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Community Health and Preventive Medicine

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Oral health disparities

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Why I Chose To Practice In Rural Michigan, Lisenia M. Collazo Dmd, Mph Mar 2024

Why I Chose To Practice In Rural Michigan, Lisenia M. Collazo Dmd, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the motivations behind dentists choosing rural practice, focusing on personal experiences and factors influencing career decisions. The narrative outlines the author’s journey from Pennsylvania to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, emphasizing a commitment to addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities. The discussion covers training experiences, financial considerations, community engagement, and the challenges of rural health care. The author also highlights the role of mentorship and advocates for building relationships with mentors in the profession, especially in rural settings. The essay underscores rural practice’s unique advantages, including professional growth, lower living costs, and a supportive community.


President’S Address: Dr. Vince Benivegna, Vince Benivegna Dds Jun 2023

President’S Address: Dr. Vince Benivegna, Vince Benivegna Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Vince Benivegna, the outgoing President of the Michigan Dental Association, addressed the House of Delegates, emphasizing the significant progress in enhancing Adult Dental Medicaid coverage and reimbursement in Michigan. He thanked the dedicated individuals who supported him during his tenure and shared his journey. Dr. Benivegna lauded Michigan's accomplishments in reducing opioid prescribing and highlighted the MDA's role as a model state society in advocacy, leadership, mentorship, continuing education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. He praised Michigan's achievements in improving Adult Dental Medicaid, encouraging Michigan dentists to participate and help address oral health disparities. Dr. Benivegna underscored how this aligns …


J Mich Dent Assoc May 2022 May 2022

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this May 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

  • A feature on “Periodontal Disease and COVID-19"
  • A cover feature introducing Dr. Vince Benivegna 2022-23 MDA President
  • A 10-Minute EBD: “Charcoal Toothpastes Pose Risks with Few Benefits”
  • A Professional Ethics article on “How Can Our Office be More Inclusive of Transgender Patients”
  • News you need: an Editorial, a profile on Dr. Jessica Rikert, recipient of the …


The 2025 Michigan State Oral Health Plan, Ellen Sugrue Hyman Jd Mar 2022

The 2025 Michigan State Oral Health Plan, Ellen Sugrue Hyman Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature article explores the 2025 Michigan State Oral Health Plan (SOHP), a comprehensive initiative developed by the Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) and a statewide coalition, including the Michigan Dental Association (MDA). With a focus on enhancing oral health for all Michigan residents, the SOHP prioritizes addressing economic and racial disparities. The plan, guided by three key goals—Increasing Awareness and Education, Dental-Health Integration, and Access and Infrastructure—aims to improve oral health outcomes. The article discusses the plan's development process, key findings highlighting existing disparities, workforce challenges, and the strategic implementation of the SOHP through collaborative efforts and workgroups.