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Dr. Sonya Dunbar

Registered Dental Hygienist

Highlights

  • Nationally recognized authority in geriatric oral health, with over 32 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist and 25+ years dedicated to seniors.
  • Co-founder and executive leader of Mobile Dental Xpress, a leading mobile dental organization providing preventive and restorative care to senior, medically fragile, veteran, and underserved populations nationwide.
  • Pioneer in mobile and geriatric dental education, developing training programs and a Geriatric Oral Care Certification that equip dental professionals and caregivers to improve oral health outcomes for aging adults.
  • Trusted national and international speaker and educator, including a TEDx Talk focused on improving senior health through oral care, with presentations at health care institutions, universities, and professional conferences worldwide.
  • Author and thought leader in senior dental care, co-authoring multiple books on geriatric dentistry, mobile dental care, and teledentistry, with resources used by clinicians and caregivers supporting older adults.
  • Widely honored advocate for senior health, recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple national and local proclamations recognizing her contributions to advancing oral healthcare for seniors.

Dr. Sonya Dunbar, RDH, globally known as The Geriatric Toothfairy, stands as the foremost authority and trailblazer in geriatric oral health care. With over 32 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist and more than 25 years dedicated to serving residents in long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, veterans' hospitals, and homebound populations, Dr. Dunbar has revolutionized how oral health care is delivered to aging and medically fragile adults.

Her unparalleled experience, compassion, and advocacy have made her a respected voice in both dentistry and gerontology. As the co-founder of Mobile Dental Xpress, she built one of the nation's most successful and impactful mobile dental organizations, bringing preventive and restorative care directly to those who need it most. Through her innovative training programs and Geriatric Oral Care Certification, Dr. Dunbar has empowered thousands of dental professionals, caregivers, and health leaders to elevate the standard of care for senior populations nationwide.

A passionate educator and dynamic international speaker, Dr. Dunbar shares her expertise at major conferences, universities, and health care institutions worldwide. Her work bridges clinical excellence with heartfelt advocacy, reminding the world of “The Forgotten Mouths”—those whose oral health needs are too often overlooked, yet whose dignity and comfort deserve to be restored.

Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Dunbar is a TEDx speaker, author, and Mindset Detox Coach, inspiring professionals and entrepreneurs to break free from “stinkin' thinkin'” and embrace a life of purpose, resilience, and service. Her influence as a philanthropist, mentor, and thought leader continues to transform both oral health systems and human hearts, cementing her legacy as a pioneer, change-maker, and the voice of those whose voices have grown faint.

Through her mission-driven leadership and unrelenting dedication, Dr. Sonya Dunbar is not just redefining geriatric oral care—she is rewriting its future, standing proudly as the voice of those whose voice has become a whisper.

Features and Contributions

Media, Publications, and Thought Leadership

Professional Leadership and Industry Contributions

Awards, Honors, and National Recognition

  • Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)
  • 100 Global Influential Leaders to Watch (2024)
  • Philips Heart to Hands Award (2020)
  • ACHI Magazine – Health & Wellness Award (2019)
  • Senior Vision Media – FPL Quality Senior Living Award (2019)
  • Sunstar Award (2022)
  • Positively Jax Award, Jacksonville, FL (2022)
  • Influencer – RCC RDH Community Connections (2022)