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

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 convened 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

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.

Dr. Michael Shirtcliff, DMD – Member, 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.

Dr. Lisa Bozzetti, DDS – Dental 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.

Dr. 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.

Dr. Ahmed Farag – State Oral Health and Dental Director, Oregon Health Authority

Dr. Ahmed Farag is Oregon Health Authority’s Oral Health and Dental Director, leading statewide efforts to improve access and equity. A healthcare executive and educator with international experience across clinical practice and health system leadership, he has held executive roles in New York and remains committed to innovation, education and public service.

Moderator

Dr. Rosemarie Hemmings – CEO and Owner, Black Therapist Company

Rosemarie Hemmings, LCSW with a Ph.D. in public health, has centered health equity over 30 years as a clinical social worker and supervisor. Her experience includes OHSU School of Dentistry faculty and director of social work. Dr. Hemmings developed and taught an inter-professional curriculum on the social determinants of health. She now owns a psychotherapy practice centering adults and families of color.