Pageant Queen Champions Dental Care Access in Rural America

From Beauty Queen to Dental Advocate

In an inspiring fusion of beauty pageants and healthcare advocacy, Jealynn Holtz, a fourth-year student at Marquette University School of Dentistry, is making waves in the world of dental care. Holtz, a former Miss Badger State, has been using her platform to shed light on a critical issue often overlooked in rural America: access to dental care.

Rural Roots Shape a Dental Mission

Growing up in Newark, Ohio, a small town 40 miles east of Columbus, Holtz experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing dental care in rural areas. Her early exposure to these difficulties came during a high school dental assistant program, where she observed:

“To get to a specialist, you were at least going right outside of Columbus. It was a 45-minute drive for these families, if not more.”

This experience was pivotal in shaping Holtz’s career path, inspiring her to pursue dentistry with a focus on pediatrics. She notes the stark realities of oral health in rural communities:

“Coming from such a small town, I’ve seen a lot more very young people getting dentures, a lot of deteriorating oral health, things like that.”

Balancing Pageants and Dental School

Holtz’s journey is a testament to her dedication and multifaceted talents. While pursuing her dental education, she has continued to participate in beauty pageants, using these platforms to advocate for better dental care access. Her achievements include being crowned USA National Miss Ohio during her undergraduate studies at Ohio State University and later winning the title of 2021 Miss Badger State.

Innovative Approaches to Dental Education

At Marquette University School of Dentistry, Holtz has taken her advocacy a step further. She recently revitalized the school’s Pediatric Club, growing its membership to over 30 students. Her ambition extends to partnering with Milwaukee Public Schools to provide dental education and resources to K-12 students.

Dr. Liz Eggert, a pediatric dentist and Marquette alumna, commends Holtz’s commitment:

“She’s always having this itch to learn more about pediatrics. In dental school, you’re typically just trying to get done with your requirements. For her to go above and beyond that, you can tell she has the passion to have a great career in this field.”

Future Plans: Bringing Specialty Care to Rural Areas

Looking ahead, the 26-year-old Holtz is applying to pediatric residency programs across the United States. Her ultimate goal is to practice in a rural area of Wisconsin or Ohio, addressing the significant need for pediatric dentists in these regions.

Holtz emphasizes the importance of early dental education:

“If we can make a difference in the way kids and their parents think about oral health, it’s going to translate over into adulthood.”

A Model of Dedication and Service

Holtz’s ability to balance her demanding dental studies with pageant participation and community service has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Eggert notes:

“She just does it with such grace and is extraordinarily humble in her way. I can tell she has a true passion to help and serve.”

As Jealynn Holtz continues her journey in dentistry and advocacy, she stands as a shining example of how diverse talents and experiences can be channeled into meaningful public service. Her work promises to bring much-needed attention and resources to dental care in underserved rural communities, potentially improving the oral health outcomes for generations to come.