How communities can promote child oral health with Shelly Buckholz

Release date: February 9, 2026

The guest for Talking About Kids’ second episode of National Children’s Dental Health Month is Shelly Buckholz.  Shelly is the Sealant Program Manager for the Arizona Department of Health Services, and she is going to describe what Arizona is doing to promote children’s oral health. Similar programs are available throughout the United States and in other countries. More information about Shelly and the Cavity Free AZ program is below.

Biography of Shelly Buckholz

Shelly Buckholz is a registered dental hygienist and public health leader with nearly 30 years of experience caring for patients and leading programs that help children and families get the dental care they need. Her work centers on program leadership and community-based oral health initiatives, including her involvement with the Cavity Free AZ Program, which focuses on improving access to preventive dental services for children across Arizona.  Born and raised in Minnesota, Shelly now lives in Arizona, with her husband of 36 years. She is a proud mom of two, ‘Mema’ to three wonderful grandchildren, and co-parents three dogs. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Links

Cavity Free AZ

https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/womens-childrens-health/oral-health/dental-programs/index.php