The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) works to create a large, interconnected network of national, state and local advocates dedicated to working collaboratively on advocacy, education and awareness of oral health. We strive to keep our members informed on topics relevant to today's oral health advocates. The mission of MOHC is to equitably optimize oral health for all Michiganders. | | Save the Date - Registration Coming Soon! | | |
Join us for the Michigan Oral Health Coalition Annual Session, taking place June 5-6, where we will explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in oral health across Michigan. This dynamic two-day event brings together professionals from public health, dentistry, policy, and community organizations to discuss innovative strategies, emerging research, and impactful policy changes shaping the future of oral health in our state.
The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 4, with a Welcome Reception at Toscana Restaurant inside the AC Marriott Hotel (6:30-8 p.m.), providing an opportunity to reconnect and forge new relationships with colleagues before the sessions begin.
Day One will focus on critical topics such as advancements in caries management, the role of fluoride in community health, effective oral health messaging, and the evolving landscape of minimally invasive caries care. Sessions will also address key issues surrounding dental anesthesia access and reimbursement, culminating in an interactive discussion on shaping Michigan’s 2030 State Oral Health Plan. The day will conclude with a lively networking event at Lansing Shuffle, offering attendees the chance to connect in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Day Two will feature discussions on legislative updates, regulatory changes, Medicaid policy, and workforce challenges and retention strategies. Attendees will also learn about the innovative Hygienists Inspired program, designed to strengthen recruitment efforts and elevate the dental hygiene profession. Registration will open soon—stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and announcements.
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State Budget Update
Presentation of FY 26 Executive Recommendations
On February 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State Budget Office team presented the Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026 (FY 26) Executive Budget Recommendations to a joint meeting of the House and Senate appropriations committees. This year’s presentation offered a $83.5 billion budget recommendation that includes a general fund total of $15.3 billion and a School Aid Fund total of $21.2 billion.
Continued investments proposed by the Governor that are of interest include:
- $4.26 million for kindergarten oral health assessments.
- $3.2 million for Children’s Special Health Care Services orthodontic rate increase.
- $3 million to continue increased reimbursement rates for dental services in ambulatory surgery centers ($1,495) and outpatient hospitals ($2,300).
- $1 million for the University of Detroit Mercy Dental clinic.
- $200,000 for the Michigan Dental Association for the administration of a volunteer dental program.
Subcommittees in both the House and Senate have begun discussing budgets in preparation for creating their own budget recommendations. We expect to see subcommittees report their recommendations after the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference presents updated revenues.
Legislative Update
Legislature Passes and Governor Signs Tipped Wage, ESLA Bills
The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate agreed to legislative changes to the state’s minimum wage law days ahead of the February 21 deadline. Senate Bill 8 creates a new schedule to increase the state’s minimum hourly wage and tipped minimum wage. By January 1, 2027, Michigan’s minimum wage will be $15/hour. The wage will gradually increase to $12.48/hour on February 21, 2025, and to $13.73/hour on January 1, 2026. Tipped minimum wage will rise to 50% of the state’s general minimum wage by January 1, 2031.
Late in the evening on February 20, the legislature passed House Bill 4002, which would make changes to the Earned Sick Leave Act. Workers will earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small businesses with 10 or fewer employees have until October 1 to comply with the act's requirements. Those small businesses must provide 40 hours of paid sick time under the bill. Employers with 11 or more employees would be required to provide 72 hours of paid time, with a 72-hour carryover cap from year to year.
Policy Committee Update
MOHC continues to work on finalizing policy priorities for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as we prepare for the new legislative session to begin in 2025 and the subsequent presentation of the Governor’s Executive Budget Recommendations.
We continue encouraging members to connect with their legislators, especially for the new House members joining the 103rd legislature in 2025. You can find your elected officials here.
| | Scholarship and Loan Repayment Options | | |
Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana and the Delta Dental Foundation are offering scholarships and loan repayment opportunities:
- Private Practice Dentists: Up to $40,000 annually in loan repayment (max. 5 years/$200,000 total), with at least 15% Medicaid patient load required.
- Dentists in Nonprofit Clinics: Up to $25,000 annually (max. 3 years/$75,000) in loan repayment.
- Dental Hygienists in Nonprofit Clinics: Up to $5,000 annually (max. 3 years/$15,000) in loan repayment.
- Dental Hygiene Students: Scholarships covering instrument kits (up to $5,000) and tuition (up to $10,000 annually for 2 years).
For full details or to apply, visit Delta Dental.
| | MOHC Board Members Featured in Bridge Michigan | | |
Michigan's dental care shortage continues to significantly impact communities statewide, with many residents resorting to extreme measures due to lack of access. In a recent Bridge Michigan article, MOHC board members Christine Farrell and Kimberly Singh discuss the challenges and potential solutions to Michigan's critical dental workforce shortage. Read more about how limited access is affecting Michiganders and what steps are being taken to address this urgent issue. Read the full article here.
| | Dental Hygiene Chairside Recruitment Program | | |
We are excited to highlight the Hygienist Inspired Program, an innovative chairside recruitment program created by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) in partnership with the Foundations of Delta Dental. This groundbreaking initiative leverages the trusted relationships dental hygienists build with their patients to inspire new professionals into the field. MOHC Board Member Dr. Holli Seabury has been instrumental in bringing this program to life. Read more about this exciting effort to strengthen the dental hygiene profession here, or listen to a podcast that discusses the program here.
| | Interactive Exhibits at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum | | |
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) brings oral health education to life with two exciting, interactive exhibits: the Dream Project’s Teeth Exploration Activity and the newly enhanced Mitten Kids Dental Exhibit.
With support from the Delta Dental Foundation, the Dream Project engages children in hands-on dental education by allowing them to examine illuminated dental X-rays and explore the world of dentistry in a fun, stress-free way. At outreach events, kids don paper lab coats, learn about dental care, and take home dental kits to continue the experience with their families.
Inside the museum, the Mitten Kids Dental Exhibit offers an immersive play-based experience where children can role-play as dentists, explore real dental tools, and practice brushing and flossing on a giant set of teeth. A new gallery wall highlights trailblazing dentists, including Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, the first Native American female dentist, inspiring young visitors to see themselves in healthcare careers.
These engaging experiences help children feel comfortable with dental visits while sparking curiosity about dentistry. With support from community partners, GRCM continues to make oral health education accessible and fun. Read more
| | Free Continuing Education | | |
Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 7 – 8 PM EST
Duration: 60 Minutes
CEU: 1
Click to register
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Over the past 22 years, MOHC has advocated for policies and programs that improve oral health for all Michiganders. Our members and partners share a vision that all Michiganders have the knowledge, support, and care they need to achieve optimal oral health.
Why Join MOHC?
Advocacy: We drive policies to improve access to care, including increased Medicaid dental rates, expanded services, and stronger support for safety net clinics.
Education: Offering cutting-edge training on oral health innovations, providing oral health care to people with disabilities, value-based care, and preventive strategies like fluoride, sealants, and HPV vaccinations.
Workforce Development: Cultivating a diverse and culturally competent oral health workforce to better serve Michigan’s communities.
Public Health Leadership: Advocating for initiatives like community water fluoridation, Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments, and HPV vaccination awareness.
Our partnership and membership options, which renew on the calendar year, provide the foundation for MOHC to pursue its mission to optimize oral health for all Michiganders equitably.
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