Oral health is important and the impact of oral health professionals is sometimes understated, but the reality is that oral health is critical to overall health and we play a tremendous role in improving peoples’ quality of life.

June is Oral Health Month. As Virginia’s only dental school, we have a unique responsibility for and impact on the health of our communities throughout the state and beyond. Whether through patient care, research, education or community engagement, I’m proud of the impact that our students, faculty and staff are making every day.

However, there are many who are still left behind by our current system. Oral health is not a luxury. We must
think of new and creative ways to improve access to oral health care for all. An example, increased Medicaid
fees in Virginia may enhance access to care.

Thank you for every effort we at VCU make to improve the health of our communities. I look forward to
working together to improve oral health equity and the quality of oral health care here and beyond.