Bridging Gaps for Pediatric Oral Health: A Community-Based Initiative

Hi! I'm Eunji, a first-year student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. My journey into the world of dental care and interest in health equity began with a transformative moment in the summer of 2020. I was shadowing a pediatric dentist, eager to gain more experience in an oral healthcare setting. Little did I know, this experience would shatter my preconceptions and ignite a passion of addressing systemic barriers to dental care access, especially among underserved communities.

In the dental office, I witnessed firsthand the stark contrast in oral health experiences among children. Some children first stepped foot in a dentist at the age of six with their first cavities, while some came as months-old infants who were too young to take an x-ray or even sit on the dental chair. They laid their tiny head on the dentist’s lap as equipment about the size of their hand probed their mouths. Given the parents’ lack of awareness on preventive care such as flossing or dietary care and the barriers to accessing oral healthcare, it was perhaps fated that the babies had an uncountable number of cavities. It became clear to me that healthy teeth were not just a matter of luck; they were deeply intertwined with socioeconomic factors that disproportionately affect certain communities.

This pivotal moment shaped my journey through dental school. I wanted to better understand the professional approach that could bridge the gap that exists in oral healthcare for underserved communities. So, when I came across the application for the Health Equity Challenge, I knew immediately what I wanted to do.

My proposal for the Health Equity Challenge focuses on addressing oral health disparities among low-income children in Michigan, in collaboration with Smiles on Wheels, a community-based organization dedicated to ensuring all children receive the oral healthcare they deserve. Together, we wanted to tackle the aftermath of the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law, which mandates children's oral health assessment upon entering kindergarten or 1st grade.

Our goal is to create a comprehensive system to guide children after assessment, ensuring they receive continued dental care. We want to build a dental home for these children, a place they can rely on for the rest of their lives, and empower parents to advocate for their children’s oral health through constant communication and education.

While developing a system instead of focusing on a single intervention felt daunting at first, I remained true to my passion for making a meaningful difference in children's lives. Through conversations with mentors and staff at Smiles on Wheels, I've learned so much and found inspiration in their shared commitment to health equity and social justice.

As I reflect on my journey preparing for the Health Equity Challenge, I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and contribute to positive change in oral healthcare access for underserved communities. Regardless of the outcome of the Health Equity Challenge, the invaluable experiences and lessons I've gained will continue to drive my efforts in reducing disparities within oral healthcare settings.