The Minnesota Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) serves as a statewide convener, resource hub, and advocate for improving oral health outcomes across Minnesota. Founded in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, the MOHC strengthens connections among diverse stakeholders to advance a shared vision of optimal oral health for all Minnesotans. Through conferences, toolkits, outreach campaigns, and workforce initiatives, the Coalition promotes awareness of oral health as a public health priority and elevates innovative solutions such as collaborative practice models and community-based prevention.
Beyond connecting partners, the MOHC plays a critical role in fostering collaboration, advancing equity, and translating data into actionable strategies. Its initiatives intentionally amplify rural and underserved voices, broaden participation beyond traditional dental circles, and equipping stakeholders with evidence-based resources to influence practice and policy. By building partnerships, expanding awareness, and supporting leadership development, the MOHC contributes to a stronger, more integrated oral health system; one better positioned to address disparities, improve access, and sustain long-term public health gains.
Oral health is essential to general health and well-being at every stage of life. A healthy mouth enables not only nutrition of the physical body, but also enhances social interaction and promotes self-esteem and feelings of well-being. The mouth serves as a “window” to the rest of the body, providing signals of general health disorders.
Oral conditions have an impact on overall health and disease. Bacteria from the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body when the immune system has been compromised by disease or medical treatments (e.g., infective endocarditis). Systemic conditions and their treatment are also known to impact oral health (e.g., reduced saliva flow, altered balance of oral microorganisms).
The MOHC was formed in 2009 to be a statewide coalition promoting oral health under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant agreements entered into with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s Minnesota Oral Health Program division. MOHC’s initial governance structure was a transitional task force of appointed directors.
Our Executive Director (pictured here) is Nancy Franke Wilson, MS.
On September 25, 2024 the Minnesota Oral Health Coalition celebrated its 10th year anniversary of being a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The MOHC board meets quarterly and hosts an annual and several regional oral health conferences throughout the year.
The MOHC was highly involved in the development of the State Oral Health Plan that serves as a roadmap for our future activities.
To learn more about the Minnesota Oral Health Coalition, please contact us.
Board of Directors
| Name | Board Position | Appointed or Elected |
| Hiwet Ephrem | Instructor, Dental Hygienist | Elected |
| Majda Hodzic *Treasurer | Dental Program Administrator | Elected |
| John Howe | Dental Policy, Development | Appointed | Prasida Khanal *Secretary | Dental Director, MDH | Appointed |
| Jessie Ludden | Collaborative Dental Hygienist | Elected |
| Jane Neubauer *Vice Chair | Community Advocate | Elected |
| Alex Orvik | Community Advocate | Elected |
| Mohammed Selim *Board Chair | Healthcare Consultant | Elected |
| Brandon Ulstad | Dentist | Elected |
| Dr. Erin Westfall | Physician | Elected |