November 2024

Sarah Welch
Public Health Program Administrator
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Oral Health Program

What originally sparked your interest in oral health?

The first ten years of my public health career was spent within the realm of tobacco control. Oral health was an area that would come up periodically. When I saw the opportunity to join the Oral Health Program team with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and learn more, I knew I would be able to find a passion within another realm of public health.

How did you become involved with PCOH?

PCOH is a strong partner of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. From the beginning, I have recognized how lucky I am to be able to work alongside such a motivated and impactful team!

What is the most challenging part of your work in oral health?

The most challenging aspect of working within oral health is addressing the issues while navigating a very complex environment. Improving access to care, healthcare integration, and workforce shortages, all require significant collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and many more stakeholders to develop innovative, sustainable solutions statewide.

If you could see one oral health goal reached, what would it be?

I would like to see the systemic barriers removed that create health disparities and result in higher rates of preventable conditions in underserved communities. That’s just “one goal,” right?

What keeps you motivated?

I find that I feed off of the energy of others, so seeing the great work of my colleagues gives me motivation.

I recharge by:

Spending quality time with my family on the weekends. However, with a 2-year-old and a baby on the way, it is also simultaneously exhausting.

Thank you to Sarah Welch for contributing to the oral health movement! 

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