My IDD Journey: Why One Dentist Became a Physician

By Ben F. Warner, MS, DDS, MD

I find myself writing this because of Dr. Steven Perlman. He is a friend, a highly respected pediatric dentist, deserving recipient of many accolades, and more. He asked that I tell my story as a healthcare professional. Those who know him also know that your only response, immediately or eventually, is going to be yes.

Dr. Warner being interviewed on a local tv station in Houston, photo courtesy of Dr. Warner.

A long, long time ago (or as far back as I can remember) I wanted to be a doctor, though not fully understanding what that meant at the time. You see, there was no one, on either side of my family, who was a doctor in any branch of health care. I began my education by volunteering at a small suburban hospital when I was still too young to get a job. I pushed patients in wheelchairs to and from radiology, restocked supplies in the lab, and on very busy days or when short staffed in the Emergency Department, I might get to help the doctor. 

While in college, I first worked as a nursing assistant in every area of a hospital that was offered and later, as a technician at another hospital, typing and crossmatching blood in a Blood Bank. Along the way there were many conversations with a dentist who added  to my education and inspired an application to dental school. In four years, I was a dentist. Soon, I opened my own office in a brand-new medical professional building. Many physicians in the building referred patients, my practice was growing, and it was wonderful. I found myself most interested and drawn to those who were frail, medically complex, elderly, or with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). Shortly, I was treating patients whose medical conditions were as complicated as their dental, and frequently more complex.

After practicing ten years, I decided I needed more training and enrolled in medical school. Continuing to treat dental patients at my office did not make this any easier, or so it seemed.

Dr. Ben Warner (far right) with his classmates just a few days before graduation in 1979 from dental school in Houston, TX.

Following the four years of medical school, were four more years of a combined residency in pathology and laboratory medicine, then a fellowship year at MD Anderson Cancer Center in oral maxillofacial head and neck diagnostic surgical pathology. Fortunately, I worked with a fantastic dentist who willingly saw my patients during the week. However, early on Saturday mornings, the alarm clock would ring and I’d get out of bed, get to my office, and get ready to start seeing my dental patients who'd be there at 6:00 AM. I was so tired from a full week as a medical student, resident, fellow that I didn't want to crawl out of bed. 

Exhausted and sleepy I asked, “why am I doing this extra training?” Life could be so much easier, especially for my family. My wife, an elementary school teacher, was taking on more of the raising of our three children. Our children were growing up, with me not there as much as I wanted. I asked myself the same thing each Saturday morning: “Why?”

However, the answer slowly and repeatedly unfolded while treating my dental patients with IDD each Saturday. I received humbling glimpses into what these heroic self-advocates, their amazing parents, and siblings face every day. They were offering the privilege to care for their dental needs and to get to know them. A priceless gift being freely given to me. This same satisfying antiphon replayed each Saturday, flowing over me and rejuvenating me before the close of day at 6:30 PM, sometimes later. When I got home, my family saw a tired husband and father who was somehow much more alive than the guy who left them before sunrise that morning. They understood me and willingly made the family sacrifices.    

Ben F. Warner, M.S., D.D.S., M.D

I recently retired from private practice after many joyful and rewarding years. I deeply miss my family of patients, but I am on a new journey. I returned to my alma mater as a full-time professor at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. I teach dental students about the wonderful array of people with IDD, whom they will meet while caring for their dental needs. I share what I learned from my patient family, Some Very Special Teachers with IDD.   

The Author:

Ben F. Warner, M.S., D.D.S., M.D. is a Professor with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston