Mobile Oral Health Museum
The Oral Health Museum launched at the 41st Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day, a landmark event on Belle Isle that has grown over the years to engage more than 40,000 children and their parents in hands‑on learning, recreation, and career exploration. During its debut, the Museum reached approximately 6,000 youth in a single day, marking a powerful introduction to Detroit’s next generation of learners.
Interactive Learning Experience
The Museum delivered an immersive, multi‑module experience designed to make oral health education engaging, memorable, and culturally relevant. Youth explored science demonstrations, creative learning stations, real‑world tools, and storytelling that connected oral health to their daily lives.
Left‑Brain and Right‑Brain Learning
A key feature of the Museum’s design was its intentional use of both sides of the brain to deepen learning.
Left‑Brain Modules
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Focused on logic, science, and step‑by‑step understanding
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Explained how oral health connects to the body, nutrition, and long‑term wellness
Right‑Brain Modules
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Activated creativity, imagination, and emotional connection
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Used visuals, storytelling, and hands‑on activities
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Made learning fun, relatable, and culturally grounded
This approach helped students connect facts with feelings, science with culture, and knowledge with real‑world action.
ReThink Your Drink Display
The Museum featured a powerful ReThink Your Drink station that revealed the hidden sugar content in popular beverages. This visual display helped youth understand how sugary drinks affect their teeth, energy levels, and overall health, giving them practical tools to make healthier choices.
Vaping Damage Awareness
One of the most impactful sections of the Museum focused on the oral health dangers of vaping. Through graphs, visuals, and youth‑friendly explanations, students learned how vaping affects the mouth, gums, and overall health. This section helped young people understand the real consequences behind a trend often marketed as harmless.
Media Recognition
The Museum’s impact drew significant attention during the event. Channel 4 News invited Executive Director Velisa Perry to speak on camera, expressing particular interest in the Museum’s vaping education section. Their coverage highlighted the Museum’s innovative approach and its importance to youth across Metro Detroit.
Oral Health Career Exploration
The Museum also introduced students to a wide range of oral health careers. Through hands‑on tools, real equipment, and interactive demonstrations, youth were given a meaningful glimpse into professions such as:
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Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist Dentist Lab Technician Public Health Educator Community Health Worker
This exposure helped students imagine themselves in future roles they may have never considered.
Impact
The Oral Health Museum not only educated youth about the importance of oral health, but also inspired curiosity, boosted confidence, and empowered participants with knowledge they could take back to their families and communities. Its launch at Youth Day marked a significant milestone in expanding oral health awareness across Metro Detroit.
Community Events
The Wayne County Oral Health Coalition and Wayne County Community College District have once again united to make a meaningful impact in the community. Their partnership focuses on providing crucial oral health education and distributing essential supplies to underserved and hard-to-reach populations. By addressing barriers to access, they foster healthier smiles and promote a deeper understanding of oral hygiene while empowering community members to take charge of their oral health.
Additionally, this initiative introduces individuals to rewarding career paths in dentistry, such as becoming a dental hygienist, dental assistant, or dentist. Through interactive sessions led by dental students and professionals, participants gain valuable insights into the skills and dedication required for these roles. By combining oral health education with career exploration, the coalition and the college district create lasting change, inspiring healthier lifestyles and cultivating the next generation of compassionate dental professionals.
MDHHS created a short commercial with Velisa Perry to advocate for getting the COVID-19 vaccine
The "Just Ask" TV Show recently featured Velisa Perry, Executive Director of the United Health Organization, highlighting UHO's latest initiative: the Wayne County Oral Health Coalition. This initiative aims to enhance the awareness of oral health education in Detroit and nearby communities while distributing essential oral health supplies.
Advancing Oral Health Together
Testimonials from some COCAPP events
Rosedale Baptist Church event
future nurses program
Health event at new calvary baptist church
community Oral health education event
4th 360 Community Event
Winterfest on Ice
Saunders Memorial Allen A.M.E. Church
Ice skating
EastSide Neighborhood Church
Detroit District Dental Society Zoo Day
Metro Detroit Youth Day
Rhema Church prayer tent at youth day
Mission of Mercy in Flint, Michigan
5th annual homeless Christmas basket giveaway
In 2025, the Wayne County Oral Health Coalition made a significant impact in the community, serving over 9,000 individuals with vital oral health education and distributing 8,556 oral health kits. These efforts were directed toward a diverse range of community members, including preschoolers, school-aged children, and participants at community centers, churches, and various local events. By actively engaging with these groups, the coalition ensured that oral health knowledge and resources reached individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
The coalition's achievements were realized through the organization of 36 events throughout the year, each tailored to meet the needs of the community. These events provided not only educational content but also hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities, and resources to encourage the adoption of better oral health practices. A key component of these efforts included utilizing students from various dental schools to engage directly with the community. These students played a dual role: offering knowledgeable guidance in oral health education and showcasing oral health careers to the public, inspiring interest in the field.
This holistic approach not only fostered awareness but also empowered individuals and families to prioritize their dental health. Such outreach is a testament to the coalition's dedication to improving oral health outcomes across Wayne County. These efforts also underscore the importance of collaboration, planning, and community engagement in addressing oral health disparities and ensuring access to essential resources for all.