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. | | Visit MOHC at the MDA Annual Session | | |
Stop by Booth #20 at the Michigan Dental Association Annual Session and connect with the Michigan Oral Health Coalition! Learn more about our latest initiatives, pick up some great swag, and find out how you can get involved in advancing oral health across the state. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Executive Directive 2025-3:
Protecting Medicaid Coverage for Michiganders
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On April 17, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2025-3 in response to proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could have devastating consequences for Michigan. Medicaid currently provides health coverage to over 2.6 million residents—one in four Michiganders—including 1 million children, 300,000 people with disabilities, and 168,000 seniors. Cuts under consideration in Congress would represent the largest reduction in the program’s history, threatening access to care for vulnerable populations and placing the sustainability of hospitals, community health centers, and nursing homes —particularly in rural communities —at risk.
In Michigan, over 70% of Medicaid funding comes from federal dollars. A proposed reduction of up to $2 billion annually would force providers to close, eliminate critical services, like dental care to adults and children, and jeopardize jobs supported by the healthcare sector, which contributes more than $77 billion to the state economy each year.
Governor Whitmer has directed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with other state agencies, to prepare a report outlining the full impact of these proposed cuts. The report will assess how many residents may lose coverage, the potential for healthcare deserts, and the strain on Michigan’s state budget and healthcare infrastructure. Click to view the full directive.
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You can join the many other stakeholder organizations across the state and country who are advocating to protect Medicaid. While we encourage you to schedule time with your federally elected Representative and Senator to discuss the impact federal cuts can have on Michiganders, you can also join existing campaigns that allow you to sign-on to letters or easily send emails:
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State Budget Update
House, Senate Continue to Take Presentations from State Departments
House and Senate appropriations subcommittees continue to take testimony from state departments on the Governor’s Executive Recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025-2025 (FY 26) budget, which was presented in February.
Concerns around the impact of federal cuts on the state of Michigan and, subsequently, the FY 26 budget continue to be voiced by the Whitmer administration and state departments that utilize federal dollars. This most notably includes the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The State Budget Office has publicly shared that the state cannot sustain significant federal cuts long-term, but one-time spending could be covered through the state’s $2.2 billion rainy day fund.
Most recently, MDHHS’ Senior Deputy Director of Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration, Meghan Groen, and Director of Strategic Partnerships and Medicaid Administrative Services, Erin Emerson, presented to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on DHHS on Michigan’s Medicaid Program. Their presentation covered an overview of how Medicaid is funded in the state, what those funds are used for, and the potential impact of federal changes. Accompanying documents include Medicaid and Health Michigan Plan enrollment, payments, and cost by district for FY 23 as well as updated enrollment numbers for FY 24.
Legislative Update
Legislature Returns from Spring Break
The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate began their spring break period at the end of March and returned early April to continue legislative business.
Regulatory Update
MDHHS Releases Annual Dental Redesign Report
MDHHS released their annual Dental Redesign Report on April 1, 2025. As required by boilerplate in the state budget, the report details information on the implementation of the Adult Medicaid dental benefit redesign, including the number of providers offering Medicaid dental services, status of care coordination, the array of covered dental benefits and services, and information on the Health Kids Dental program.
Policy Committee Update
As House and Senate members continue their FY 26 budget discussions, MOHC members are encouraged to meet with their legislators in their district at local events, town halls, or coffee hours to advocate for our Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026 Budget Priorities. You can find your elected officials here.
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From Insight to Impact:
Driving Oral Health Change with Data, Dialogue & Determination
Thursday-Friday, June 5-6, 2025
AC Hotel by Marriott Lansing
13 CEUs (Live and In-person)
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Join us for the 2025 Michigan Oral Health Coalition Annual Session!
This two-day event brings together leaders in public health, dentistry, policy, and community organizations to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities shaping oral health in Michigan.
Day One highlights include caries management innovations, fluoride’s role in community health, effective messaging, and minimally invasive care. We'll also cover dental anesthesia access and reimbursement, and host an interactive discussion on Michigan’s 2030 State Oral Health Plan. The day wraps up with a lively networking event at Lansing Shuffle, generously hosted by the Delta Dental Foundation.
Day Two dives into legislative and regulatory updates, Medicaid policy, workforce challenges, and recruitment strategies. You'll also hear about the Hygienists Inspired program—a new initiative to strengthen the dental hygiene workforce.
| | MOHC Joins Protect MI Care Coalition | | |
More than 2.6 million Michiganders – approximately one in four people in our state – rely on Medicaid for essential care. If Congress enacts proposed Medicaid cuts, every Michigander will feel the impact, not just Medicaid recipients, because if a hospital or clinic closes or a job is lost, everyone will bear the weight of those changes.
We’ve joined the Protect MI Care Coalition to defend Michigan’s health care system from devastating federal Medicaid cuts that threaten the well-being of our communities and the strength of our economy.
Learn more and read our letter to Michigan’s Congressional Delegation.
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Unified Letter on Community Water Fluoridation
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MOHC is proud to join over 250 leading public health, dental, and advocacy organizations nationwide in signing a unified letter to U.S. Representatives and Senators in support of community water fluoridation. As an evidence-based, cost-effective public health measure, water fluoridation remains one of the most effective tools for preventing dental disease—particularly among populations most vulnerable to oral health disparities. MOHC stands firmly against efforts to strip local and state authority over water fluoridation and urges policymakers to consider the overwhelming scientific consensus affirming its safety and effectiveness. We are committed to ensuring that all Michiganders, especially those with the least access to care, benefit from proven strategies that protect and promote oral health. Read the unified letter.
| | 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 Member Receives Award | | |
Congratulations to MOHC board member Christine Farrell, RDH, MPH, ELS, on receiving the prestigious McClure Memorial President’s Award from the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) during this year’s National Oral Health Conference. With over 36 years of dedicated service at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a legacy of leadership across state and national oral health initiatives, Chris has made an indelible impact on public health. Her unwavering commitment, from directing the state’s oral health program to mentoring future professionals and volunteering at community care events, embodies the spirit of this honor. We are proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition!
| | Free Continuing Education | | |
CareQuest Webinar
Dental Ethics:
Navigating Dilemmas and Ensuring Well-Being in Daily Practice
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 7 – 8 PM EST
Duration: 60 Minutes
CEU: 1
Click to register
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CareQuest Webinar
Sensory Overload in Patients: Approaches for Supportive Care
Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 7 – 8 PM EST
Duration: 60 Minutes
CEU: 1
Click to register
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CareQuest Webinar
Periodontal Diagnosis and Classification for Clinical Practice Date: Thursday, May 22
Time: 7 – 8 PM EST
Duration: 60 Minutes
CEU: 1
Click to register
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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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