As we reflect on 2024, we recognize that despite our dedication and best intentions, the year did not unfold as we had hoped. We set ambitious goals to position MCDC for long-term success, but we faced significant challenges that made progress more difficult than anticipated. Financial pressures, workforce shortages, and a shifting healthcare landscape forced us to make difficult decisions—including the closure of six centers. This was not a decision made lightly, and as the leader of this organization, I take responsibility for the impact it has had on our patients, team members, and the communities we serve.
Yet, through these challenges, our team’s commitment remains unwavering. MCDC, as a nonprofit dental provider, has always been a pioneer in the dental service landscape, and with that comes the responsibility of navigating complexities that are uncharted. We are not simply following a path—we are forging it. And while the road has been difficult, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality dental care to all.
A Focus on Sustainability and Impact
Our priority for 2025 is clear: to make MCDC a financially stable and culturally thriving organization. That means every team member, partner, patient and legislator will play a critical role in strengthening our foundation and securing our future. We are taking decisive steps to:
Improve Efficiency
Streamlining workflows, enhancing systems, and expanding the role of hygienists to increase access to care.
Support Our Workforce
Investing in training, recruiting, and retention strategies to ensure we have the right people and resources in place.
Maximize Resources
Reviewing vendor contracts, assessing technologies, and identifying cost-saving opportunities to sustain our operations.
Increase Grant Funding
We are aggressively pursuing grant funding to strengthen our workforce, invest in technology, and expand access to care.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the revenue generated through patient care. However, the rising cost of care and insufficient reimbursement rates have created financial constraints that demand immediate action. To address this, we are advocating for $4 million in safety net payment enhancements from the state—$2.5 million for MCDC and $1.5 million for other non-FQHC safety net providers.
With 65% of our patients on Medicaid, this funding is critical to maintaining access to care and preventing further closures. Michigan’s dental safety net is at a breaking point, and securing these resources is essential to our ability to serve the state’s most vulnerable residents.
We will be vocal and persistent – championing our team members and advocating for our patients, patients like Sharon. And we will remain vigilant, pushing for the resources necessary to protect the future of oral health care access in Michigan.
The strength of our communities, the well-being of our residents, and the economic stability of our state depend on a strong, sustainable dental safety net. We refuse to stand by while access to care is threatened, and we will continue to push for policies and funding that ensure every Michigander has the dental care they deserve.
We recognize that while challenges exist, they do not define those individuals committed to our mission. Our team has endured immense obstacles, yet their dedication and perseverance have led to remarkable achievements. Their hard work should never be overshadowed. We will continue to celebrate their successes, uplift their efforts, and focus on the positive impact they make every day. Acknowledging both the hurdles and the victories ensures we remain motivated and inspired to move forward together.
Our team’s perseverance has driven remarkable achievements. Despite challenges, we served nearly 93,000 patients and increased our organization-wide satisfaction score to 4.9 in 2024, with five centers achieving a perfect 5.0. These numbers reflect the dedication of our team—people who show up every day, ready to make a difference.
This dedication was on full display at our All-Staff Meeting, the first in eight years. Nearly 300 team members came together, reaffirming that MCDC is more than a workplace—it’s a mission.
The Road Ahead: It Takes a Village
The future will not be without obstacles, but we are ready. We are not just surviving—we are laying the foundation to thrive. We need everyone to rally together and drive real, lasting change. The future of MCDC and the communities we serve depends on collective action. To do that, we need you.
Don’t just read these words—act. Stand with us. Partner with us. Advocate for the future of Michigan’s oral health. The time is now.
Let's make an impact together.
Deborah Brown, DMD, MHA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer, MCDC
Our mission
Enhance community health by offering access to quality dental care for all.
Our motto
Improving lives – one smile at a time!
Our promise
We promise to offer continuous support in a patient-centered environment.
Thank you to our Board, Advisory Council and Partners!
MCDC expresses gratitude for partners’ support, collaboration, and shared success, contributing to mutual growth and community impact. Together, challenges are overcome, milestones celebrated, and boundaries pushed. We look forward to our continued partnerships that aim to achieve common goals and reach greater heights – because everyone deserves a healthy smile.
