May 2025

My interest in oral health and health care was sparked during my time working with a small Medicaid managed care organization that's no longer around (HealthMate) and later at the HealthChoices enrollment broker, where I witnessed firsthand the disparities in access to care among Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations. I often encountered employees, individuals, and families who lacked dental insurance or had limited access to providers, which deeply impacted their overall health and quality of life. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical role oral health plays in public health and inspired me to become more involved in advocating for equitable access to care.

I first heard about PA Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH) through a colleague at UPMC for You. Their passion for improving oral health outcomes and addressing systemic barriers resonated with me. As I learned more about the PCOH mission and initiatives, I felt a strong alignment with their goals and saw an opportunity to contribute to their cause. That connection led me to become involved with the organization on one of their committees.

One of the most challenging aspects is navigating the systemic limitations that prevent equitable access to dental care, especially for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Despite the growing awareness of the link between oral health and overall health, dental care often remains siloed and underfunded. It can be frustrating to see individuals fall through the cracks simply because the infrastructure to support them is lacking.

If I could see one goal realized, it would be the integration of comprehensive dental coverage into all public health insurance programs, ensuring that every Pennsylvanian—regardless of income or background—has access to preventive and restorative oral care. This would not only improve individual health outcomes but also reduce long-term health care costs and promote health equity across our communities. We need more dental providers.

My faith in Jesus, my family, friends, and seeing people become better versions of themselves.

Spending a lot of time with my family, time with friends, serving in the church, playing a little bit of guitar, and working out a little.