Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-14-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Castel Sweet
Second Advisor
Jody Holland
Third Advisor
John Bentley
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Filling the Gap is a project-track Honors capstone that examines oral-health disparities in Mississippi and proposes a community-engaged framework for improving access to dental care among underserved populations in Jackson, Mississippi. Although many oral diseases are preventable, Mississippi continues to experience significant barriers related to poverty, limited insurance coverage, workforce shortages, transportation difficulties, low utilization of preventive-care methods, and uneven access to oral-health education and resources. These barriers contribute to untreated dental disease, avoidable pain, reduced quality of life, and broader systemic health consequences. Drawing from public-health literature, Mississippi-specific surveillance data, nonprofit and clinic-based models, interviews, and community-engaged project planning, this thesis analyzes both the causes of oral-health inequities and the opportunities for community-based intervention. The research includes review of both state and national oral-health sources, analysis of existing free and reduced-cost care models, and reflection on lived community experience through volunteer service with Stewpot Community Services in Jackson, MS. Particular attention is given to the ways oral-health disparities affect low-income and underserved populations who often face overlapping barriers to quality dental care. The second half of the thesis introduces an applied project model designed to increase access to dental care, improve oral-health education, and strengthen long-term oral-health outcomes in Mississippi. Proposed interventions include needs-assessment surveys, oral-health resource guides, hygiene education seminars, supply drives, collaborative partnerships with clinics, enhanced workforce pipeline development, and
7 long-term planning for free and mobile dental clinic expansion. The foundation of this project is grounded in adaptive community-engaged leadership, asset-based community development, and a belief that meaningful change requires both intentional service and a strong focus on sustainability. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates that oral-health equity in Mississippi will require collaboration among community organizations, dental professionals, students, academic institutions, policymakers, and, most importantly, the people who we are working to serve. Dentistry must be understood not only as a clinical profession, but also as a platform for service, leadership, and justice. Improving access to oral healthcare is both a public health necessity and a moral opportunity for the state of Mississippi to improve the oral health outcomes of its citizens. I will implement Filling the Gap this year and hope to continue working for its mission to help the underserved Mississippians throughout my future career as a dentist.
Recommended Citation
Gee, Connor T., "Filling The Gap: Addressing Oral Health Disparities and Expanding Dental Care Access in Mississippi Through Community Engagement" (2026). Honors Theses. 3519.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3519
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