Fluoride in water helps protect people’s teeth, especially in areas with limited access to dental care. However, too much fluoride can cause health problems. So, how do I keep my family’s teeth healthy without risking anyone’s overall health? At NCOHC, we think...

Practicing Dentistry in WNC If you haven’t already, check out part one of this provider profile featuring Dr. Alice Jamison, DDS, MPH! Get a behind-the-scenes look at her typical week in the dental office, her dedication to patients in Asheville and across...

Practicing dentistry in WNC Meet Dr. Alice Jamison, DDS, MPH. Raised in Asheville, NC, she currently practices in her hometown at a general dental office that serves children up to 18 years of age. After graduating from UNC Dental School in 2020, she completed a...

The NCOHC team traveled to Sylva in January 2025 for a much-anticipated in-person convening with Western North Carolina (WNC) Steering Committee members. The original meeting, scheduled for October 2024, got postponed after Hurricane Helene devastated the region....

“The consequences of inaction are severe, but so are the opportunities for meaningful change. That’s why the work we do here matters—because when we invest in oral health, we invest in a healthier, more prosperous North Carolina.” — Representative Maria Cervania NCOHC...

The oral health workforce has long struggled with racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic diversity. According to a recent North Carolina Institute of Medicine task force report, White males continue to represent the majority of dentists, while White females have...

If you’ve ever experienced pain or discomfort in your jaw, you might have heard someone casually refer to it as “TMJ.” But what does that really mean? And is it accurate? It’s common for people to mix up TMJ, which refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, with...

Natural disasters impact every aspect of our lives in obvious and unexpected ways—oral health is no exception. As the climate crisis continues, we see increasingly catastrophic storms worldwide, and areas such as Western North Carolina (WNC) that were previously...

Visiting the dentist can be anxiety-inducing, leading people to avoid seeking care. The common fear of the unknown, financial concerns, and past negative experiences can intensify these worries. Luckily, there are many ways to address dental anxieties and help improve...

Dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists work together as a team, making sure a dental office functions like a well-oiled machine. Have you ever considered a career as a dental assistant? If you have, NCOHC has some tips for you! As a dental assistant, you...