Urban Dentistry Unmasked: Lawrence Bell’s Inspiring Journey with Dan Rodricks
It’s been six long years since the passing of Dr. Lawrence Bell Jr., a beloved figure in Baltimore’s dental community, who dedicated his life to serving those in need. Now, his son, Lawrence A. Bell III, is stepping up to reclaim that legacy, aiming to restore dental care access for the city’s most disadvantaged residents. With a vision that encompasses new dentists and a rejuvenated nonprofit clinic, Bell is on a mission to bridge a critical gap in dental services.
This journey has been anything but simple.
Let’s face it—providing dental care to individuals with limited means is a daunting task, fraught with obstacles. Dr. Bell Jr. was a trailblazer, practicing for decades in a charming old house at the intersection of Auchentoroly Terrace and Gwynns Falls Parkway, right across from Druid Hill Park. Unlike many of his peers, he proudly accepted Medicaid patients and often covered costs out of his own pocket. How many dentists would go that extra mile? Not many.
“The reality is worse than most people realize,” says Lawrence III, highlighting the staggering costs of dental services and the glaring lack of coverage for low-income families and seniors. “This crisis means countless seniors across our nation—and right here in urban areas like Baltimore—are left with little to no teeth.”
Even Sen. Bernie Sanders has labeled this a national crisis.
Let’s revisit some staggering facts that can’t be ignored: “Today in America,” Sanders points out, “nearly 70 million adults and around 8 million children are without dental insurance. And for those who do have some form of coverage, it often falls short.”
The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that half of American adults struggle to afford healthcare, with a striking 60% admitting they’ve delayed necessary services due to costs. Dental care, in particular, is the most frequently postponed service.
In Maryland, many put off dental visits, waiting for the lifeline of a free clinic.
Lawrence Bell notes that the situation is especially dire in West Baltimore. He witnesses the neglect of oral health daily as his clinic opens its doors to patients. The Bell Dental Clinic, operating just two days a week with the skilled Dr. Stewart Butler, is far from meeting the mounting demand.
After his father passed in 2018 and his mother, Elinor, in 2022, Lawrence Bell took it upon himself to ensure that his father’s legacy lived on. That same year, the Bell clinic gained formal nonprofit status, which he sees as an extension of the commitment his father made to the community.
Dr. Bell Jr. was the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning a degree from Morgan State University before continuing on to the prestigious University of Maryland School of Dentistry, the oldest institution of its kind in the U.S. It was a staggering 132 years before the school conferred a degree to a Black man, paving the way for others like Dr. Bell Jr., who graduated in 1974.
From humble beginnings, he built his own clinic in 1979 at that iconic Auchentoroly corner, treating as many as 50 patients a day—most of whom relied on Medicaid.
Dr. Bell became an institution in West Baltimore.
“Here’s the thing,” Lawrence III reflects. “When I’m out in the community, some people recognize me as Councilman Bell, but most say, ‘You’re Dr. Bell’s son.’ His impact was monumental; he touched thousands of lives, especially the children.”
Yet, the issue persists today: Medicaid has never compensated dentists adequately, leaving many without essential dental care. “Where do those on Medicaid go for dental work?” Lawrence asks. “They don’t, leading to tooth loss. Even with reduced fees, many still can’t afford dentures.” Fortunately, his nonprofit clinic aims to provide dentures, crowns, and bridges at a fraction of the typical costs, just as his father once did.
In the Senate, Sanders is championing a bill to expand Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits to ensure comprehensive dental coverage for many who are unable to afford care. If successful, this initiative could significantly increase the number of dentists and dental hygienists in underserved areas like West Baltimore.
Sounds promising, right? Bernie’s on point, but can we realistically expect such progressive changes with a Republican Congress and possible second Trump presidency looming? The GOP has long aimed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and Trump has made no secret of his disdain for it.
But while that political drama unfolds, Lawrence Bell is determined to forge ahead with his nonprofit vision at Auchentoroly Terrace. He’s on the lookout for another dentist or two, seeking renovations for the clinic and the historic house, all while aiming to revamp their online presence and secure crucial funding. “What I’m striving to do is carry on my father’s work,” Bell emphasizes. “I genuinely believe my parents would want me to continue this important mission.”
