Rhonda Stephens advances oral-public health integration at UNC, focusing on interdisciplinary training to combat misinformation and improve health.
Rhonda Stephens, DDS, MPH, professor of the practice of public health leadership and practice and adjunct assistant professor at the Adams School of Dentistry, came to Carolina in late 2023 at the behest of Leah Devlin, DDS, professor of the practice of health policy and management and former North Carolina state health director, with the goal of strengthening connections and collaboration between the schools of dentistry and public health at UNC.
“The mouth is a gateway and mirror,” said Stephens. “Much of what happens in the body has a start in, is connected to, or is reflected in the mouth.”
Oral health issues are ubiquitous — tooth decay is a preventable chronic condition that affects 90% of people. Gum disease and other oral infections contribute to a broad range of health impacts, from heart disease to premature birth.
Good oral health isn’t just determined by who has access to a dentist. Nurses, doctors, social workers, public health professionals and policymakers can also play important roles in improving people’s oral health.
For example, adding fluoride to drinking water, or fluoridation, is one of the most effective public health measures to improve oral health, preventing up to 40% of cavities. Yet, owing in no small part to organized disinformation campaigns, municipal fluoridation programs are under threat in communities in North Carolina and elsewhere. Stephens notes that, while some states require fluoridation, N.C. does not.
One of her top priorities is establishing a program to train people to counter this misinformation.
Her mission, however, is far broader. She wants to ensure dental public health is integrated into all health and human services professions.
“My vision is that Columbia St. students leave [UNC] with the recognition that oral health is a matter of well-being, overall health and public health,” said Stephens. “We need an interprofessional, multidisciplinary workforce that promotes dental public health to and for the patients, clients, and communities it serves.”
[Columbia Street runs past the Gillings School and other health science schools at UNC.]
Note: Stephens’ professorship at the Gillings School is supported by a private gift from several generous community members. Contact email.sph@unc.edu to learn more.
