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In just one school year, Blue Ridge Health in North Carolina has helped more than 1,200 children get the dental care they need through teledentistry. But that help comes with its challenges. “Internet connectiv . . .” says Ben Cozart, DDS, the dental director at Blue Ridge Health, cutting out, on cue, as he was explaining the program during a phone call.

Taiwo Ngo, DDS, has witnessed how medical-dental integration can help more people get the health care they need. “I had a patient — a child — that Dr. Obeto referred to me,” Ngo says. “And they didn’t call, and so I called [the child’s guardian] to make the appointment.”

While most kids hated wearing braces in fifth grade, Alayna Schoblaske, DMD, was the exception. That was when she realized she wanted to be a dentist. “I haven’t turned back since,” she says. Schoblaske came from a family of engineers and teachers, so the idea of working with her hands while educating patients about their oral health felt like a great fit. And she was fascinated by the impact teeth could have on a person — which led her to her ultimate calling of community dentistry to help patients in underserved areas.

Eating Disorders and Oral HealthDuring Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the number of articles, stories, and reports about mental illnesses increases.