The Minnesota Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) serves as a statewide convener, resource hub, and advocate for improved oral health outcomes across Minnesota. Founded through partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, MOHC strengthens connections among diverse stakeholders and advances a shared vision of optimal oral health for all Minnesotans. Through conferences, toolkits, outreach campaigns, and workforce initiatives, the Coalition promotes oral health as an essential public health priority and supports innovative solutions, including collaborative practice models and community-based prevention strategies.
In addition to connecting partners, MOHC plays a critical role in fostering collaboration, advancing equity, and translating data into actionable strategies. Its initiatives intentionally elevate rural and underserved perspectives, broaden engagement beyond traditional dental sectors, and equip stakeholders with evidence-based resources to inform practice and policy. By building partnerships, increasing awareness, and supporting leadership development, MOHC contributes to a stronger, more integrated oral health system that is better positioned to reduce disparities, improve access, and sustain long-term public health gains.
Oral health is essential to overall health and well-being at every stage of life. A healthy mouth supports nutrition, social interaction, self-esteem, and quality of life. The mouth also serves as a “window” to the rest of the body, offering important indicators of broader health conditions.
Oral conditions can affect overall health and disease. Bacteria from the mouth may contribute to infections in other parts of the body when the immune system is compromised by disease or medical treatment, such as infective endocarditis. Systemic conditions and their treatments can also affect oral health by reducing saliva flow or altering the balance of oral microorganisms.
MOHC was established in 2009 as a statewide coalition to promote oral health in Minnesota through partnerships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Minnesota Department of Health’s Minnesota Oral Health Program. In 2014, MOHC hired its first Executive Director, Nancy Franke Wilson, and focused on building the organization’s nonprofit status, brand identity, policies, financial systems, and board structure. Early efforts prioritized listening to the oral health community and supporting partners through statewide events, recorded resources, and collaboration with dental, public health, education, and government organizations. MOHC completed its first strategic plan in 2018 and a second plan in 2023. Since its 10th anniversary in September 2024, the organization has continued to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and advance oral and public health across Minnesota with support from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, members, and partners.
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 |