Episode 8: Annaliese Cothron

Annaliese Cothron, co-founder and executive director of the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH), joins the Bright iDIAs podcast to discuss how AIDPH is transforming dental care access for underserved populations, including veterans, rural communities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Annaliese recounts her journey from psychology and organizational behavior and how it has equipped her to lead a nonprofit dedicated to advancing oral health. She highlights the pressing need for integrated healthcare and provides several innovative solutions AIDPH is championing. Tune in to learn about surprising statistics on dental care access for veterans, how COVID-19 has impacted rural dental care infrastructure, and the role of advanced practice hygienists and dental therapists in addressing workforce shortages. We also explore the importance of value-based care and personalized treatment plans in modern dentistry. Discover Annaliese's passion for public health as she discusses the critical intersections between oral health and overall well-being.