Dr. Bell, her team, and ten volunteers from the Columbus State Community College Hygiene program brought the Lessons in a Lunchbox program to over one hundred and five bright and eager 3rd graders at Columbus Africentric Early College Pre-K - 12. Students benefited from hands-on demonstrations of proper brushing and flossing techniques and participated in activities and games encouraging proper portions and healthy snacks to keep their smiles bright! At the end of the presentation, all students were given their own lunchbox containing daily oral care essentials to use at home. Thank you, Africentric, for having us out to speak to your wonderful students!
Columbus Africentric Early College Pre-k – 12
3223 Allegheny Ave.
Columbus, OH 43209
Principal Prek-5: Carmen Turner
During the month of February, National Children’s Dental Health Month, Dr. Bell, Ms. Alecia, and Ms. Vivica visited the small smiles at Perkins Playhouse & Learning. Dr. Bell spoke to around 10 students in total, sharing with them the importance of brushing their teeth, their tongues, and doing it twice per day especially at night. These students had may questions about brushing and getting their parents help to keep their mouths. Parents were permitted to attend the program and had their questions answered about best practices to keep their young ones happy and healthy. Thank you to the administrators of Perkins Playhouse & Learning for inviting us to share and thank you to the students for the lovely sign you made for us!
The office of Dr. Portia J. Bell joined the masses at the Black Men’s Wellness Walk in downtown Columbus on Saturday, August 10th at the intersection of Livingston Ave & Parsons Ave. There were thousands of attendees, walkers and runners at this event. Dr. Bell and her team greeted old patients and new and handed out oral health care essentials. At our booth the fan favorite Dental Jeopardy made a comeback and challenged players to test their dental knowledge for a lovely prize! Congratulations to the African American Male Wellness Agency for another fantastically successful event!
Portia J. Bell, DDS Inc. , A.K.A. The Molar Bowlers, attended the 2024 Faith Thomas Foundation Annual Sickle Cell Bowling Fundraiser event. We bowled a few frames, gat a few strikes and had a wonderful time fellowshipping with our community. It was great to get together and once again support this worthy cause. To learn more please visit www.faiththomasfoundation.org.
Dr. Portia J. Bell was honored on June, 15th 2024 by the Columbus, Ohio chapter of the National Council of Negro Women for her outstanding care and commitment to her community. They presented her the 2024 Community Service award & celebrated with her 40 years of practicing dentistry! On June 10th, 1984, Dr. Bell graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has been serving her community by providing phenomenal oral healthcare & education. Congratulations Dr. Bell on this well-deserved recognition!
Dr. Portia J. Bell , her dedicated dental team, and volunteers from the Columbus State Community College Hygiene program , along with their instructor Ms. Ebony Hale, visited the lovely students of Cassady Elementary. Activities and interactive lessons were taught to the 3rd grade class as they learned about proper brushing and flossing techniques and at home oral healthcare. After presentations from Dr. Bell, all off the dental professionals present introduced the role they played in keeping childrens teeth clean and healthy. At the end of our visit each student was given a special lunchbox containing everything they need to keep their mouths healthy at home.
Cassady Elementary School
2500 Cassady Ave.
Columbus Ohi 43219
Principle: Amber Hall
75 Students Participated
Dr. Bell and her lovely team visited the bright students at Little Buckeye Learning Center on Friday, February 16th, 2024 in celebration of Childrens Dental Health Month! Dr. Bell spoke to the class about the importance of at home care. She and her team demonstrated proper brushing techniques and all the steps the students would take to keep their small smiles shining bright! Each student was given a goodie bag of all the essential at home care items they may need, including toothbrush, tooth paste, and mouthwash.
Thank you to the administrators and instructors at Little Buckeye Learning Center on Stelzer Rd. for letting us speak with your lovely class!
Portia J. Bell, DDS Inc. came out to support the health of African American Men in the Greater Columbus area on Saturday, August 12th 2023. This is the teams fifth year in attendance! Dr. Bell was greeted by so many of her patients, colleagues, and associates throughout the day. So many people stopped by the booth to say hello and play a rousing game of Dental Jeopardy! Participants selected from the categories available and after two rounds, whomever had the highest score won a gift bag jam packed with daily oral health essentials and goodies! At the end of the African American Male Wellness Walk it was reported that over 50,000 people were in attendance and over 1,00 men were screened. Thank you AAMW Agency for having us for another fun filled event!
Dr. Bell joined OSU’s SNDA in February to speak to students about the many joys and challenges of owning a private practice. Dr. Bell shared more about what it was like to get started with her practice and the differences between being a clinician and a business owner. After the event, SNDA had this to share about their experience with their speaker Dr. Portia J. Bell:
“Dr. Bell,
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to present to OSU dental students. Your presentation was very informative and the audience took away many resources to make informed decisions in the future. You’re a blessing to the community and look forward to learning more from your wealth of knowledge. We send you well wishes as you continue in your career.
Thank you again for your time and efforts.”
-OSU SNDA Chapter
Dr. Portia J. Bell and your Dental Team were out again this year on Saturday, August 13th 2022, supporting African American Men in their health and wellness. Several samples and oral health care essentials were passed out to the passersby. Over 30, 000 people were in attendance to support the cause! This year, Portia J. Bell DDS Inc. was joined by The Jay Way 360 photobooth and the public loved it! Dr. Bell spoke with potential patients and current patients alike, stopping for photos and impromptu dance breaks. The music was great and your Dental Team were dancing the day away and encouraging those participating in the race. Three electric toothbrushes were given out this year as a part of our raffle! Everyone was excited and now properly equipped to take care of their oral health at home. Portia J. Bell DDS Inc. had another fantastic year or participating in the African American Male Wellness Walk.
The office of Portia J. Bell D.D.S. Inc. was out in full force on Saturday, August 14th 2021 at the intersection of Parson Ave. and Livingston Ave. Dr. Bell and team safely interacted with the Greater Columbus community all day long. They passed out essential at-home oral health care necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and most importantly offered everyone a dental home with the office of Dr. Portia J. Bell! Throughout the course of the day Dr. Bell encountered current patients, family friends, and friends of the practice. There was music, fun and of course several health screenings for everyone to participate in. A kit containing the Oral-B Gingivitis System was raffled off to the public and one lucky winner was selected. It was fantastic to be back on the pavement again after only participating virtually in 2020. Dr. Bell and team can hardly wait for next year’s event and be of service to health of the African American man of the Greater Columbus community!
Dr. Bell attended a seminar hosted by with the wonderful team at Align Tech Industries to learn more ways that Invisalign Clear Aligners and other Align products can be best used to benefit her patients. In attendance was the speaker, Dr. Christina Blacher, and our very own Invisalign Rep. Matt Kirschiner! Dr. Bell and several doctors listened as Dr. Blacher spoke about how to enhance our patient's experience with Invisalign.
Dr. Portia J. Bell was asked to speak at the Year of The Woman event, held and sponsored by Ms. Tiffany Harris of July 84 Women’s Boutique & Ms. Sheree Alexis of The Sewphisticated Designer at City of Grace Church. Dr. Bell was asked to speak on the importance of the visibility of Black women in her field and educating her community about the necessity of Oral Health. Dr. Bell shared her journey from growing up in East Saint Louis, Illinois to present day and how she is inspired daily by witnessing Black women excel. She also spoke on entrepreneurship, personal growth and how proper oral care goes hand in hand with selfcare, something most Black Women often go without. Several women of color and vendors were in attendance. There were many other distinguished speakers on the panel and each had an empowering story to tell.
Dr. Portia J. Bell accompanied her brother, Mr. Kermit Jeffers, during the African American Male Wellness Walk. This year of 2020 was the event’s very first virtual walk due to COVID-19. Despite the pandemic, Dr. Bell and her brother walked the beautiful St. Stephens’s Community House park with other patrons, practicing social distancing.
Dr. Portia J. Bell and her business Portia J. Bell, DDS, Inc. are honored by David Denberry II and Brandy N. Avery of Keys To Black Wealth. She was awarded the Generational Wealth Award for her thriving business, dedication to her community, and the involvement of both her daughters, Ms. Whitney (Director of Operations and Community Engagement) and Ms. Vivica (Marketing Lead and Administrative Assistant) in her practice.
Dr. Portia J. Bell and her team members visited Linden STEM Academy to teach the lovely students there about proper dental health. There were fun videos and many interactive games that taught the children how to be their own dentist at home! They learned how to floss and what foods help support a healthy body and mouth. Dr. Bell was assisted by the Fort Hayes Career Center’s Dental Assistant Program, led by Mrs. Ebony Hale, RDH, MS.
Linden STEM Academy
2626 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43211
Principle: Adrean C. Winfrey
77 Students Participated
Dr. Portia J. Bell stopped by The Gloria S. Friend Christian Academy and taught their students how to be the best at brushing and, of course, flossing their teeth. She and all the children there had a marvelous time! They learned how to practice better oral health at home and Dr. Bell learned how to do the dance "The Floss"!"
Dr. Portia J. Bell and her entire team had a booth at the corners of Livingston and Parsons Avenue as a part of the African American Male Wellness Walk festivities. The crowd was immense and so was the support for our office. We saw several established patients there and met and gained new patients as well. We danced, sang, and passed out toothbrushes to the community. The office of Portia J. Bell DDS, Inc. made themselves known and stood with our brothers in the interest of excellent overall health!
The office of Portia J. Bell DDS, Inc. and our Invisalign rep Matt were a part of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, “One More Time” Experience. Tom Joyner has been a pillar in the community for so many years and so it only felt right to be a part of the celebration of his wonderful career. Our team handed out flyers and toothbrushes to all who came our way at Nationwide Arena. Matt was able to answer many Invisalign related questions from persons who were interested. Dr. Bell greeted and shook the hands of several many show goers and made herself available to the greater Columbus area. The concert featured Kem, one of Dr. Bell’s favorite artists. A good time was had by all!
Dr. Portia J. Bell, Ms. Whitney and Ms. Vivica attended the NDA conference this summer; Dr. Bell as a board member and Ms. Whitney and Ms. Vivica as a members of the National Dental Assistants Association. The conference this year was in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. It was such a lovely time! There were seminars, essential board meetings, continuing education opportunities, and of course, plenty of moments to fellowship and meet dental professionals of color from all over the country! Dr. Bell and her daughters also got to enjoy sometime at the new African American History Museum while in town!
The office of Portia J. Bell DDS, Inc. put on an Open House party! Our Open House’s give the community of people that have been curious about us, but have never visited our office, a chance to say hello. This event allowed us the opportunity to display our state of the art equipment, allowed the community to get to know our team members, and of course to introduce the wonderful Dr. Portia J. Bell!
Dr. Portia J. Bell visits Good Day marketplace to discuss three ways to replace a missing tooth!
Dr. Bell had the privilege of attending the National Dental Association’s 2018 convention held in Orlando, Florida! As a Board Member she was able to fellowship with other African American dentists from across the United States. She also previewed new and upcoming products and technologies in dentistry, selecting only the best for our patient’s care.
This year we participated in the annual Faith Thomas Foundation fundraiser. We all had a lot of fun and was able to support a worthy cause in our community.
Pictured are Dr. Portia J. Bell and her Dental Assistant Ms. Jalese completing a continuing education course at The Ohio State University. This course was on the subject of Implant-Retainer Overdenture Essentials. It was extremely informative and instrumental to the placement of Implants on our patients.
Dr. Portia J. Bell and team visited East Linden Elementary School to teach the children there about brushing, flossing and proper at home dental care! She was assisted by students of the class of 2018’s Fort Hayes Career Center Dental Assistant Program, led by Mrs. Ebony Hale. The principal of East Linden Elementary, Mrs. Cheryl Jones, allowed 54 of her students to participate in our program this year.
East Linden Elementary School
2505 Brentnell Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43211
Principle: Cheryl Jones
54 Students Participated
Dr. Portia Bell attended the 1st Annual LEAD STEM Expo December 9th 2017 located at Central Ohio Technical Center in Pataskala, Ohio as one of their Workshop Speakers. She spoke to some middle and high school students of different STEM Groups regarding careers in the Dental field.
It was my pleasure to meet with a wonderful group of young people interested in careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics on Saturday, October 1st. I shared with them my journey as a Healthcare Professional and Business Owner. They had many questions and I was happy to answer them. Thank you to my patient, Mr. Marcus Muhammad for the invitation!!
I attended the Ohio Dental Association Convention in September 2016. It is held annually in Columbus and dentists from all over the state come together to discuss issues and concerns that effect our patients and our practices. I participated as a panelist in the session titled "Cultural Competency". It was my first time speaking at the ODA and it was such an honor!!
September was a busy month for me! I was asked to participate in the annual AME Church Health Fair. I enjoyed meeting with the health fair attendees and addressing their dental concerns.
I serve as a delegate for the National Dental Association and was in attendance for this year's conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This year marked the NDA's (National Black Dentist Organization) 103rd year of operation!! I learned alot and had a great time with my daughter!
I was honored on Saturday, May 21, 2016 along with other African American Physicians and Dentists. We were recognized for 30+ years of service to the Columbus Community. I had such a wonderful time and it was such an honor to see and meet my fellow Medical and Dental professionals! It is my pleasure to be of service!!!
I had such a great time on Friday, May 13, 2016 with the ROX Girls at East Linden Elementary School. I shared with them my journey through my youth and I answered their many questions. ROX is a school program that consists of 10 girls from 4th and 5th grade. They meet weekly for an hour and follow a curriculum that leads to in depth discussions of being a girl, girl drama, being passive, aggressive, assertive, having self-confidence, self-defense both verbally and physically, healthy relationships with friends and dating, social media issues and much more. This program is 20 weeks long and I was an invited guest speaker this year! Their counselor and coordinator Heather Snyder has done/is doing an awesome job! Thank you so much for the invitation!
On Saturday, April 9, 2016 I was asked to participate as a Doctor Panelist at the National Coalition of 100 Black Women's 2016 Health Extravaganza. I shared the importance of seeing a dentist regularly, the effects of not taking care of your oral cavity, and the health risks and conditions directly associated with untreated oral issues. Following my presentation I answered questions from those in attendance. Thank you so much Dr. Deddeh Reed for the invitation!
2500 N Cassady Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Principal: Paula Baldwin
Columbus Association of Dentists
Coordinator: Dr. Portia J. Bell
Presentation Date: February 26, 2016 | 180 Students
My team and I had a great time at Cassady Elementary School! Our display of the learning materials and stacked lunchboxes were met with "Oooooohs and Aaaahhhs" as the children entered the gymnasium. Principal Baldwin and the students were interactive and very attentive!!! With the help of Dudley the dinosaur (ADA Cartoon Video Character),we learned about proper flossing and brushing! Dudley and his prehistoric pals kept us laughing in the midst of teaching us a lifelong skill.
Part of keeping your mouth healthy is making healthy snack choices. We discussed and played a "Healthy Snack" game with the use of our MyPlate posters and plastic snack choices. As we held up a healthy snack choice, the students shouted back the correct food group the snack belonged to. We also talked about why that particular snack was a good choice.
Before the lunchboxes and carrots were distributed, we went over all of the great things their new lunchbox had to offer! The students clapped their hands excitedly as I shared with them the many Dental careers (jobs) that were available to them. I encouraged them to shoot for the moon and that they can be anything they so desire!!
With the students in their seats, the lunchboxes with the carrots were passed out. Many giggles were heard and many smiles were shared as the students examined their special gifts. Questions were asked as the teachers, my team, and myself walked around the gymnasium. Because of the commitment of The Children's Oral Health Institute, 180 students now have the skills and tools they need to begin the journey to having a healthy smile for a life time! The Children's Oral Health Institute is based in Owings Mills, Maryland and is a national organization dedicated to promoting oral hygiene in the public school system. Thanks to their many sponsors, the program is free to the students, Dentists need only volunteer their time and effort to participate and I am so happy I did!
In January 2016 I went to the Dominican Republic to do an extensive study and training on impacted third molar removals (wisdom teeth). This trip marked my second time to the Dominican Republic within the span of 4 months. I was previously there in October 2015. Both times I was there with the The Implant Institute. The Implant Institute is an organization that trains dentists on the philosophy and technique on Implant placement along with other extensive oral procedures. I completed a 5 month course of study in Orlando, Florida culminating the receipt of my Fellowship into the International Dental Implant Association! As a final project, I placed over 40 implants! I am so proud!!! I love that I am a lifelong learner! Thanks Dr. Garg and The Implant Institute!! It is an honor to officially be a member!