Filling a gap: U-M students help combat Michigan’s shortage of rural dentists

Two dentists work on a patient.

Northern Michigan resident Becky Klein was surprised to learn that the dentists at the Thunder Bay Community Health Service clinic were students from the U-M School of Dentistry. They turned out to be just as competent and professional as seasoned practitioners, she said, and excellent communicators.

  1. Gun Safe

    Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention welcomes first faculty cohort

    The new faculty represent multiple disciplines, from social sciences and the arts to engineering and public health. They will join institute researchers who have collectively secured more federal funding to study firearm injury prevention than any other academic institution nationwide.

  2. Woman uses touch screen at retail

    Durable coating kills COVID virus, other germs in minutes

    The coating, which is clear and can be brushed or sprayed on, could be a game changer in traditionally germ-laden public spaces like airports and hospitals. It gets its durability and germ-killing power by combining tried-and-true ingredients in a new way.

  3. Sad people with dementia and the sad people who care for them

    Depression among those caring for partners with dementia can start a decade before dementia diagnosis

    New study finds that dementia’s pre-onset period, which may include mild cognitive impairment, is an important time to identify needs and solutions for families that will go on to live with the condition.

  4. Doc puts bandaid on patient after vaccine

    A boost just in time for Fall: Updated COVID shots are now available

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved a new and improved booster shot for COVID-19. The shot protects against the original variant of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.

  5. Breaking the age code art

    Positively breaking the age code

    A silent epidemic of ageism is destroying our health, says Becca Levy, BA ’87. In her new book, the scientist breaks the age code to show how people who hold optimistic beliefs about the aging process experience more positive health outcomes than their negative counterparts.

  6. Depths of wikipedia logo

    From rabbit hole to raging success

    ‘Depths of Wikipedia’ host Annie Rauwerda, BS ’22, only posts something to her 1.5 million social media followers ‘if it’s really zany.’ The comedian’s fans rely on her wiki-mining skills to unearth weird-but-true facts about trout tickling, Greek philosophers, and ancient Sumerian humor.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.