How one dentist and a multitude of volunteers built Cleveland’s biggest day of smiles
TeamSmile's Cleveland program shows how local volunteers, sports teams and community partners connect children with dental care and healthier smiles.
State of Health
State of Health explores how communities, organizations, and leaders across Michigan are working to address the state’s most pressing health challenges. The series highlights innovative programs, partnerships, and solutions improving health and well-being for residents across the state. Funding for this series comes from a growing coalition of supporters, including Delta Dental Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
Primary care providers help expand oral health access through national training initiative
The 100 Million Mouths Campaign trains primary care providers to identify oral health concerns, expanding access and improving patient care beyond dental offices.
Trinity Health and Michigan community groups will make fresh, local food a Medicaid benefit
A new Trinity Health initiative will allow people in the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids areas to access fresh, affordable produce from local organizations through their Medicaid health plans.
Planet Smilez program gives students hands-on dental career experience
Indiana University hosted the one-day Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Symposium. The mobile program next heads to Michigan universities, expanding students’ exposure to dental careers through hands-on experiences.
Leadership program helps dental directors improve care in underserved communities
Program supports dental leaders in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana with skills to manage clinics, improve care, and advocate for underserved patients.
Indiana health center trains local residents as dental assistants to fill workforce gaps
HealthLinc, a federally qualified health center in Valparaiso, covers training costs while preparing local residents for dental assistant jobs, strengthening workforce pipelines and expanding access to care.
How a sisterhood of dentists is expanding public health across Metro Detroit
A collective of African American women dentists delivers public health care, mentorship, and trust to underserved patients across Detroit, Wayne County, and Macomb County.
Health equity, representation drive Detroit dentist’s mission
Once inspired by a high school mentor, Dr. Michele Bloxson now advances health equity through public dentistry and trauma-informed care.
The Davies Project expands care by connecting families to oral health
With Delta Dental Foundation’s support, The Davies Project, based in Lansing, removes transportation barriers, helping families access dental care as well as critical medical appointments for seriously and chronically ill children and expectant women.
How one school system bridges the care gap with innovative Health Hubs
Detroit’s Health Hubs embed medical, behavioral, and dental care inside schools, ensuring students receive essential services and thrive in class.
