By Philip Haldiman
Twitter: @PhilipHaldiman

A Peoria-based dentist  is giving people a reason to smile.

As residents adapt to Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus,  Dr. Benjamin Cooperman, also known as Dental Ben, is asking people to nominate a Peoria resident who has shown outstanding humanity or distinguished service in the community, who can benefit from $2,000 in free dental treatment.

“Times are tough, I’d like to offer a valued member of our community dental services at no cost — someone in need that couldn’t otherwise pursue care,” Dr. Cooperman said. “This is something I have always wanted to do. It’s a chance to get people to smile and spread a positive feeling in our community. Posting the donation on our social media has gotten a lot of positive feedback from patients and nonpatients. In these uncertain times, whether you’re unsure of your long-term source of income or just afraid of the number for treatment, I’d like to give someone hope.”

During the month of April, Dental Ben’s will be accepting nominations by email, info@dentalbens.com. Dr. Cooperman and his staff will select a finalist who has made an impact in the community. The announcement will be made May 15, 2020 and services will be scheduled once the stay-at-home order has passed.

In addition to this outreach, Dr. Cooperman’s office recently donated 600 Level 2 surgical masks to Chandler Regional Medical Center to the fight COVID-19.

“A friend of mine described the working environment for doctors, nurses, and medical assistants, and man are they putting up a fight,” he said.

Due to the public health threat posed by COVID-19, Dental Ben’s will continue practicing social distancing to ensure the safety of their patients. At this time they have limited all routine dental care, but will continue to provide emergency dental treatment, such as infection, pain and tooth fractures.

Dr. Cooperman said elective procedures and routine treatment are being postponed until the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a threat.

Between emergencies he is filling the time at home with continuing education courses.

“We’re also spending time on the phone with our patients answering questions and reassuring them,” he said. “The business stalls because of the pandemic, but we’re growing relationships by staying in touch with our patients and strengthening our bond with the community.”

Philip Haldiman can be reached at 623-876-3697, phaldiman@newszap.com, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman.

Philip Haldiman
News Editor | Peoria
@PhilipHaldiman

phaldiman@iniusa.org

Philip Haldiman is a third generation Arizona native with brief residencies on the east and west coasts. He has bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Journalism at Arizona State University, and is an award winning journalist with more than 15 years worth of experience in reporting and editing. Most recently, he took first place for investigative reporting and third place for best sustained coverage or series at the 2023 Arizona Newspapers Association awards. In his free time, he produces an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.