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.

Michigan Oral Health Coalition is excited to welcome four outstanding professionals to the Board of Directors. Please join us in recognizing Elizabeth Johnson, RDH, BS; Elizabeth Pitts, RDH, MS; Darshika Shah, DDS; and Leigh Ann Wahl, DMD, MBA as our newest board members. Their diverse expertise and commitment to advancing oral health will be a tremendous asset to the coalition. View all MOHC Board of Directors.

The Michigan Healthcare Workforce Report highlights a growing imbalance within Michigan’s dental workforce. Dentists ranked as the state’s strongest-performing healthcare occupation, based on an analysis of wages, job growth, workforce shortages, and turnover. In stark contrast, dental hygienists and dental assistants were ranked 35th and 36th—last among all healthcare roles—underscoring serious concerns around recruitment, retention, and long-term sustainability.

As MOHC continues to advocate for policies and programs that strengthen the entire dental care team, this report reinforces the urgent need for strategic investment and cross-sector collaboration to address workforce shortages and ensure equitable access to care across Michigan. Read more

CareQuest Webinar Beyond Compliance: Cultivating a Culture of Safety and Ethics in Dentistry

Date: Thursday, August 7

Time: 7-8 p.m.

CEU: 1

Click to register

MOHC Webinar The Michigan Opioid Crisis and Responding With Naloxone

Date: Thursday, August 21

Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

CEUs: 1.5

Click to register

CareQuest Webinar

Fluoride & IQ: Separating Fact from Fiction

Date: Thursday, August 28

Time: 7-8 p.m.

CEU: 1

Click to register

CareQuest Webinar

Evidence-Based Practice in Oral Health

Date: Thursday, September 11

Time: 7-8 p.m.

CEU: 1

Click to register

Have you experienced the life-changing power of dental care through Medicaid? Or are you a provider who has seen firsthand how access to care can transform lives? The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) is gathering real-life stories that show why Medicaid dental benefits matter to share with our elected officials and voters across the state.

We’re looking for:

• Patients who have received dental care as Medicaid beneficiaries and are willing to share how it impacted their lives
• Providers who have treated Medicaid patients and witnessed the transformative effect of care
• Your story can help improve and protect access to strong oral health care in Michigan.

If you're interested in sharing your experience, please reach out to Kimberly Raleigh at KRaleigh@mohc.org

A new statewide poll reveals overwhelming support for Michigan’s adult dental program, with 81% of voters—across party lines—favoring continued care for low-income adults, including seniors and veterans. Conducted by EPIC/MRA, the survey underscores that Michiganders view access to dental care as a critical need, not a luxury. As budget talks continue in Lansing, voters are sending a clear message: protect essential dental benefits. Read more

Let your elected officials know the value and importance of Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments (KOHA). Dedicated funding for this critical program is at risk—and your voice matters.

How You Can Help

Now is the time to take action. MOHC is urging its members and supporters to reach out to their elected officials to:

• Share the value of KOHA—highlight how the program identifies children in need of urgent dental care
• Urge lawmakers to restore dedicated funding—separate from per-pupil allocations

Ask for their commitment to keeping this program in the final budget

The Issue

Funding for KOHA, along with other school-based health programs like Hearing and Vision Screening, is on the chopping block in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025–2026 School Aid Budget.

The House Republican proposal removes KOHA’s dedicated line item and instead folds that money into general per-pupil funding. While it may appear to streamline resources, this move threatens the viability of KOHA in Michigan schools.

• Since October 2024, KOHA has screened more than 18,000 children
• 1 in 4 were referred for urgent dental care

Without a dedicated budget line, schools may no longer be able to offer these vital screenings.

Michigan Legislation Explained

Michigan’s state government has three branches: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. This alert focuses on the Legislative Branch, which is made up of two chambers:

• Michigan House of Representatives (110 members, elected every 2 years). Republicans hold a majority in the chamber with 58 seats.
• Michigan Senate (38 members, elected every 4 years). Democrats hold a majority in the chamber with 19 seats.

Together, these two chambers make up the Michigan Legislature, which is responsible for passing laws and approving the state budget—including funding for public health programs like KOHA.

The House and Senate did not meet the July 1 deadline to pass the K–12 budget. Negotiations are ongoing and expected to continue throughout July and August—creating a critical window for advocacy.



What This Means

If KOHA’s dedicated funding is not maintained:

• Schools may lose the ability to offer dental screenings
• Thousands of children could miss early interventions that prevent pain, school absences, and costly emergency care

Take Action Now

Use the links below to find your legislators and send a message today:

• Find Your State Representative
• Find Your State Senator
• Attend a Coffee Hour