Bridging the Gap: Tackling Oral Health Inequities in a New Series
As a child in India, Dr. Faiyaz Syed witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences that arise when healthcare is just out of reach. The loss of his beloved grandmother, due to inadequate access to medical services, ignited a fire within him—a relentless pursuit of health equity that has defined his life’s work.
“For me, access to care has always been the biggest obstacle to leading a healthy life,” Dr. Syed explains, his passion unmistakable. “Losing my grandmother was a personal tragedy that inspired me to become a physician, driven by a commitment to uplift my community.”
Now, as the chief medical officer at the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), he tackles one of healthcare’s most persistent dilemmas: the glaring gap in oral health access. Dr. Syed fervently believes that oral health is not merely a dental issue; it’s a crucial component of overall well-being. Ignoring it only deepens the inequities faced by our most vulnerable populations.
“You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth,” he asserts. “Oral health challenges go beyond mere toothaches; they can influence everything from chronic diseases to mental health. We cannot afford to overlook them.”
Shining a Light on Oral Health Inequity
Dr. Syed proudly serves on the board of the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), an organization dedicated to eradicating oral health disparities through impactful program development and grants. Last year alone, the foundation funneled over $7.3 million into initiatives, primarily benefiting Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, with some efforts reaching across the nation.
Dr. Faiyaz Syed
The foundation is also underwriting a groundbreaking series of reports aimed at unraveling the complexities of oral health inequities and their ripple effects on our most at-risk communities.
This enlightening series will not only grace Second Wave publications across Michigan but will also feature compelling stories in the RIX for rural Michigan, Input Fort Wayne for Indiana, and across Ohio through Soapbox Cincinnati, Hub Springfield, and The Helm Sandusky.
In the coming year, this initiative will delve into the educational pathways of dentists and hygienists devoted to serving Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio’s most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Syed’s commitment to health equity was ignited early in his career. During his time running a free clinic in India, he tirelessly raised funds to ensure that those unable to afford healthcare had access to critical medications and treatments. This experience underscored the necessity for a holistic approach to health.
“Our patients often walked in with issues like toothaches and oral ulcers that transcended regular medical treatment,” he reflects. “Healthcare must be integrated; you can’t treat one part of the body while neglecting the rest.”
Holistic Health Matters
This philosophy is the foundation of his work at MPCA, which represents over 40 federally qualified health centers across Michigan, serving more than 730,000 people each year, regardless of their insurance status.
“I’m passionate about fostering an integrated health model where oral health and medical care are seamlessly connected,” Dr. Syed emphasizes. “At MPCA, we strive to ensure that individuals can access dental care, behavioral health, and psychiatric services all in one location.”
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 is dedicated to enhancing oral health equity focusing on underserved populations and individuals with disabilities.
“The Delta Dental Foundation addresses critical challenges like health equity, accessibility, and education,” he states. “Their initiatives align perfectly with my passion for integrated care.”
DDF tackles systemic barriers to oral health equity by funding training for healthcare teams that care for individuals with disabilities, supporting rural providers, and developing programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of various communities.
“As a board, we’re dedicated to ensuring that organizations serving our communities receive the necessary funds and support,” Dr. Syed says.
Championing Access for Individuals with Disabilities
Dr. Syed is especially passionate about improving access to care for individuals with disabilities, who often face disproportionate barriers in receiving essential services.
“For too long, individuals with disabilities have struggled to find adequate care,” he emphasizes. “In rural areas, just getting to a dentist can require a two- or three-hour journey. Imagine the added difficulty if you have a disability.”
DDF has invested in training initiatives to ensure health care teams can provide high-quality care to individuals with disabilities. Dr. Syed believes this focus not only fulfills a moral obligation but is also essential in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
“It’s not just the right thing to do; it aligns with the transition to value-based care, which emphasizes improved outcomes while minimizing costs.”
Yet, he recognizes that the journey is far from over. “We’ve made strides, but the inequities faced by people with disabilities are still overwhelming,” he admits.
Progress Made, Yet Challenges Persist
Holli Seabury, the executive director of DDF, has witnessed significant progress in oral health care over the past five years, largely attributed to a shift in the dental community’s mindset, thanks to advocacy and education.
“On a national level, we’ve seen a surge in momentum,” Seabury notes. “Dental schools now incorporate training 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 been instrumental in funding training programs and restructuring benefits to ensure that dentists are compensated fairly for treating patients with disabilities. “It’s about empowering providers to meet individuals where they are,” Seabury explains.
However, obstacles still loom large. While Medicaid is often heralded as a solution, Seabury highlights the complexities of the reality.
Jen Anderson
“Try scheduling an appointment with a Medicaid dentist—it’s a daunting task. Many providers simply don’t accept Medicaid, and federally qualified health centers often have extensive wait times,” she remarks.
Jen Anderson, DDF’s senior communications and strategy officer, emphasizes that the foundation is taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to tackle these challenges.
DDF’s grant-making endeavors focus on access to care, advocacy, education, emerging initiatives, and workforce development—all anchored in the pursuit of oral health equity for individuals with disabilities.
“We tailor our efforts to align with the needs of the communities we serve,” Anderson states.
“For instance, we’ve funded a continuing education series through Penn Dental Medicine to train providers on how to best care for individuals with disabilities.”
Building Partnerships Beyond Funding
Anderson stresses that DDF’s mission extends beyond merely writing checks.
“We’re not just a check-writing organization; we build enduring partnerships and collaborate closely with our grantees,” she explains.
Both Seabury and Anderson recognize the profound ripple effects of addressing systemic issues in oral health.
Holli Seabury
“When you enhance care for individuals with disabilities, you elevate the standard of care for everyone,” Anderson emphasizes. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Seabury agrees, highlighting the importance of awareness in driving meaningful change. “People often underestimate the magnitude of these issues until they see the real-world impact,” she adds.
By sharing the compelling stories of those affected by these disparities, this series aims to underscore the urgency of the work at hand. “These stories are not just heartbreaking; they are a call to action,” Seabury states.
Dr. Syed envisions a healthcare system that is holistic, equitable, and accessible for all. He sees his collaborations with MPCA and DDF as shining examples of the teamwork necessary to achieve these ambitious goals.
“Our mission is simple: to make quality care accessible to everyone, no matter their circumstances,” Dr. Syed declares. “It’s about crafting systems that work for those who are most vulnerable.”
Seabury concludes with optimism, noting that the progress achieved so far is merely the beginning of a much larger journey ahead. “I believe that, fundamentally, people are good. When you create solutions to significant problems, people are eager to help. That’s how we pave the way for lasting change.”
Photos courtesy of MPCA and the Delta Dental Foundation.
