Michigan Oral Health Coalition

09/04/2026

This National Public Health Week, we’re celebrating the power of prevention and the importance of oral health as a vital part of overall health. 🦷💙

Good oral health is more than a bright smile—it’s connected to heart health, diabetes management, pregnancy outcomes, and so much more. Yet too many Michiganders still face barriers to accessing the care they need.

At the Michigan Oral Health Coalition, we’re committed to advancing equitable access to oral health care for all. From community water fluoridation to expanding the oral health workforce, public health efforts make a lasting impact every day.

Let’s keep working together to build healthier communities—one smile at a time.

MichiganHealth

08/04/2026

URGENT: Statewide Survey of Michigan Dentists and Dental Hygienists 🥼🦷

Attention Dental Professionals! 📣 The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services's Oral Health Program and Michigan Health Council are currently surveying licensed Dentists and Dental Hygienists about future employment plans to better understand the current supply and distribution of oral health providers across the state. We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey so we can support Michiganders’ access to oral health care in the future.

👉 The survey was sent by Dr. Karalyn Kiessling to the email associated with your licensure and closes on Tuesday, April 21st. 📩

02/04/2026

A Neighborly Reminder About Oral Health 🦷🚎

Did you know Fred Rogers once visited the dentist on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood?

In true Mr. Rogers fashion, he turned it into a calm, reassuring moment, showing kids that going to the dentist isn’t something to fear, but a normal part of taking care of yourself. Positive, early experiences can help shape how children view oral health for the rest of their lives.

At MOHC, we’re working to make sure every child (and adult) can:
🪥 Access preventive dental care
😊 Feel comfortable seeking care
💙 Build healthy habits that last a lifetime

Because everyone deserves a healthy smile, and a little reassurance along the way.

📺 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Ldrjyn3w/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Mister Rogers brushes his teeth and goes to see the dentist: misterrogers.org/episodes/a-visit-with-a-dentist

30/03/2026

FINAL HOURS⏰ 👇🎓

Delta Dental is offering scholarship and loan repayment options for dentists and dental hygienists 🦷in Michigan, including:

💰 A loan repayment program to support private practice medicaid dentists in underserved communities (up to $40,000 per year, up to five years)

💰 A loan repayment program for nonprofit dentists (up to $25,000 per year, up to three years)

💰 A loan repayment program for dental hygienists (up to $5,000 per year, up to three years) who commit to working in nonprofit clinics.

💰Scholarships for dental hygiene students to cover tuition costs (up to $15,000 per year for up to two years).�

Applications open through March 31. For full details or to apply, visit: https://resources.deltadentalmi.com/Loan-Repayment

26/03/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former MOHC Board Member and longtime Policy Committee member, Dr. Edward Cox.

Dr. Cox had a distinguished career as a pediatrician and was a dedicated advocate for oral health. His contributions to the Coalition and to the communities he served will not be forgotten.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Read more: https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/edward-cox-obituary?id=61097706&fbclid=IwY2xjawQw2TVleHRuA2FlbQMxMDAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhGIYkRgaOntG4JuQPcPa-lf0FGwW5_MYmnimZXdVC01lwkoqJcYFxFXNiSt_aem_hgASq4GEKTGmS-pxDBuS8A

View Edward Cox's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

24/03/2026

Announcing the Michigan State Oral Health Plan 2030!

Developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and collaborators across the state, this strategic plan outlines a shared vision for improving oral health for all Michiganders over the next decade.

🦷 The plan focuses on:
- Strengthening prevention
- Expanding access to care
- Supporting a sustainable oral health workforce
- Advancing oral health equity statewide

Built on collective input from providers, public health leaders, community organizations, and advocates, this roadmap will guide coordinated action and meaningful impact across Michigan.

Together, we can create healthier smiles and stronger communities. 💙

📘 Read the full plan and learn how to get involved: https://mohc.org/state-oral-health-plan

25/02/2026

FREE CE: Tune in next Tuesday, March 3rd for a FREE webinar! The session will dive into the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers.
WHAT:
From Awareness to Action:
The Oral Health Team’s Role in HPV Cancer
Prevention
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 3 | 6-7 p.m.
1 CEU

19/02/2026

✨ Be a Hero in Your Community – Volunteer for the Mission of Mercy!

📆 Dates: June 11-14, 2026
📍 Location: Wings Event Center, Michigan
🧑‍⚕️ Volunteers Needed: 1,000+ clinical & 1,000+ general volunteers

💌 Register Today: Scan the QR code or RSVP here → https://www.rsvpbook.com/MIMOM26

19/02/2026

It was amazing to see Dr. Narine Mirijanian, Dean of Health and Public Services, on WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit talking about Give Kids a Smile Day!

The event will be held at our Dental Hygiene Clinic and will provide children ages 3-18 with FREE dental services such as dental exams, cleanings and x-rays.

10/02/2026

Dental therapy is now a reality in Michigan, and it’s sparking important conversations about workforce solutions and access to care 🦷 .

A new Detroit News 📰 article profiles Michigan’s first dental therapist practicing in the Upper Peninsula and notes a second provider expected to begin serving patients in Metro Detroit this year. The piece also outlines the state’s efforts (and ongoing debate) to address Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas through new care team models, including a future training program being developed at Ferris State University.

Worth a read for anyone focused on access and workforce innovation in oral health. 👇

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/02/09/dental-therapy-comes-michigan-as-many-areas-face-dentist-shortages-detroit-upper-peninsula/88159251007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115634p116150c116150v115634d--52--b--52--&gca-ft=54&gca-ds=sophi

Michigan's first dental therapist became licensed in September and another awaits licensing. But a statewide dentist group opposes expansion.

06/02/2026

Today is Wear Red Day❤️

Wear red today to show your support and to raise awareness for heart disease. Research shows that gum disease is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, likely due to inflammation and bacteria entering the bloodstream.

🦷 Dental visits also support heart health in other important ways. Many dental offices routinely check blood pressure, helping identify potential heart health concerns early—sometimes before a patient even knows there’s an issue.

05/02/2026

Michigan’s Medicaid dental benefit has expanded—better reimbursement, broader coverage, and fewer barriers. Not sure how to get started as a Medicaid provider? We’ve got you covered.

❓ How do I become a Michigan Medicaid dental provider?
✔️ Enroll in CHAMPS
✔️ Some practices may also work with a Medicaid Health Plan (MHP)

🔗 Learn more from MDHHS:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid

OR email [email protected]