Bridging the Gap: Tackling Oral Health Inequities in a New Series
Imagine a world where access to health care isn’t a privilege but a right. Dr. Faiyaz Syed lived this reality growing up in India, where he witnessed the heartbreaking consequences of inaccessible medical care firsthand—his beloved grandmother lost her life because help was simply out of reach.
That profound loss ignited a fire within him, solidifying his lifelong passion for health equity. From operating a free clinic in India to now serving as the chief medical officer at the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), Dr. Syed has dedicated his life to ensuring that no one else has to suffer the way his family did.
“Access to care was the biggest barrier to people living a healthy life,” he reflects. “Losing my grandmother was personal, and it pushed me to become a physician and give back to my community.”
Today, Dr. Syed is on a mission to confront one of the most stubborn inequalities in healthcare: the lack of access to oral health care. He firmly believes that oral health is not just about maintaining a beautiful smile; it’s a crucial pillar of overall well-being. Ignoring this aspect of health perpetuates disparities among our most vulnerable populations.
“You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth,” he asserts passionately. “Oral health issues extend far beyond mere toothaches; they can impact chronic conditions and mental health. We cannot afford to overlook them.”
Shining a Light on Oral Health Inequity
Dr. Syed plays an integral role on the board of the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), a champion in the fight against oral health disparities through targeted programs and grants. Last year alone, the foundation, based in Okemos, Michigan, allocated an impressive $7.3 million in grants aimed primarily at tackling challenges in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, with some initiatives reaching a national audience.
Dr. Faiyaz Syed The foundation is also backing a groundbreaking series of reports that will delve into the efforts to bridge oral health gaps and their repercussions on America’s most vulnerable communities.
Over the next year, this series will highlight the education of dental professionals who serve these populations across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Dr. Syed’s commitment to health equity was evident early in his career when he operated a free clinic in India, where he raised funds to provide medications and treatment for those in need. This experience opened his eyes to the necessity of a comprehensive approach to healthcare.
“Patients often came to us with toothaches, oral ulcers, and other health issues that we couldn’t address without looking at the big picture,” he explains. “Health care must be holistic; it’s not enough to treat one part of the body while ignoring the rest.”
Integration is Key
This philosophy fuels Dr. Syed’s work at MPCA, which supports over 40 federally qualified health centers that provide care for more than 730,000 individuals each year—regardless of insurance status.
“I’m passionate about creating an integrated health model where dental and medical care are not treated as separate entities,” Dr. Syed declares. “At MPCA, we’re striving to provide patients with access to dental care, behavioral health, and psychiatry all in one place.”
Students receive dental hygiene training through the Warren Arts & Education Foundation program. Dr. Syed’s holistic approach resonates deeply with the mission of the Delta Dental Foundation, which aims to champion oral health equity, particularly for underserved communities and individuals with disabilities.
“The Delta Dental Foundation confronts critical issues such as health equity, accessibility, and education,” Dr. Syed emphasizes. “Their mission aligns perfectly with my vision for integrated care.”
Through grants that train healthcare teams to serve those with disabilities, support providers in rural areas, and fund programs to equip dentists for the challenges of diverse communities, DDF is dismantling systemic barriers to oral health equity.
“As board members, we’re dedicated to ensuring that organizations genuinely serving our communities receive the funding and support they require,” says Dr. Syed.
A Focus on Individuals with Disabilities
Dr. Syed is particularly passionate about enhancing access for individuals with disabilities, who often face unique challenges in receiving adequate care.
“For too long, people with disabilities have encountered obstacles in finding suitable care,” he explains. “In some rural areas, reaching a dentist can mean a two- or three-hour trek. For someone with a disability, that’s an even greater challenge.”
DDF is making strides by investing in training programs that empower healthcare teams to deliver high-quality care for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Syed believes that this focus not only addresses a moral obligation but also aligns with the healthcare industry’s shift towards value-based care, which prioritizes improved outcomes while decreasing costs.
“It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s essential for providers,” Dr. Syed insists. “But we have a long way to go. While we’ve made strides, inequities for individuals with disabilities remain significant.”
Progress with Challenges Ahead
Holli Seabury, executive director of DDF, has witnessed remarkable advancements in oral health care over the past five years, largely due to a cultural shift within the dental profession fueled by advocacy and education.
“On a national level, we’re seeing positive momentum,” Seabury notes. “Dental schools are now required to educate students about disabilities, bringing much-needed attention to the issue.”
The United We Smile team celebrates together as they “cut the floss” to mark the clinic’s grand opening in Traverse City. DDF has played a pivotal role in funding training programs and modifying benefit structures to ensure that dentists are fairly compensated for treating patients with disabilities. “It’s about equipping providers to meet individuals where they are,” Seabury emphasizes.
However, challenges remain. Medicaid is frequently hailed as a solution, but the reality is more complicated.
“Try making an appointment with a Medicaid dentist—it’s a daunting task. Many providers don’t accept Medicaid, and federally qualified health centers often have extensive wait times,” Seabury explains.
Jen Anderson, DDF’s senior communications and strategy officer, states that the foundation is adopting a comprehensive strategy to tackle these obstacles.
“Our grant-making focuses on access to care, advocacy, education, emerging initiatives, and workforce development, all rooted in the principle of oral health equity for individuals with disabilities,” Anderson shares.
“For instance, we’re funding a continuing education series through Penn Dental Medicine that teaches providers how to care for individuals with disabilities.”
Beyond Financial Support
Anderson emphasizes that DDF’s approach encompasses much more than just financial support.
“We’re not just a check-writing organization. We build enduring partnerships and collaborate closely with our grantees,” she states.
Both Seabury and Anderson highlight the ripple effect that comes from addressing fundamental issues in oral health care.
“When we enhance care for people with disabilities, we elevate standards for everyone,” Anderson points out. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Seabury agrees, noting the importance of raising awareness to drive meaningful change. “People often don’t realize the magnitude of these issues until they see the direct impact,” she states.
By sharing personal stories from those affected by disparities, this series aims to underscore the urgency of the mission.
“These stories can be heartbreaking, but they also ignite passion for action,” Seabury says.
Dr. Syed believes that healthcare must be holistic, equitable, and accessible. His work with MPCA and DDF exemplifies the kind of collaboration necessary to achieve these goals.
“Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access quality care,” Dr. Syed emphasizes. “It’s about forging systems that work for our most vulnerable populations.”
Seabury adds that the progress accomplished thus far is just the beginning.
“I believe that, at our core, people are inherently good. When we create solutions that tackle significant issues, people are eager to contribute,” she concludes. “That’s how we cultivate lasting change.”
Photos courtesy of MPCA and the Delta Dental Foundation.
