October 2025
Benita Campbell
Leader in the Legislative and Research Team
Put People First! PA
What originally sparked your interest in oral health?
Luckily, I’ve had regular checkups since I was in elementary school. So I don’t really remember a time when oral health wasn’t a part of my life. However, good oral health is critical to overall health. Being involved with PPF-PA and PCOH has made me aware that our human right to dental care is being denied in Pennsylvania, and that is shameful.
How did you become involved with PCOH?
Another leader, Jacob Hope, introduced me to PCOH. PPF-PA has been partnering with PCOH for years in our struggle to restore the adult dental benefit in Medicaid.
What is the most challenging part of your work in oral health?
Our inhumane health care system is a challenge for most people. It separates dental care (as well as vision, hearing, and podiatry) from the rest of health care to maximize profits by denying essential care. Pennsylvanians who cannot afford good health insurance certainly cannot afford a dental plan that covers all their needed dental care. This condemns the poor and working class to seek charity care, available a few times a year (where they might drive far to attend free dental clinics only to wait out in the elements for hours and are often sent home without being seen because the need far outweighs the services). Moreover, the cheapest solution to their dental problems is extraction, even though many teeth could be saved. But charity care does not provide those more expensive services. And it doesn’t provide dentures either. Having missing teeth is embarrassing, and somehow this is tolerated in the richest country in the world. Pennsylvania in particular needs only to invest $18 million to restore the dental benefit. Everyone deserves regular checkups, to develop long-term relationships with clinicians, and to receive the care they need throughout their lives. This would improve the health of all Pennsylvanians and help them to live fulfilling and productive lives.
If you could see one oral health goal reached, what would it be?
Restore the adult dental benefit to Medicaid (and then expand Medicaid to all who want it).
What keeps you motivated?
Honest personal relationships with other PPF-PA leaders, attending and participating in organizational and political education meetings, people’s clinics, actions, and door-knocking. Monthly meetings with PCOH help inform not just me, but other leaders in PPF-PA.
I recharge by:
Watching movies, listening to live music, going to the gym, and breaking bread with family and friends.
Thank you to Benita Campbell for contributing to the oral health movement!