Jess Rhodes
Director of Clinical Programs - Medicaid
UPMC Health Plan - UPMC for You
What originally sparked your interest in oral health?
The passion of the doers – the hygienists, the dentists, the assistants, etc. It was so exciting to see and to know I could help translate that excitement into programs for implementation on the medical/insurance side of things.
How did you become involved with PCOH?
I attended a PCOH stakeholder meeting and was drawn to the excitement that the team at PCOH shared. The resources, information, and passion is/was profound and really helped me to gain the knowledge I needed to understand the oral health universe and develop meaningful programming.
What is the most challenging part of your work in oral health?
I think the most challenging part of the work is holding the momentum. There are lots of competing priorities in healthcare, so making sure that oral health remains a priority and that oral health continues to have a voice can be difficult.
If you could see one oral health goal reached, what would it be?
That oral health would have a place at the table and be integrated seamlessly. I would love to see the goals of the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030 actualized and where people would have great access to care.
What keeps you motivated?
My kids, my team, my colleagues, and laughter.
I recharge by:
Spending time giving back, laughing, reading, and going
on adventures with my family.
Thank you to Jess Rhodes for contributing to the oral health movement!