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

Cherry Health teledentistry pilot helps patients overcome dental care barriers

Cherry Health's teledentistry pilot uses virtual visits to reduce fear and connect underserved patients with dental care.

Planet Smilez program gives students hands-on dental career experience

Indiana University hosted the one-day Discovering Dentistry Symposium. The mobile program heads to Michigan next, introducing students to dental careers.

Leadership program helps dental directors improve care in underserved communities

Program supports dental leaders in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana with skills to manage clinics, improve care, and advocate for underserved patients.

Indiana health center trains local residents as dental assistants to fill workforce gaps

HealthLinc, a federally qualified health center in Valparaiso, covers training costs while preparing local residents for dental assistant jobs, strengthening workforce pipelines and expanding access to care.

How a sisterhood of dentists is expanding public health across Metro Detroit

A collective of African American women dentists delivers public health care, mentorship, and trust to underserved patients across Detroit, Wayne County and Macomb County.

Health equity, representation drive Detroit dentist’s mission

Once inspired by a high school mentor, Dr. Michele Bloxson now advances health equity through public dentistry and trauma-informed care.

The Davies Project expands care by connecting families to oral health

With Delta Dental Foundation’s support, The Davies Project, based in Lansing, removes transportation barriers, helping families access dental care as well as critical medical appointments for seriously and chronically ill children and expectant women.

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.

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