In Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, more than 3.7 million people live in a dental care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), a specific geographic area, population or facility that has a shortage of dental providers. In these areas, it can be especially challenging to find providers who accept Medicaid or offer other types of affordable options for people who are under or uninsured. As a result, many people have desperately few options for care, which negatively impacts their oral and overall health.
The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) is doing its part to encourage the next generation of dentists to practice in HPSAs by offering Community Commitment Awards.
Every year, the DDF commits a total of $125,000 in awards to students from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry, and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Recipients commit to practicing in a designated HPSA in the state in which they attended dental school for at least one year immediately following graduation.
Although each recipient's journey to dentistry looked different, they all have one thing in common: a passion for serving communities in need.
Eduardo Santos, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Eduardo Santos always envisioned working in a health professional shortage area. Growing up and seeing health disparities, he wanted to give patients the oral health they deserve, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
For his first official year of practice, Santos pursued advanced training through a dental residency at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Fewer than 15% of veterans are eligible for dental benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. As a result, the remaining 85% may face significant challenges accessing the oral health care they need.
With veterans, Santos has learned how important it is to express your appreciation for their service. Through showing appreciation, Santos has been able to build trust with patients which keeps them coming back for oral health care and empowers them to take control of their health.
“Just thanking a veteran for their service can make their day. These patients have put their minds and bodies on the line in service of our country. My goal is to pay it forward and give them the best oral health outcomes I can,” Santos said.
Over this past year, Santos has focused his efforts on becoming a better clinician. He feels ready to tackle his next adventure as the sole dentist at a community health center in Cincinnati.
“Each location and patient population are unique. By learning more about my patients I can cater my treatment and work to educate the patients so they understand the importance of their oral health,” Santos said.
David Campbell, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
David Campbell dreamed of playing basketball professionally, and by the time he made it to Fisk University on a basketball scholarship, that dream didn’t seem so farfetched.
His dad? Excited as he was, he wanted Campbell to have a solid backup plan.
Surprisingly, the plan—dentistry—came to Campbell on the way home from a basketball game, and he decided to shadow Dr. Henderson Johnson IV, a local dentist, to learn more. Campbell fell in love with the profession. He most appreciated connecting with patients and helping them learn. By building relationships, he made patients feel comfortable and safe, even if that wasn’t something they’d experienced before.
The backup plan paid off. When Campbell tragically experienced a career-ending injury, he turned his attention to a dental degree, first working in his mentor's dental office as both an admin and a dental assistant. The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Dentistry came later.
“The day I was supposed to attend an informational session at OSU about their dental school, I was sick, but I decided to show up anyway with a friend who encouraged me,” Campbell said. That day, Campbell met Jae Denson, director of OSU’s DentPath Program, which helps students from underserved backgrounds who have a desire to serve their community become more competitive and successful in the dental school environment.
“I always wanted to provide care to those who might not otherwise have access,” Campbell said. “My dentist was an African American, and going to him showed me just how much of an impact it has when your provider looks like you and is aware of the challenges you face.”
It’s a big reason why Campbell felt called to Equitas Health in Columbus, a health center that boasts “Care for All.” Now, he cares for a variety of patients who have experienced historic and systemic inequities or discrimination.
“A lot of them are afraid because they have been marginalized and faced discrimination being African American or part of the LGBTQ+ community,” Campbell said. “Because I dealt with similar fears when I was a patient, I can speak to that side and help them become comfortable. Getting to know them as well as them getting to know me helps a lot.”
Brock Spangle, Indiana University School of Dentistry
After being in Indianapolis for dental school, Brock Spangle couldn’t wait to get back to the small-town community he grew up in. So, when the opportunity to practice dentistry near his hometown presented itself, he took it.
“Warsaw has grown a lot since I was a kid, but at its heart is the small-town community feel. We take care of one another, and people would do anything for those around them,” Spangle said. “Dentistry is my gift.”
His clinic partners with the K21 Foundation, a local nonprofit that offers free emergency dental services to those who meet certain income criteria. While these patients only make up a portion of Spangle’s work, they have a large impact on him.
“One day, a patient was in the clinic for nine hours,” Spangle said, referring to a person who experienced extensive dental trauma following a domestic violence situation. “I kept encouraging her that this would be worth it in the end. Now, she’s an established patient who comes back for routine care. After every appointment she gives me a hug.”
Cases like these keep him going. Spangle finds it rewarding when he’s able to get patients out of a painful situation—and when patients are receptive to considering treatment plans that preserve, rather than extract, teeth.
“After education, I like that I can get them to change their acceptance of losing teeth, and I hope that this knowledge will help future generations as well,” Spangle said.
Rebecca Larson, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Rebecca Larson grew up on a tribal reservation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she saw firsthand the need for quality, affordable dental care. There are few dentists in the Upper Peninsula, and even fewer who accept Medicaid or offer low- or no-cost care. Many drive hours to access dental care and often experience monthslong wait times to get in for an appointment. For people living on reservations, it can also be difficult to trust oral health professionals who are not from the community.
Larson wanted to change that.
After starting her career as a dental assistant, Larson went to dental school with the goal of coming back and serving the Upper Peninsula at the Lac Vieux Desert Health Center in Watersmeet, Michigan.
“I love helping people achieve their teeth goals. Seeing the smiles on the faces and how happy they are is my favorite part of my job,” Larson said.
Larson’s commitment to her community shows. When taking continuing education courses, she focuses on what will benefit her patients—skills like oral surgery or molar root canals that many general dentists refer to specialists. She’s also shadowing an oral surgeon who practices seasonally at her clinic so she can offer more surgical services in the future. According to Larson, few oral surgeons in the Upper Peninsula accept Medicaid.
“I want to provide whatever care I can to patients. I get to see all sorts of patients, from kiddos to the elderly, and they all come in with different needs,” Larson said.
Another crucial part of her job is educating patients and encouraging them to establish a dental home—whether at her clinic or somewhere else. Larson often sees people who have never been to a dentist before, which is why she encourages everyone to ask questions.
“There is never a dull moment. I enjoy getting to hear from a variety of people and learn about their experiences,” Larson said.
The University of Detroit Mercy did not select a Community Commitment Award recipient for 2023. To learn more about Delta Dental Foundation scholarships and student awards, click here.