May 4, 2026 | The Dental Disconnect: Can we find our way out of Oregon’s dental care desert?

Monday, May 4, 2026 • 12:30 – 2pm • Virtual

About

Oral health is essential health, yet for many Oregonians, dental care is out of reach. Workforce shortages, low provider participation in the Oregon Health Plan and reliance on emergency rooms for dental pain (not dental care) point to a system under severe strain. Fortunately, new models across the country are proving that better outcomes are possible. This forum convenes policy leaders and changemakers to define the problem and explore solutions to expand access, buoy the workforce and reimagine how dental care is delivered — for all Oregonians.

Panelists

Rep. Hai Pham - Headshot

Representative Hai Pham District 36​ – South Hillsboro & West Beaverton

Representative Hai Pham is a pediatric dentist, cancer survivor and refugee from Vietnam. He owns a dental practice serving underserved children in Washington County, now expanded statewide. His work focuses on closing access gaps, particularly for low-income families, and he brings provider, patient and small business perspectives to health policy.

Michael Shirtcliff - Headshot

Dr. Michael ShirtcliffMember, Equity Dental, LLC

Dr. Michael Shirtcliff has been in dentistry since 1965. He is the key principal of RMS Dental, consulting with Medicaid providers and others comprising the community benefits company Equity Dental. He was a founding member, dental director and CEO of what became known as Advantage Dental for 20 years. 

Lisa Bozzetti - Headshot

Lisa Bozzetti, DDSDental Director, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (VGMHC)

Lisa Bozzetti is Dental Director at VGMHC, where she has expanded services over 18 years to include seven clinics, a school-based sealant program, integrated dental hygiene in primary care, and dental therapy. She serves as President-Elect of the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) Board.

Manu Chaundhry - Headshot

Manu Chaudhry, MS, DDS
- President, Capitol Dental Care

Manu Chaudhry serves as President of Capitol Dental Care and envisions a future where health improves when people are free of dental disease. He believes access to dental care is itself a social determinant of health and champions medical-dental integration and health care transformation to improve quality of life, human potential and well-being for all.

Additional Panelist is Being Confirmed

Moderator

To Be Announced

Event Details

When: Monday, May 4, 2026
Where: Virtual
Time: 12:30 – 2pm
Cost: $15

**Thanks to our generous sponsors, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you’d like to attend and cannot afford the price of a ticket, please email Kim Crosby (kim@oregonhealthforum.org) to request a scholarship ticket.**

Annual Sponsors

Presenting Event Sponsor

Supporting Event Sponsor

All Smiles Community Oral Health

To discuss forum sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kim Crosby at kim@oregonhealthforum.org

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