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. | | FY26 State Budget Update: Protecting Oral Health in Michigan | | |
The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) is pleased to share that Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY26) budget maintains strong investments in oral health programs that improve access and equity across the state. Thanks to the collective advocacy of MOHC members, partners, and legislative champions, the final FY26 budget protects critical funding and expands resources for communities in need.
Adult dental services under Medicaid were preserved, ensuring continued preventive and restorative care for low-income adults. The $3 million dental services reimbursement increase was retained, allowing hospitals and surgical centers to continue treating medically complex dental patients. Lawmakers also approved $4 million for safety-net provider rate enhancements for those with a local health department agreement.
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry’s $1 million Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) allocation was included, supporting care for thousands of underserved patients and helping to sustain Michigan’s dental workforce training pipeline. The Michigan Dental Association’s (MDA) Volunteer Dental Program remains funded at $200,000, and the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) program continues with a $4.26 million investment to ensure children entering school receive a dental screening. Healthy Kids Dental coverage is also maintained, continuing vital preventive care for children statewide.
In addition, the budget includes $2.9 million for United Way of Northwest Michigan to acquire a building to house a dental clinic, and $1.5 million for a wellness center that will include a pediatric and sedation dentistry clinic.
MOHC extends heartfelt thanks to members, advocates, and policymakers who worked tirelessly to protect these programs. Together, we continue advancing oral health as a cornerstone of Michigan’s public health system. Read MOHC's press release here.
| | Knock Tobacco Out of the Park | | |
On October 6, public health advocates gathered at Detroit’s Corner Ballpark to rally support for a new city ordinance that would prohibit all tobacco use—including smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches—at Detroit’s professional sports stadiums. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Fred Durhal, aims to protect youth, promote healthy lifestyles, and finally “Knock Tobacco Out of the Park.”
MOHC Board President Dr. Mert N. Aksu, who also serves as Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, spoke at the event, emphasizing the oral health harms caused by smokeless tobacco and nicotine products and the importance of policy change in preventing addiction among young athletes. Read the full press release here.
| | Action Alert: Water Fluoridation in Wyandotte | | |
The Issue
The City of Wyandotte removed fluoride from its public water supply in 2015 without public notice, despite clear evidence of the benefits of community water fluoridation (CWF) and its decades-long success in protecting oral health.
This decision comes amid broader issues identified by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which found “significant deficiencies” in Wyandotte’s water system. The city has since entered into an agreement with the State of Michigan to correct these issues, but fluoride has not yet been restored.
Why This Matters
Community water fluoridation remains one of the most effective and equitable ways to prevent tooth decay. Removing it, particularly without community input, threatens the health of residents and could embolden similar actions elsewhere in Michigan.
What You Can Do
We need your help to urge the City of Wyandotte to restore and maintain community water fluoridation as a critical public health measure.
Sign the Letter of Support (organizations & practices)
We invite organizations, institutions, associations, and offices/practices to join MOHC and partners in a letter of support urging Wyandotte to restore and maintain community water fluoridation (CWF).
MOHC will submit sign-ons ahead of the Oct. 22 Wyandotte Municipal Services Commission hearing and again before the Oct. 27 City Council meeting. All participating organizations will be listed among the undersigned supporters.
Engage in the Wyandotte Municipal Services Commission (WMS)
Attend the public hearings on fluoridation:
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Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. – Wyandotte Municipal Services Commission Meeting, Council Chambers of Wyandotte City Hall, 3200 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI.
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Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. – Wyandotte Municipal Services Commission Meeting, Council Chambers of Wyandotte City Hall, 3200 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI. A policy recommendation vote is expected to take place at this meeting following the closure of the public hearing.
Submit written comments to Commissioners:
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Use the “Email all the commissioners” link on the WMS Commission page: https://www.wyan.org/wms_commission/index.php
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Suggested subject: “For Public Record: Support for Restoring CWF”. Begin with your role (e.g., dentist, hygienist, pediatrician, practice manager, resident), and keep your comments evidence-based and respectful.
A strong turnout is critical to show support for restoring community water fluoridation. Public comment of three minutes per person will be allowed. Please review the following resources and consider attending.
Resources:
- Fluoridation Resources from the ADA
- Fluoridation Resources from the AAP
- Fluoridation Resources from the CDC
- Fluoridation Resources from ILikeMyTeeth.org
Thank you for considering this important opportunity to stand with partners across Michigan in supporting the health of Wyandotte residents!
| | Help Advance Oral Health in Long-Term Care | | |
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is conducting a study to better understand how dental hygienists support oral health in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. Your input will provide valuable insights into state-specific practices, regulations, and innovative models that can improve care for older adults.
Take the survey (5 minutes).
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MOHC Fall Member & Community Meeting
Friday, Nov. 14
9 to 11:00 a.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration opening soon!
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MOHC Advocacy Day
Wednesday, May 13
State Capital, Lansing
Registration opening in January!
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MOHC Annual Conference
Thursday-Friday, May 14-15
DoubleTree, Lansing
Registration opening in January!
| | Free Continuing Education | | Call for Philanthropic Leadership in Oral Health | | |
ASTDD, in partnership with NNOHA and AAPHD, has released a Call to Action highlighting the urgent need—and opportunity—for the philanthropic community to invest in prevention, workforce, research, and systems-building as federal support for oral health is drastically reduced. We stand with state and territorial oral health programs, offering guidance, technical assistance, and advocacy to ensure programs can continue serving their communities. ASTDD is committed to equipping our members with the resources and partnerships needed to sustain oral health infrastructure during this time of transition. Read the Call to Action.
With federal infrastructure for oral health facing significant cuts, we stand at a pivotal moment. What may appear as a setback is also an unprecedented opportunity for philanthropy to lead. To capture this moment, the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA), the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD), and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) have issued a Call to Action that outlines how philanthropic leadership can strengthen prevention, workforce, research, and systems-building in ways that will shape the future of oral and overall health.
Your voice and platform are essential in ensuring this message reaches far and wide. We humbly ask for your support in amplifying the Call to Action by:
- Sharing the Call to Action across your networks and communications channels.
- Highlighting the opportunities it presents for philanthropy to fill critical gaps and accelerate innovation.
- Engaging your partners in conversations about how collective action can sustain and expand oral health progress.
By raising awareness together, we can ensure that funders, policymakers, and health leaders recognize both the urgency and opportunity of this moment. Amplification will help mobilize resources and secure the partnerships needed to protect decades of progress—and build the next generation of solutions for prevention and care.
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Become an MOHC Member
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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