Dental therapy offers Michigan an innovative path to expand essential oral health care
Michigan introduces licensed dental therapists to address provider shortages, empowering students to deliver vital community care.
State of Health
State of Health is a series about how Michigan communities are rising to address health challenges. Previous coverage examined health disparities and how they affect Michigan's children and seniors and integrated care and its potential to improve Michiganders' health. This series is made possible with funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
Childhood exam motivates dental hygienist who cares for rural kids
Inspired by a school nurse, Lynda Gregorini now provides dental care and career mentoring to students in rural Michigan schools.
NEOMED launches dental program to improve statewide oral health access
NEOMED's new Bitonte College of Dentistry will embed dental students in Ohio communities to improve access and address shortages in rural and urban oral health care.
Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force addresses unmet needs behind evictions
Evictions plummeted during the pandemic and soared again after federal protections ended. That led a coalition of Kent County organizations and individuals to form the Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force.
Ohio hygienist trains future workforce through outreach role
Justin Nance blends teaching and patient care to combat workforce shortages and inspire the next generation of dental hygienists in Ohio.
How an Indiana hygienist inspires careers, expands access as an industry ambassador
Hali Householder helps recruit future dental hygienists and promotes whole-body health through a pioneering workforce initiative tackling care shortages.
Cincinnati’s school dental clinics bring relief to thousands
Serving 24,000 patients annually, the Cincinnati Health Department dental program brings year-round care to students and community patients through an innovative public-private partnership.
Ann Arbor nonprofit and Sault Tribe of Chippewa partner to redistribute unused cancer drugs for free
Last year the nonprofit YesRx received a grant to work with the tribe over a two-year period, expanding access to expensive drugs that would otherwise go to waste.
New high school dental program quickly fills workforce gaps
Walker Career Center trains teens for dental careers, tackling workforce shortages and helping underserved students access well-paying, high-demand health care jobs.
Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists
Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.
