Sharlynn Daun-Barnett, LMSW
& Candace Ziglor, DSW
Oral health is deeply connected to overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in social work practice. Social workers embedded in dental settings are transforming patient care by addressing barriers that go beyond the dentist’s chair. From coordinating transportation and financial assistance to providing trauma-informed care and advocating for equitable access, social workers are fostering a holistic approach to oral health care.
Our guests, Sharlynn Daun-Barnett and Candace Ziglor, join us to discuss their experiences working at the intersection of social work and dentistry. They share insights into the challenges of integrating social work into dental settings, the unique opportunities to train future dental professionals and how interprofessional collaboration enhances both patient outcomes and provider understanding.
Sharlynn Daun-Barnett, LMSW, NBC-HWC, is a clinical assistant professor at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where she applies a biopsychosocial approach to dental education, supervising social work interns and training future dental professionals. A DSW student at the UB School of Social Work, her research focuses on mindfulness-based interventions for pain and stress management. With over 15 years of experience as a field educator, she is dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration, improving patient care and mentoring students in both social work and dental education.
Candace Ziglor, DSW, LMSW, is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and an instructor in both BSW and MSW programs at Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan. She also operates a private practice in Michigan, where she provides therapy and supervises MSW students. At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion face significant challenges, Ziglor remains steadfast in her commitment to ensuring that students and clinicians recognize their importance. She integrates cultural humility into both her teaching and clinical practice, empowering future professionals to serve with empathy and awareness.
Show Notes
Cite this podcast – Sobota, P. (Host). (2025, February 20). Integrating Social Work in Dental Care (No. 334)[Audio podcast episode]. In inSocialWork. University at Buffalo School of Social Work.
