What happens when we stop treating the mouth as separate from the rest of the body and start looking at dental health as a critical part of health equity and leadership?
Access to dental care remains deeply unequal, and the consequences extend far beyond tooth pain. In this episode of *Stethoscope Stories*, Dr. Monique Nugent sits down with Dr. Ancy Verdier, a periodontist, educator, entrepreneur, and leader, to explore how dental health, health equity, and leadership intersect.
Dr. Verdier shares his journey from psychology student and campus leader to dentist, practice owner, mentor, and board leader. He explains why a career doesn't have to follow a straight line. The conversation also examines the systemic barriers that keep patients from receiving the dental care they need, including insurance limitations, workforce shortages, rural access challenges, and the separation of oral health from the broader healthcare system.
Listeners will gain:
1. **A deeper understanding of how dental health affects overall health**, including nutrition, sleep, cardiovascular health, and quality of life.
2. **A clearer picture of the health equity barriers limiting access to dental care**, and why insurance, workforce, and geographic disparities matter.
3. **A new perspective on leadership and career development**, including how relationships, mentorship, interdisciplinary work, and a willingness to pursue multiple passions can create a meaningful career.
Listen to the episode to discover how connecting dental health, health equity, and leadership can help create a more integrated and equitable approach to healthcare.
Monique NugentHost
