MPCA’s January 2025 Newsletter is here! In this issue we celebrate Social Determinants of Health Month, share UDS reporting resources and highlight upcoming MPCA events and learning opportunities for health center staff. Plus, we share info about our Endorsed Business Partner, Bio-MED Regulated Waste Solutions and shine our Sponsor Spotlight on MPCA Annual Conference Gold Sponsor, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Read the full newsletter here.
Tell us about the time you spent in Jamaica for the 1000 Smiles dental project- why were you there and what did you learn?
Last year, Dr. Ronald Gutu taught a portion of our pharmacology requirements and shared his experiences with the Washington Oral Surgery residents whom he mentored in previous years and volunteered with 1000 smiles dental project. Dr. Gutu thought this project could benefit from our skill set and we could also gain exposure with a different cultural setting who are suffering with limited access to care. My class participated in the 2023 and 2024 dental project and each year was equally rewarding for the locals and dental professionals.
Because the project relies heavily on professional volunteers, the number and type of professionals varies each year. The first year, there were an abundance of Hygiene students including my cohort of dental therapy students. This year, there was a shortage of Dental Hygienists and fewer general dentists. Due to the shortage of providers, my cohort of dental therapy students was able to provide care when otherwise wouldn’t have been an option. Last year, I noticed many patients suffered from Heavy calculus and periodontal disease with few high caries risk patients in comparison to this year where we treated more children with fractured teeth and treated endo access restorations. The 1000 smiles program was gifted new equipment for endodontic therapy and performed endo for those in need and we were able to help with the definitive restoration and cleanings. Another invaluable experience was working with the oral surgery residents. They were enthusiastic about our skill set and helped build confidence with extractions. This is a skill that is best learned by performing the procedure vs. reading or observing about it which is why their positivity and support for our role was humbling.
Unique to Jamaica – they eat a lot of fresh fruits and proteins which may be why we see more calculus and less caries.
Many have third molars in occlusion – larger mandibles, less crowding and minimal caries.
The patient whom I treated for a cleaning, had a tooth that bothered her a few years ago and it stopped hurting. When I cleaned her teeth I found the initial cavitated lesion under layers of tenacious occlusal buccal calculus. She returned for treatment later in the week. In this case, many times treatment can’t be started until other areas are addressed first.
And you were invited to come back this year?
1000 smiles, Papa Joe and staff seem to really appreciate our skill set and welcome us back each year. I reached out to Dr. Warren and Tye Smith to advocate for my cohort as well as the 2nd year students to experience this opportunity in a different cultural setting.
I helped advocate for the continuation of dental therapy cohorts at SVC to participate in the 1000 Smiles Dental Project organized by Great Shape from October 21st to October 25th in Jamaica. I am thrilled to report that the value of integrating dental therapists within an established dental team was recognized, embraced, and appreciated. I take great pride in the work we accomplished and the positive impact we made on the lives of those we served. Dental therapists are gaining recognition, and our class, equipped with unique academic experiences, impressed fellow dental professionals with our skill set and professionalism. Each of us was eager to contribute and consistently strived to perform at the highest level of our capabilities.
How long were you in Jamacia providing dental care and what age group did you work with?
I spent two days educating over 1200 children from grades 1-6. This was by far the most rewarding experience of my life!
Cute comments from the children:
What are some cultural differences you experienced?
The children stand when a guest enters the room. They will not sit until the guest has introduced themselves and states, “Thank you, you may be seated”. The children also greet a guest in sequence, Welcome to grade 3 where excellence is achieved through hard work. (each class their own values and shared this during the class greeting). At the end of each presentation: one student would personally Thank us for the education, knowledge, and gifts we brought to their classroom. Every female is greeted as, Miss. The level of gratitude was unmeasurable!
What are some things you learned from the children?
Baking soda and salt are often used when toothpaste is not available. They add salt for a more abrasive effect. Leaf of life is often used to treat inflammation and aids in wound healing.
Side note: Google says it’s known to have antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral capabilities when used by a qualified herbalist.
What was your most memorable conversation?
A 6th grade boy expressed a great deal of knowledge during my oral health demonstration. I was impressed with the knowledge he shared in this short amount of time. After the demonstration, as I walked out of the classroom, he approached me one last time.
6th Grader: “Miss, I really want to thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.”
Me: “Did you learn anything new?”
6th Grader (in an excited tone): “Oh yes miss. Yes, I did.”
He pulled out two small teeth from his pocket. He had saved his primary teeth that had fallen out and began explaining how he had not been taught to floss and his teeth had decay in-between them. He further explained how valuable it was to hear it from me as the information was like what he had learned on his own.
Me: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
6th Grader: “Oh miss, I WILL be a DOCTOR. You see, my mother threw me away when I was born. But God had different plans for me. I know I will be a doctor.” (With such confidence)
Me: “I believe you will be!” (Gave him the biggest hug ever!)
Naturally, it was difficult holding back the tears, but this was truly the most memorable experience in addition to delivering an effective oral health presentation.
____
Dana is a recipient of the MPCA Dental Therapy Scholarship.
MPCA is announcing our 2025 In-Person Events! Keep these dates in mind as you plan out your year. We look forward to seeing everyone in-person throughout 2025.
MPCA’s December Newsletter is here! This issue includes Policy and Advocacy Updates, an important reminder for MQIN members and info about our Endorsed Business Partners Acrisure Cyber Services and CAREMINDr. We highlight upcoming MPCA events and learning opportunities for health center staff. Plus, we shine our Sponsor Spotlight on MPCA Annual Conference Gold Sponsor, HAP Caresource.
Read the full newsletter here.
The Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) will join the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) on Capitol Hill this Wednesday, December 4th for a National Fly-In Event. MPCA and Michigan health center staff will be part of a delegation of hundreds of Community Health Center leaders traveling from around the country, in addition to thousands of health center supporters participating in a National Day of Action from their communities, to meet with policymakers from both sides of the aisle.
Read the full press release here.
Today is National Rural Health Day! This year’s theme is “Advancing Maternal Health in Rural Communities.” We wanted to recognize the MPCA member health centers that are working to improve maternal health in rural communities. We applaud the following health centers for their dedication and innovation in this important space:
Learn more about National Rural Health Day here.
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week we are highlighting some of the apprentices working and learning in Michigan health centers. Olivia Wickey, CCMA has completed Grace Health’s MA Apprenticeship Program.
Learn more about National Apprenticeship Week here.
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week we are highlighting some of the apprentices working and learning in Michigan health centers. Imani Henry, MA is currently in Grace Health’s MA Apprenticeship Program.
Learn more about National Apprenticeship Week here.
MPCA’s November Newsletter is out now! This issue includes info about National Apprenticeship Week, advocacy and Quorum updates, free family planning supply opportunities and the migration of the Michigan Health Alert Network. We highlight learning and funding opportunities and upcoming events. Finally, we provide info on how our Endorsed Business Partner, Managed Care Advisory Group can help health centers recover their share of $10 billion in settlements and shine our Sponsor Spotlight on NextGen Healthcare.
Read the full Newsletter here.
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MPCA’s October Newsletter is out now! We have a slew of MPCA Updates including MCHN’s new Credentialing Service, plans for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and congratulations for 8 of our member health centers that received funding for behavioral health expansion. We highlight learning and survey opportunities and upcoming events. Finally, we provide info on our Endorsed Business Partner, CAREMINDr and shine our Sponsor Spotlight on Aledade.
Read the full Newsletter here.
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