The Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) is pleased to announce that Michigan now has its first licensed dental therapist. Dana Obey, DT, joined Bay Mills Health Center as the first dental therapist in our state in September 2025. In 2022, Dana received the MPCA Dental Therapy Scholarship and worked to gain her degree in the dax̌aybus Dental Therapy Program at Skagit Valley College in Washington state. We are thrilled to welcome Dana back to Michigan following an intense CODA-accredited education program.
Dana has not only been a diligent student but also a vocal advocate about the importance of dental care in underserved communities, penning an op-ed for Bridge Michigan, sharing her story with the Michigan Health Council, and sharing her experiences working in a mobile dental unit and the 1000 Smiles program in Jamaica.
“I am proud to be the first dental therapist in Michigan because I have the opportunity every single day to show others how rewarding this career can be and the powerful impact a dental therapist can have on improving access to oral health care in underserved communities. I hope my journey inspires others to join this profession,” Obey said. “Becoming Michigan’s first dental therapist is more than a career milestone–it’s an opportunity to go above and beyond to provide a safe space where patients feel respected and heard. I’ve seen firsthand how, with the right support, tools, and education, lasting lifestyle changes are possible.”
MPCA is honored to support Dana on her journey, and we are happy to welcome her back to her home state of Michigan. We are confident that Dana will be a valuable addition to the Bay Mills Health Center team, bringing compassionate care to her community.
To learn more about Dental Therapy in Michigan, contact Misty Davis, Oral Health Integration Manager at [email protected].