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. Five young men crowd around a table, on which a skeleton lies. The men are medical students of the late 19th/early 20th century. The image is sepia. A youngish man in cap gestures with a pencil while the others observe. An early anatomy ab at the University of Michigan.

    The Breakey Boys: A dynasty of doctors

    Over 166 years, five successive generations of Michigan-minted doctors have left their collective mark on medicine — and the Breakey family. The birth of the Breakey dynasty of doctors coincides closely with the birth of the University of Michigan Medical School, which opened 175 years ago. That’s James Fleming Breakey, MD 1894, on the far right.

  2. Two hands are clasped atop a red knit blanket; one is elderly, one is not. The image demonstrates the role of hospice.

    What experts wish more people knew about hospice and other end-of-life care

    Jimmy Carter’s use of hospice for nearly two years prior to his death is a powerful reminder about how once can utilize this service, experts say. Hospice is a valuable resource to support patients and families, through care within their own home or nursing facility, but it does not necessarily mean that someone is actively dying.

  3. Group of people cluster together on the front porch of a red brick house. They represent the Indigenous Education Youth Collective group.

    Braiding heritage and education: Michigan program redefines paths for Native students

    The Indigenous Education Youth Collective program, a research-practice partnership between U-M, Anishinaabe youth and families, and Lake Superior State University, inspires Native students with the support and direction they need to pursue higher education.

  4. Overhead shot of UMCI construction site in Detroit, with snow, and large orange crane. Land was purchased from MGM Grand Detroit.

    U-M closes on purchase of nearly 2.3 acres in Detroit

    In December 2024, U-M closed on a $9.5 million purchase of land at 2201 W. Grand River Ave. from MGM Grand Detroit that is expected to support the future needs of the U-M Center for Innovation. Part of the nearly 2.3-acre parcel, strategically located across the street from the UMCI, will be used for a parking structure.

  5. Three well-dressed people stand in a line. From left, the late Tachi Yamada and his wife, Leslie, and Joseph C. Kolars. (Photo courtesy of the Center for Global Health Equity)

    Global health equity center receives additional $10M donation

    Tachi and Leslie Yamada’s $10 million donation five years ago helped launch U-M’s Center for Global Health Equity. Earlier this year, Leslie Yamada and her family donated an additional $10 million to the center, a portion of which has been used to name the center’s directorship, held by Joseph C. Kolars.

  6. A family is interviewed by a member of the Maternal and Infant Health Program research team. (Photo courtesy of Maternal and Infant Health Program)

    U-M report: Program reduces homelessness, utility insecurity

    U-M’s Youth Policy Lab reports that families participating in the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies pilot project, a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services program that provides enhanced home visiting services to pregnant individuals and new parents, were less likely to cut meals due to cost, forgo essential utilities, or become homeless.

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.