Join Native News Online Publisher Levi Rickert and health reporter Jenna Kunze on Friday, Feb. 17 at noon EST as they interview Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, the first-ever Native American female dentist.
![(Courtesy photo)](/images/2022/Jessica-Rickert-450.jpg)
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This week's episode is part of the Native News Health Desk reporting initiative to cover health care in Indian Country.
Unfortunately, preschool-aged Native American children had four times more cases of untreated tooth decay than white children—43 percent compared with 11 percent, according to a Pew study.
Dr. Rickert will discuss the need for early oral health care for Native American children on and off reservations.
When she graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry in 1975, Dr. Rickert became the first female Native American dentist and the second Native American dentist.
To watch this episode, tune into the live stream on Friday, Feb. 10 at Noon Eastern Time. on the Native News Online Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube social media accounts, and subscribe to our channel.
More Stories Like This
San Carlos Apache 22-Year-Old Man Arrested for Setting Fire on Reservation That Destroyed 21 HousesNational Native American Hall of Fame Appoints E. Sequoyah Simermeyer to Board of Directors
State of Michigan to Provide $1.25 Million to Ste. Marie Tribe for Its Homeless Shelter
Vice President Harris Campaigns in Milwaukee for First Rally
Another Option for VP: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
Join us in observing 100 years of Native American citizenship. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting Native Americans US citizenship, a pivotal moment in their quest for equality. This year marks its centennial, inspiring our special project, "Heritage Unbound: Native American Citizenship at 100," observing their journey with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive. Your donations fuel initiatives like these, ensuring our coverage and projects honoring Native American heritage thrive.