Dr. Erica Knarr, our Clinical Director of Dental Medicine, was recently awarded the Public Health Champion Award at the RI Public Health Association’s annual meeting. The award is presented to individuals who have championed public health through advocacy, education, and service. We talked to Dr. Knarr about receiving this award and the ways PCHC is improving access to oral health in Rhode Island.
What was your reaction to winning this award?
I was genuinely surprised and deeply honored. I come to work each day focused on quietly doing the right thing for my patients, not seeking recognition, so this meant a great deal. To me, it really reflects the commitment of our entire team at PCHC. We show up every day to give people the best care we can and to serve our community with integrity, and I am grateful to be part of that work.
Is access to dental care an under-recognized public health issue?
Absolutely. Oral health is tightly connected to overall health, yet many adults still struggle to find affordable, accessible dental care, especially those on Medicaid. When people go without treatment, it affects their nutrition, chronic conditions, confidence, and even their ability to work. Access to dental care is a critical public health issue that deserves far more attention.
PCHC opened an adult dental clinic primarily focused on Medicaid patients in 2024. Has the first year plus of operations proven that the need is real?
The need is undeniable. From the moment we opened, we saw adults who had been waiting at length to receive care. Since joining PCHC, we have expanded our services to include root canal treatment and crowns so we can save teeth that would otherwise be lost. These are essential parts of comprehensive dental care, especially for people who have already gone without treatment for too long.
I also advocate quadrant dentistry so patients can receive more complete care in fewer visits. This is incredibly important for those facing barriers with transportation, time off work, or childcare. The demand we see daily reinforces that when we provide the right services at the right time, patients use them to improve their health and stability.
How does your team work together to address oral health in underserved communities?
Our team works with shared purpose and a great deal of heart. Dentists, hygienists, assistants, front office staff and management collaborate closely so patients feel supported and understood from the moment they arrive. We also launched an externship this year with Tufts to train future dentists in community focused care, and to bring more hands, hearts, and minds into the clinic. Additionally, we are working on integrating fluoride varnish application into pediatric primary care so children who do not reach the dental clinic still receive preventive protection. This helps us reach families at earlier stages and reduce long-term disease.
What makes me most proud is that our entire team believes in providing truly comprehensive care, not just quick or partial fixes. We want our patients to keep their teeth, avoid pain, and feel confident in their health. Every day we work toward that goal together.