Parallel Practice: Improving Oral Health in Massachusetts and Zambia

Oral disease is largely preventable, yet it accounts for a significant burden of pain and poor quality of life resulting in millions of work and school hours lost annually. Comprehensive oral disease prevention programs should include evidence-based components shown to promote oral health in both developed and developing countries, in mobile and fixed delivery settings and with a parallel emphasis on workforce development. Integration of oral health services into the broader health delivery system is key to improving both oral and overall health.

Kerry Maguire, DDS, MSPH is Associate Clinical Investigator and Director of ForsythKids, a school-based prevention program of The Forsyth Institute in Cambridge, MA. She also holds adjunct faculty positions at the University of Washington Center for Pediatric Dentistry and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Maguire is co-founder and chair of the non-profit Options for Children in Zambia (www.optionsforchildren.org).

Dr. Maguire completed her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1988 and earned a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry the following year. In 1993, she received a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She has experience in dental education and industry, having previously held positions as Director of the Advanced Clinical Training and Service Program at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry (1989-1996), Academic Relations Manager at Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals (1996-1999), Associate Professor and Head of the Division of Public Health at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (1999-2003) and Director of Professional Advocacy for Tom’s of Maine (2003-2009).

Dr. Maguire is active in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and the American Dental Association, among other national and international organizations dedicated to oral health and health access.