Dr. Raquel Rozdolski is a board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologist and Director of Anesthesia, as well as an Assistant Professor at the Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College in Hawthorne, New York. She is also the owner and dentist anesthesiologist of Sweet Dreams Dental Anesthesia, PLLC, and travels throughout New York State to provide mobile anesthesia services to dental practitioners. Additionally, Dr. Raquel Rozdolski co-designed and co-directs the yearlong Special Care Dentistry fellowship program, which focuses on closing the gap between individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and specialized dental care.

The Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) fellowship program is an innovative yearlong program that trains postgraduates in special needs dentistry. Research shows that when seeking routine and specialized dental care, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face significant disparities. Many dentists may feel uncomfortable caring for these patients or lack the necessary skills to address their unique needs. This situation thus leads to prolonged wait times, severe mouth pain, and, in some cases, hospital referrals where patients must undergo general anesthesia for dental treatment. The fellowship program highlights the critical need for solutions to these challenges and specialized care in this area.

The fellowship program not only equips dentists with the skills needed to address the oral health needs of individuals with disabilities, it also fosters advocacy and awareness within the dental profession. Dentists trained in this program become ambassadors for future students, ensuring that all patients receive essential care tailored to their specific needs regardless of their situation. The fellowship program's success lies in providing and creating a more comfortable and inclusive environment for patients with differing needs.