multidisciplinary collaboration,” said Eli Eliav, DMD, PhD, MBA, Director of EIOH. “Dr. Planerova is also committed to expanding access to basic dental services for patients with disabilities and complex needs.”
Oral health remains one of the most pressing unmet health needs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the region’s largest provider, EIOH currently serves nearly 2,000 complex patients annually from over 40 counties across New York State.
The institute has also pioneered new approaches to dental care management for this population and continues to expand its specialty residency programs.
The establishment of the Department of Special Needs Dentistry consolidated multiple services under a unified leadership structure, streamlining care, expanding collaboration, and enhancing training opportunities for healthcare providers.
“Dr. Planerova’s experience and dedication will significantly advance our mission and impact patient care,” added Eliav.
In addition, Dr. Planerova will serve as Associate Director of the newly established EXCEL (Excellence in Clinical Education and Leadership in Specialty Dental Care) program, which recently received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous honors, including the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, the Congressional Special Recognition Award for Disability Services, and the Dean’s Award from the New York State Dental Foundation.