Author

Shandra Martinez

Shandra Martinez is a veteran journalist and former reporter at MLive/The Grand Rapids Press who leads The Lakeshore WM and Rapid Growth, digital publications covering West Michigan, along with Second Wave regional series. Through her company, Legacina, Shandra channels her passion for storytelling helping families preserve their histories, teaching them to use digital tools to capture and share family stories before memories fade. Reach her at shandra@lakeshorewm.com or 
legacina.story@gmail.com

Shandra Martinez's Latest Articles

Detroit Schools Health Hubs
How one school system bridges the care gap with innovative Health Hubs

Detroit’s Health Hubs embed medical, behavioral, and dental care inside schools, ensuring students receive essential services and thrive in class.

Dental hygienists hit the road to expand Michigan’s oral care

Three hygienists across Michigan use foundation-funded vans to deliver preventive dental care to underserved children and families.

dental therap
Dental therapy offers Michigan an innovative path to expand essential oral health care

Michigan introduces licensed dental therapists to address provider shortages, empowering students to deliver vital community care.

Lynda Gregorini, dental hygienist and founder of U.P. Superior Smiles.
Childhood exam motivates dental hygienist who cares for rural kids

Inspired by a school nurse, Lynda Gregorini now provides dental care and career mentoring to students in rural Michigan schools.

NEOMED launches dental program to improve statewide oral health access

NEOMED's new Bitonte College of Dentistry will embed dental students in Ohio communities to improve access and address shortages in rural and urban oral health care.  

Ohio hygienist trains future workforce through outreach role

Justin Nance blends teaching and patient care to combat workforce shortages and inspire the next generation of dental hygienists in Ohio.

How an Indiana hygienist inspires careers, expands access as an industry ambassador

Hali Householder helps recruit future dental hygienists and promotes whole-body health through a pioneering workforce initiative tackling care shortages.

A student and her parents following a dental checkup at the Cincinnati Health Department.
Cincinnati’s school dental clinics bring relief to thousands

Serving 24,000 patients annually, the Cincinnati Health Department dental program brings year-round care to students and community patients through an innovative public-private partnership.

New high school dental program quickly fills workforce gaps

Walker Career Center trains teens for dental careers, tackling workforce shortages and helping underserved students access well-paying, high-demand health care jobs.

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

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