Welcome to Dental Specialties
Highly Trained Dental Professionals For Special Needs Patients
About Dental Specialties
Founded by Martha Wallace in 2000, Dental Specialties, Inc. is a referral-based service dedicated to providing non-emergency dental care to individuals with special needs who may not have access to treatment in traditional dental settings. Martha has remained a passionate advocate for this underserved community for over three decades.
Meet Our Referring Dentists
Dr. David Kurtzman graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1981 and completed a hospital-based residency before beginning his practice in Atlanta. He has provided hospital-based dental care since 1983, with a strong focus on patients with special needs.
Dr. Richard W. Upton holds undergraduate degrees in both biology and violin performance from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Augusta University’s Dental College of Georgia. He completed a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, and specializes in treating special needs patients.
Our Approach
Our dentists are highly trained in hospital-based dentistry and have extensive experience treating patients with physical and mental disabilities. We provide comprehensive general and specialty dental care in the Outpatient Surgical Center at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA. Procedures are performed using the latest dental technology in a specially equipped operating room, with M.D. anesthesiologists ensuring safety and comfort.
Referring doctors have complete access to patient records. After treatment, patients can be returned to their primary dentist for continued care.
At Dental Specialties, we believe in personalized, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. We take the time to understand your concerns and work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that delivers the best possible outcomes.
Compassionate Dental Care for Special Needs Patients
Our team is made up of dedicated experts passionate about personalized care.
Martha Wallace
CDA
Martha Wallace organized Dental Specialties, Inc., a referral service, dedicated to serving special needs people who have no other options for non-emergency dental care. She has been serving the special needs community since 1992.
Dr. Richard W. Upton
DMD
Dr. Richard W. Upton earned dual undergraduate degrees in biology and violin performance from Emory University. He achieved his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Augusta University. Dental College of Georgia before completing a GPR Residency at King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. special needs dentist.
Dr. David Kurtzman
DDS
Dr. David Kurtzman is a graduate of Emory University’s dental school and is licensed to practice dentistry in the State of Georgia. He is also a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association.
Dr. Nicole Barnett
DMD
Dr. Nicole Barnett, a native of Chatsworth, Georgia graduated from Dalton High School then went to Auburn University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biomedical Sciences.
After college, she attended dental school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. From there, she went on to complete additional training in a General Practice Residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. special needs dentist
Ashley
RDH
Hi, I’m Ashley—a proud Georgia native with a passion for compassionate dental care. I hold two degrees centered around Dental Hygiene and Science and I am a certified CPR instructor. With years of experience as both a dental assistant and licensed dental hygienist, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical environments, including hospitals.
I specialize in caring for patients with special needs and those with complex medical conditions. My approach is grounded in empathy, patience, and professionalism, ensuring every patient feels safe, supported, and respected. I’m committed to making dental care not just accessible, but a positive experience for everyone I serve.
Keniesha
CDA
With over twenty-two years of experience as a dedicated and compassionate dental assistant, I have a deep passion for caring for individuals with special needs. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible professionals who inspire and allow me to contribute my unique blend of technical expertise, patience, and empathy.
Outside of work, I enjoy listening to audiobooks, meditating, and spending time with my family.
Steve
Dental Case Coordinator/Facilitator