KinderSmile Foundation is in KANSAS CITY MISSOURI for the 112th National Dental Association (NDA) Convention, for a packed schedule of purpose and impact! The mission of the NDA is to promote oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring dental students of color, and raising the profile of the profession in our communities.
The first day was a powerful start! Dr. Nicole McGrath-Barnes, Founder & CEO, and Dr. Michal Herman, COO, hosted a screening of our award winning oral health documentary, Toothache: The Painful Truth About Oral Health Care Inequity. The screening was attended by NDA members, including dental professionals and students across the country.
The event sparked a meaningful discussion about the crucial and urgent need for equitable access to oral health care, to impact children and families from historically marginalized communities. We continued to sow seeds for change, advocating for oral health equity.
To close out the evening, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Herman attended the President’s Reception at the Negro League Baseball Museum, where they connected with fellow leaders and change makers in the field of dentistry. Fun fact: Larry Doby was the second African American baseball player to join Major League Baseball, immediately after Jackie Robinson. He raised his kids in Montclair, NJ, where KinderSmile Foundation was founded!
Mentorship is ingrained in the fabric of KinderSmile Foundation. Supporting and uplifting the next generation of dentists, enticing them to be a part of the solution and join Public Health Dentistry, will leave a legacy for the future. Dr. Nicole and Dr. Herman held engaging conversations with dental students and colleagues, meeting new faces and reconnecting with former Community Service Learning Program volunteers.
A special congratulations to Creighton University dental students who presented an incredible poster on Public Health Dentistry. Recognizing this kind of work early on helps build a stronger future for the profession.
A heartfelt thank you to the NDA President, Dr. Cheryle Baptiste-Hill for the warm welcome, support of our mission, and for providing us the space and platform to amplify the voices and stories of children and families in our community! Thank you for recognizing Dr. Nicole with the Phenomenal Woman of Courage Award at the NDA’s 31st Annual Women’s Health Symposium. Dr. Nicole shared the award with her right hand… “Dr. Herman is a committed, dedicated, passionate and an integral part of KinderSmile Foundation and has been serving the community since 2009. Her tireless efforts to advocate for the community and our staff are unwavering! KinderSmile Foundation would not be where it is without her commitment. I dedicate this award to our COO, Dr. Michal Herman.” – Dr. Nicole
Together, the work, passion, and strength of these two women is truly indescribable. Not only are they exceptional public health dentists, but they are also fierce advocates for equitable access and true champions of oral health.
Their leadership doesn’t just inspire, it creates real, lasting impact in the lives of children and families every day. From expanding access to care, to empowering underserved communities with education and support, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Herman exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. Congratulations to both on this well earned recognition and to both phenomenal women for their unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for all. #ItTakesAVillageKSF
