Horizon Chief Dental Officer Recognized For Clinical Leadership

Dr. Michelle Scholtz was chosen as the 2022 Exceptional Clinical Leadership Awardee by the Community Health Association of Mountain Plains States (CHAMPS).

Scholtz is the Chief Dental Officer for Horizon’s eight dental clinics. Her award recognizes her outstanding service and commitment to dental excellence. She has worked for Horizon since 2012 and has served as Chief Dental Office since 2013. In that time, she created dental mentorships for new providers, launched tele-dentistry appointments for all Horizon sites, and fostered relationships with dental schools in the region to recruit new dentists each year. According to her nomination statement she continually works to integrate medical and dental health in primary care services.

In 2022 she launched a community garden and remains focused on healthy diet initiatives as well as promoting the Smiles for Miles Program. Smiles for Miles is funded by the Horizon Health Foundation and provides free dental checkups for children five years old and under during the month of October.

CHAMPS has honored staff and board members of Region VIII Health Centers (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming) for the last 30 years recognizing exceptional contributions to the health center community. They honor deserving individuals for accomplishments in advocacy, leadership, and dedication to the health center mission to serve underserved individuals and communities increasing access to affordable, quality health care.

“Dr. Scholtz exemplifies the word exceptional in her clinical practice as well as in her dedication to creating as many healthy smiles across the Horizon footprint as possible,” said Horizon CEO Wade Erickson. “She works tirelessly to promote the health center mission as well as working with medical teams to integrate treatments to help us continue keeping our communities well.

We are lucky to have Dr. Scholtz as part of the Horizon family.” Scholtz was presented her award on December 8 via a virtual ceremony.