We are excited to share that Christine Farrell, RDH, BSDH, MPA, Oral Health Program Director at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and MOHC Board Member, along with Sandy Sutton, RDH, BS, MDHHS, Fluoridation Coordinator, have been featured in the latest issue of the Journal of Dental Hygiene. Their guest editorial explores the critical role of fluoride in promoting oral health and preventing dental disease. Read the full article here.

Safety net organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that underserved populations—including individuals with disabilities—have access to essential healthcare services. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have announced a funding opportunity designed to support these organizations in their mission.

If your organization provides services within Michigan’s safety net system—whether in medical, dental, behavioral health, or disability support—this initiative offers resources to enhance care accessibility and improve health outcomes for people with disabilities. The call for applications is now open, making this an essential read for organizations looking to strengthen their impact. Read the full article here.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oral Health Program, in collaboration with the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), conducted a survey to assess academic institutions’ interest and capacity to establish dental therapy programs in Michigan. The findings, outlined in the Dental Therapy Survey Report, highlight growing interest among institutions and identify key technical assistance and funding needs to support program development. As Michigan continues to address oral health workforce shortages, these insights provide a roadmap for advancing dental therapy education and expanding access to care in underserved communities. Click here to read the condensed report. If you are interested in the full report, please email Mona Riaz at RiazM@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month by announcing a $300,000 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) to support SEAL! Michigan and community water fluoridation programs.

“The SEAL! Michigan program and community water fluoridation continue to improve oral health for all Michigan families,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Studies have shown that investments in oral health, like those from the Delta Dental Foundation, drive lasting improvements to improved overall health for the Michigan children and families directly served.”

“Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime,” said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the DDF. “Early oral health interventions and education can help create healthy habits that will keep our kids smiling for years to come.”

Oral health is an integral part of overall health, especially for children. Healthy teeth can help children eat nutritious foods, speak and smile, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Preventing pain from tooth decay can also help them focus on schoolwork.

During the last school year, SEAL! Michigan provided oral health screenings to nearly 11,000 children, noting that almost one-third needed early dental care, and more than 37% had untreated cavities. All told, SEAL! Michigan teams placed more than 45,000 sealants.

Dental sealants are thin coatings that, when painted on the teeth, coat the dips and grooves on the top of teeth, preventing bacteria and food from getting caught and causing cavities. SEAL! Michigan offers sealants, dental screenings, fluoride applications and oral health education to elementary and middle school students—all during the school day. 

Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing once a day, drinking water instead of sugary beverages, and visiting the dentist regularly are great ways to prevent cavities. But dental sealants can provide added protection against tooth decay. 

The community water fluoridation funding covers new and replacement equipment to community water suppliers to promote the initiation and continuation of fluoridation across Michigan. Local governments make final decisions about fluoridation. Since 2010, this grant has provided support for 73 communities to ensure more than 1.5 million people have access to fluoridated water.

Fluoride works by creating a shield on the tooth’s surface that helps prevent damage from acids created by food and drink. The result is strengthened tooth enamel, which makes cavities less severe, reduces tooth loss, and lessens pain caused by tooth decay. More than 75 years of scientific research has shown that water fluoridation is safe and can help reduce tooth decay by 25% over a person’s lifetime.

For more information about SEAL! Michigan and community water fluoridation, visit Michigan.gov/OralHealth.

Become a 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.