The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recently honored Wisconsin general dentist Robb A. Warren, DDS, with its 2021 Humanitarian Award.  The award was presented during the AGD Annual Meeting at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois on November 21, 2021.  Warren is being recognized because of his dedication to the field of dentistry and his extraordinary, selfless commitment and service to his community and nationally with the Special Olympics.

The Humanitarian Service Award is presented to a dentist who contributes voluntary service in conjunction with a consistent commitment to enhancing the image of general dentistry through the continuous delivery of quality dental care. This awardee must demonstrate leadership in areas of civic involvement, exhibit a sense of responsibility toward the well-being of mankind and sacrifice his/her own interests to better serve the public.

Warren is a graduate of Marquette University’s School of Dentistry. He began his dental career in his father’s practice in June 2001. In 2004, Warren opened his own private practice, Warren Family Dental, where he continues to provide exemplary care to his patients. Since the beginning of his career in dentistry, Warren has been committed to making sure that everyone has access to quality oral care.

Through volunteerism, Warren has served and continues to serve many local dental organizations. He is a volunteer of Team Dentist for the University of Wisconsin and served on the Dane County Dental Society, where he has held several board positions. He is a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association, where he serves on the WDA Foundation board, the Dentists Concerned for Dentists committee and is the Donated Dental Services chair. Warren is the lead dentist for Special Olympics – Mission of Mercy and has served as a host and volunteer for Special Olympics of Wisconsin Give Athletes a Smile Day as well as is a State Dental Director for Special Olympics of Wisconsin. He is also a member of Smiles for Life Foundation.

“Robb’s passion and depth of care in the dental community and for his patients sets an example for all dentists in Madison, WI,” said Melissa Schoenbrodt, Sr. Director of Health Programs, Special Olympics Wisconsin. “His enthusiasm to give back to his city and state is boundless in the dental community and is contagious. When you are in his presence, one cannot help but feel the energy he puts forth for the benefit of others. He never hesitates to put the needs of others before his own.”

Warren is an organizational founder of Touched Twice Ministries Madison, a community dental outreach program in Madison where participating dental offices volunteer services, supplies and personnel to provide dental services to individuals who are unable to afford oral care. Through this program, which has donated over 2 million dollars in care since Warren started the program in April of 2005, individuals can receive services that span from routine hygiene and restorative to endodontics and oral surgery depending upon their needs. In addition, Warren sits on the board of directors for Affordable Dental Care (ADC) located in Madison, Wisconsin. This non-profit clinic offers oral care to individuals without dental insurance. Garnering donations of services, supplies and vendors, and with a permanent full time paid staff, they have created a high-quality dental home with significantly lower rates at 50% of traditional dental office fees. Warren’s personal contribution to ADC was made when he purchased the practice of a retiring dentist and converted the space for use of the Madison ADC location as well as continued mentoring of the current dental team. He also sees many of the ADC patients for specialty services like root canals and implants, honoring the fees set at ADC.

Warren also makes dental house calls to individuals, both children and adults, who cannot physically leave their home due to physical and mental limitations but who need dire attention. Most times these services are provided pro bono. 

According to Warren’s wife Erin, he wants to create an impact for people who are “not seen” and he continues to search for ways he can make anything better or more efficient in serving the community, especially in a way that values the hearts and needs of others. His dream is to have dental services available in every hospital to address the emergency and trauma needs. In doing so this would create a long-term dental home focusing on prevention. He believes dentistry should not be a luxury but available to everyone as he says “too often dental issues keep people from enjoying everyday life, and that needs to change.”

Warren’s motto: “The most valuable thing you have is your time and your unique talent, if we each find a way to share those to serve others, the world will be a better place.”