April 6, 2026 | In the News: A National Model for Special Care Dentistry
North Carolina Special Care Dentistry
A National Model for People with Special Health Care Needs
We are proud to share that Access Dental Care has been featured in The Helen Journal as a national model for special care dentistry.
The article highlights how our statewide, mobile model is improving access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), frail older adults, and medically complex patients.
We are proud to see this work recognized and to continue advancing access to oral healthcare across North Carolina.
Spotlight on the Team Members
Dr. Bill Milner, D.D.S., M.P.H. earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and his M.P.H. from UNC School of Public Health. Founder and president of Access Dental Care (2000), he has dedicated over 30 years to improving care for individuals with disabilities. His program now serves more than 200 facilities statewide, including nursing homes, group homes, PACE centers, an HIV program, and community older adult services. A national leader, author, and lecturer, Dr. Milner received the 2023 ADA Humanitarian Award and has chaired the NC Dental Society’s Special Care Committee since 1985.
Ms. Betsy Lee White, RDH, BS, FSCDH, FADHA earned her AAS in dental hygiene from Guilford Technical Community College (1995) and her BS from UNC School of Dentistry (1997). A Fellow of the Special Care Dentistry Association and the American Dental Hygiene Association, she co-founded Access Dental Care (2000), now serving 200+ nursing facilities, group homes, PACE programs, an HIV/AIDS center, and community programs for older adults. Betsy has received the Sarah Bradshaw Award and the 2023 Holly Riddle Distinguished Service Award and currently consults with states developing mobile dental programs.
Joshua Walker, DMD is a Catholic, husband, Eagle Scout, and special care dentist with Access Dental Care. He started his career in dentistry as a dental assistant with Access Dental Care prior to attending East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. As a dental student he served as a student trustee for the North Carolina Dental Society. He also conducted community-focused research as a North Carolina Schweitzer Fellow. Dr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he completed research focused on dental utilization and unmet dental needs.
Julie Shore is a dedicated dental professional with nearly three decades of experience in patient care and team leadership. A 1995 graduate of Guilford Technical Community College, Julie spent 25 years working in private dental practice, where she built a strong foundation in clinical excellence and compassionate care. In 2020, she joined Access Dental Care as a clinical dental hygienist, bringing her expertise to serve patients with complex needs. Today, Julie serves as a Regional Director, where she supports and mentors dental teams, promotes high-quality care, and advances Access Dental Care’s mission across the communities it serves.