Dr. Nekia A. Staley is the Founder and President of Special Care for Special Needs Dentistry (SCSND), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to compassionate oral healthcare, education, and advocacy for individuals with special needs and underserved communities.

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A native Washingtonian, Dr. Staley earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry after beginning her academic journey at Spelman College as a pre-med Biology major. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to ensuring that every individual—regardless of ability or circumstance—receives quality, patient-centered dental care.

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Her passion for serving individuals with special needs began in childhood through volunteer work at children’s hospitals and community shelters. That lifelong commitment led her to complete advanced training as a DECOD (Dental Education in the Care of Persons with Disabilities) Fellow at the University of Washington, where she developed specialized expertise in treating patients with intellectual, developmental, physical, and complex medical needs.

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In 2017, Dr. Staley founded Special Care for Special Needs Dentistry to address the significant barriers many individuals with disabilities face in accessing oral healthcare. Under her leadership, SCSND has grown into a community-driven organization that provides free dental services, health education, community outreach, advocacy, and wellness initiatives that improve the lives of individuals and families throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

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Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Staley serves on the Boards of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce and the University of Maryland Capital Region Health Foundation. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and the Maryland State Dental Society, and continues to champion initiatives that advance health equity and improve access to care for underserved populations.

As a mother of six and a lifelong community advocate, Dr. Staley believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Through SCSND, she continues to lead a mission centered on creating healthier smiles, stronger communities, and brighter futures for individuals with special needs.

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