- Meet The Geriatric Toothfairy
Dr. Sonya Dunbar
RDH · The Geriatric Toothfairy®
“Being the voice of those whose voice has become a whisper.” A Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and three-decade dental advocate transforming oral care for the aging population.
Award-Winning
Geriatric Dental Advocate
Founder & CEO
Her Story
Three Decades. One Mission.
Dr. Sonya Patrice Dunbar RDH — affectionately known as The Geriatric Toothfairy® — is a TEDx speaker, Amazon #1 bestselling author, Registered Dental Hygienist, Doctor of Biblical Counseling, Mindset Detox Coach, and U.S. Navy Veteran. With over 32 years of dental experience spanning private practice, skilled nursing facilities, academia, and mobile dentistry, she is the nation’s foremost expert on geriatric oral health.
In 2024, Dr. Dunbar was honored as a Weave Healthcare Hero. In 2025, she received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award — one of the highest civilian honors in the United States — was featured on the nationally syndicated Tamara Hall Show, appeared on the God Made Millionaire show, and starred in a national Prevagen television commercial.
That same year she released The Forgotten Mouths — an Amazon #1 Bestseller in three categories. She is Founder & CEO of The Geriatric Toothfairy LLC, COO of Mobile Dental Xpress Management Group (a multi-state DSO), and Co-Founder of the National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference, the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance, and the prestigious Denobi Awards.
US Navy Veteran
TEDx Speaker
TEDx Speaker
Presidential Lifetime Award
Featured on Tamara Hall
Geriatric Advocate
"Being the voice of those whose voice has become a whisper. "
The Journey
A Life Devoted to Dental Dignity
Served in the United States Navy, building discipline and a heart for service that would shape her entire career.
Practiced across private offices, skilled nursing facilities, and academia — witnessing the silent crisis of geriatric oral neglect.
Launched her signature platform to give a voice to aging adults whose voices had become a whisper.
Recognized internationally for compassionate care and changing the standard of dental hygiene for vulnerable populations.
Honored with the Sunstar Award and took the TEDx stage to share her mission with the world.
Honored as a Weave Healthcare Hero for extraordinary impact in healthcare.
Received one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. Featured on the Tamara Hall Show, the God Made Millionaire Show, and a national Prevagen commercial. Released The Forgotten Mouths — Amazon #1 Bestseller in three categories.
Co-founder of the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance, the Denobi Awards, and the National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference.
Many Hats, One Heart
Speaker. Author. Coach. Changemaker.
TEDx Speaker
Mindset Detox Coach
Dentistry Gone Wild
Bestselling Author
Published Works
Bestselling Books
Inspiring stories and practical guides that have touched lives in long-term care worldwide.
Recognition
Honored Globally
National Day Archives LLC has proclaimed November 9th of each year as Geriatric Toothfairy Day.
TEDx Speaker
2022 Sunstar Award
TEDx Featured Speaker
On Stage & In Classrooms
A Voice That Moves Audiences
From TEDx stages to dental conferences across the globe, Sonya delivers keynotes that blend hard data with heart-led storytelling. Her CE courses have certified thousands of hygienists in geriatric care best practices.
- Keynote speaker at 50+ industry conferences
- CE-certified courses for dental professionals
- Trainer for skilled nursing & long-term care teams
- Featured podcast guest & media contributor
Ready to Join the Movement?
Whether you want to get certified, book Sonya to speak, or simply learn more — your next step is one click away.