A Community Oral Health Coordinator with a Heart for Pediatrics

Michelle Womack, RDH, BS, CH-OSE of Carthage, Missouri, is the Community Oral Health Coordinator at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. 

Working in a higher-education setting at a dental school, Michelle brings oral health education beyond the operatory. She collaborates with medical providers, community leaders, and organizations such as Head Start to help make oral health information more accessible to the people who need it. Her passion is especially rooted in pediatrics and in helping families build a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.

Michelle’s capstone project focused on enhancing oral health education for Head Start home-based educators. By equipping educators with practical tools and knowledge, the project supports them in sharing clear, meaningful information with parents and students about oral hygiene and its connection to systemic health. This work reflects Michelle’s larger goal: helping prevent early childhood caries (ECC) through education and prevention while improving access to care and oral health literacy.

For Michelle, pursuing NNHH Certificate Programs was about more than earning continuing education credits. Her work gives her opportunities to educate audiences across many stages of life, from pediatric groups to individuals learning about oral cancer and oral hygiene for nursing-home residents. The programs expanded the presentation topics and ideas she can bring to these communities, strengthening her ability to explain the relationship between oral and systemic health.

Michelle has also developed a growing interest in orofacial myofunctional therapy. Exploring oral health topics in greater depth has helped her see how each area can contribute to a more complete understanding of patient care.

When asked what she would say to hygienists considering an NNHH program, Michelle shared:

“Take the course. Let it spark a desire to educate your patients on topics you may have lacked understanding of or forgotten about relating to oral health.”

Michelle’s commitment to prevention, education, and collaboration shows the meaningful difference healthcare hygienists can make in their communities. Her work with children, families, educators, and community partners helps create more opportunities for people to understand the vital connection between oral health and overall wellness.

Learn more about NNHH’s Certificate Programs and how advanced education can help hygienists expand their impact.