At MCDC, it's all about the people. Together, we strive to provide each of our patients with pleasant and stress-free dental care at a cost they can afford.
Providing Dental Care for All
Our mission is to enhance community health by offering access to quality dental care for all. MCDC operates a statewide network of 34 dental centers, with a core focus on broadening access to dental care for underserved communities.
MCDC delivers comprehensive care, including routine check-ups, cleanings, ongoing treatments, and oral health education. Our mission focuses on benefiting children in the Healthy Kids Dental program, adults enrolled in Medicaid, seniors, Veterans, and individuals without insurance, serving over 90,000 patients annually.
Impact At A Glance
*Based on 2023 Fiscal Year
Nearly 3 MILLION Michigan residents do not have access to dental care.
Nearly 3 MILLION Michigan residents do not have access to dental care.
Even with our impact stated above, MCDC is addressing only a fraction of the demand. It is imperative to take further action! The dental safety net faces a threat in the absence of MCDC, as insufficient state funding hampers sustainability and the ability to effectively cater to increasing demands.
To tackle both the long-term and immediate impacts of oral health disparities, it is crucial to assess our oral health system and implement strategies that effectively support the infrastructure’s requirements.
Increased Medicaid Reimbursement Rates Does NOT = More Michiganders Served
While boosting Medicaid reimbursement rates is a positive step, it has not been accompanied by comprehensive strategies aimed at improving provider participation, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing the overall oral healthcare infrastructure to truly expand access and serve more Michiganders effectively.
Today's Care Costs More
From 2018 to 2023, the cost of providing care increased by 8.4%, rising from $184 to $200. However, commercial rate has decreased by 1.3% according to MDHHS. Additionally, wages and benefit expenses for hiring employees have significantly risen due to workforce shortages and a competitive job market.
Demand is Outpacing Capacity
The demand for dental care is soaring, exceeding safety net providers’ capacity, and leading to long wait times for many of our Michiganders to receive care. Many MCDC centers are scheduling up to 300+ days out, with some unable to accommodate new patients altogether.
More than 1.7 Million Residents Live in Dental Shortage Areas
63 of Michigan’s 83 counties have been designated as a full/partial dental professional shortage area.
The Solution Starts With You
MCDC is requesting 3.3 million in state funding to increase operational efficiencies and expand access to quality dental care. This funding request is vital for our organization’s future. It is crucial for long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and continued growth to address the increasing demands of our state.
This request focuses on enhancing MCDC’s capacity through four crucial components: Updating technology and equipment, enhancing workforce skills and retention, and strengthening organizational capacity. These changes aim to increase access and improve oral health outcomes for the people of Michigan.
Essential Equipment
Rising dental care costs have led to deferred equipment replacement. With many of our centers operating beyond typical equipment lifespans, we face expensive service calls, causing patient care delays and downtime of productivity.
The solution involves upgrading equipment to minimize service calls, reduce downtime, and improve patient outcomes. MCDC needs to replace both hydrims and autoclaves to ensure comprehensive instrument sterilization, creating a safe environment for both patients and staff.
Improved Technology
Outdated technology hinders efficiency and care quality, increases costs, and impacts patient experience. Modern technology improves preventive care, streamlines operations, and minimizes invasive procedures, enhancing access to care and reducing overall costs.
Thanks to the state’s 2023 investment, MCDC acquired the Glidewell fastscan.io Scanning Solution for 15 centers, improving turnaround times, accuracy, and patient education. Integrating this technology in all centers will enhance patient outcomes and provide a seamless experience for staff and patients.
Expanding Access Points and Enhancing Capacity
Despite the Medicaid Adult Dental Reform, MCDC remains the primary safety net dental provider in Michigan due to high demand. More than half of our centers have appointment schedules that go beyond six months, with some bookings stretching into the fall of 2025.
To enhance dental care services, we need a comprehensive strategy that ensures financial stability, manages risks, meets regulatory requirements, and fosters collaborations. This involves expanding facilities, adopting scalable and sustainable methods, and improving care quality to achieve better oral health outcomes.
Strengthen the Dental Workforce to Meet Increased Need
In just five years, MCDC has faced four center closures due to a lack of providers, causing patient care delays across Michigan. Although our state has an adequate supply of dental professionals per population, they are unevenly distributed. Despite graduating many dentists, few provide care to underserved populations or uninsured patients, resulting in limited dental access for millions and oral health disparities with economic and social consequences.
Our organization seeks to enhance dental care access in Michigan with a forward-thinking Workforce Strategy focused on four goals: (1) Providing financial support and incentives for dental workforce training (2) Promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession (3) Investing in education and training opportunities (4) Retaining the current workforce through innovative, evidence-based methods.
Michigan's Oral Health Crisis Threatens Economy and Public Health
Michigan is grappling with a severe oral health crisis that poses risks to both the economy and overall well-being, particularly when there is a lack of progress or support from MCDC. Michigan needs to focus on prioritizing investments in oral health to prevent escalating healthcare costs, declining productivity, and deteriorating educational outcomes. The need for action is clear, and immediate steps are crucial. By prioritizing dental care, Michigan can improve workforce performance and educational outcomes, thus fostering economic stability and growth. Through investments in dental health initiatives, our state can reduce long-term healthcare expenses by preventing chronic ailments and promoting overall well-being among residents.
Patient Testimonials
“I have been to a alot of dentists and have had horrid experiences in the past that made me shy away before.
MCDC has made me a regular visitor again. They keep working with me to get me back on track to a healthy smile. I take my kids and they love going there! This is a long drive for us (45 minutes) and we could transfer somewhere closer but we keep coming back here because they are fair, kind, and GENTLE. No more stress.”
Ben, Three Rivers
I lost my job, my dental insurance, and half of my front tooth all within two weeks. They were able to work out an affordable plan to get my smile restored in time for job interviews. Simply amazing people.
