
Be True to Your Teeth
From LifeBeat: The Podcast by 1Joshua Group
October 22, 2025 · 36 min · Season 2 · Episode 7
About this episode
Dr. Cherae Farmer discusses the vital link between oral health and overall wellness, addressing challenges faced by underserved communities.
Host: Kermit G. Payne Guest: Cherae M. Farmer, DDS In this powerful episode of Life Beat, host Kermit G. Payne sits down with Dr. Cherae Farmer, Dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College, veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, and trailblazer as the first African American Chair-Elect of the American Dental Education Association.Dr. Farmer breaks down the connection between oral health and overall wellness—showing how what happens in your mouth affects your heart, brain, and body. She shares why dental deserts, cultural barriers, and lack of access continue to affect underserved and minority communities, and how faith, education, and community partnerships can help close those gaps.00:00 – Meet Dr. Cherae Farmer, DDS01:10 – Why Oral Health Matters 03:50 – The COVID Effect 08:00 – From Pain to Comfort 12:30 – Dental Care with Heart 13:45 – Meharry Pride 22:00 – Healthcare Home, Not Just Dental Home 23:10 – Community Power 26:40 – Teledentistry Explained 28:30 – Why I Became a Dentist 31:00 – Advice for Future Dentists 34:25 – Closing Thoughts #BeTrueToYourTeeth#BlackHealthMatters#LifeBeatPodcast
People in this episode
Host: Kermit G. Payne
Guest: Cherae M. Farmer, DDS
Topics covered
- oral health
- overall wellness
- dental deserts
- cultural barriers
- community partnerships
- teledentistry
- future dentists
Keywords
- oral health
- wellness
- dental care
- community health
- teledentistry
- healthcare access
- minority health
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Meharry Medical College, American Dental Education Association, U.S. Army Reserve
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