Bridging Gaps in Care

Partnering to Expand Access to Oral Health Across Florida

Program Description:

Join us for this informative webinar, which highlights collaborative efforts across Florida aimed at expanding access to preventive oral health care in underserved communities.

This session, featuring speakers from Liberty Dental Plan and the Florida Baptist Convention Mobile Dental Unit, will showcase innovative outreach initiatives, dynamic community partnerships, and the collective impact of delivering care directly to those who need it most.

Key Topics Include:

• Community-based outreach models serving underserved populations
• The role of mobile dental services in improving access to care
• Dental plan-driven strategies focused on education and prevention
• The power of collaborative, cross-sector partnerships

Attendees Will Gain:

• Insight into effective outreach strategies that promote oral health equity
• Real-world examples of successful partnerships across Florida communities
• Practical, actionable approaches to engaging vulnerable populations
• Inspiration for professionals looking to build or support community-based dental programs

Stefanie Gaspard is a registered dental hygienist and serves as the Community External Affairs Liaison for Liberty Dental Plan. In this role, she works to bridge the gap between oral health care and access by promoting preventive dental education and increasing awareness across Florida’s communities. With experience in diverse clinical and outreach setting including community-based programs, school-based initiatives, and an overseas military assignment—Stefanie brings a well-rounded perspective to her work.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and a certificate in Medical Business Management. A highlight of her career has been connecting with patients and helping them discover the value of their oral health as part of their overall well-being. She is proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to advocating for underserved populations and advancing inclusion within oral health care systems. Outside of her professional work, Stefanie enjoys staying active, traveling with family and friends, and immersing herself in new cultures. These experiences continue to fuel her passion for health equity and community centered care.

Missy White is a registered dental hygienist who serves as Volunteer Consultant and Community Engagement Manager at CivCOM in Marion County, where she plays a key role in supporting the Tobacco Prevention Program as part of the Bureau of Tobacco-Free Florida efforts. She acts as a liaison for both the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) and the Tobacco-Free Partnership of Marion County, leading initiatives to reduce nicotine addiction in the community.

With a career spanning over three decades, Missy is also a seasoned dental hygienist, having worked in the field since 1988. She dedicates her time as a volunteer Dental Hygiene Consultant for the Florida Baptist Convention Mobile Dental Ministry Unit (MDMU), providing preventive care to uninsured and low-income families across the state of Florida and training local churches and medical clinics to host the Mobile Dental Ministry Unit.

In addition to her professional achievements, Missy is a proud mother of two adult children and a pastor’s wife. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, snorkeling, and indulging in her passion for cooking as a self-proclaimed “foodie.”

Dr. Tamara-Kay Tibby received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2000. She completed her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. After graduation, she started working at the Palm Beach County Health Department as well as in private practice. Dr. Tibby transitioned from private practice in 2006 and started  practicing solely in Public Health.

Shortly upon making this decision, she began pursuing her Masters in Public Health (MPH) at the University of South Florida. This afforded her the opportunity to gain valuable field experience in Panama City, Panama. Dr. Tibby has over 24 years of experience in public health.

She has served as the dental director for community health centers in three different counties in Florida. In these roles she has initiated school and day care based preventative dental programs for low-income children. All these experiences have helped her in the role of Florida Dental Director for Liberty Dental Plan

Dr. Tibby and her family are avid sports fans and especially enjoy watching Gator football, Duke basketball, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Her passion for sports has led her to attend a Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, NBA Championship game, A World Series Game and several professional tennis tournaments.