With more than 50 years of experience, Jessica Rickert, DDS, has built a distinguished career in dentistry, focusing on serving the American Indian population in Michigan. Since 2016, she has worked as an Anishinaabe dental outreach specialist and consultant with the Delta Dental Plan of Michigan Inc., dedicating her efforts to improving dental health within this community.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Rickert was the owner of Whitepigeon Enterprises LLC from 2006 to 2023, continuing her commitment to dental health and outreach. Her career began in 1975 when she worked as an Anishinaabe dental outreach specialist and dentist at Dr. Jessica A. Rickert DDS, a position she held until 2016. Concurrently, she served as the director of the dental clinic at the Children’s Aid Society until 1982, furthering her dedication to providing dental care to underserved communities.
Dr. Rickert has made significant contributions to professional organizations, serving on the board of directors for the Society of American Indian Dentists. She is also a member of the Multicultural Oral Health Summit Scientific Committee within the Diverse Dental Society and the Diversity Council of the Michigan Dental Association. Dr. Rickert maintains memberships to the American Dental Association, the Sturgis Historical Museum, the Northern Plains Regional Hub of the American Indian Tribal Health Consortium, the International College of Dentists, and the American Dental Education Association. Outside of dentistry, she is actively engaged in civic associations, including musical societies, scouting organizations, libraries, food banks, and Right to Life organizations, reflecting her broader commitment to community service.
As a further testament to Dr. Rickert’s passion for making a difference, she has contributed through her work and publications, such as Exploring Careers in Dentistry and the Your Tooth Fairy Pillow project. Laying a solid educational foundation, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1975.
In light of her impressive undertakings in the field, Dr. Rickert has received numerous awards, including the Women in American History Certificate of Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in 2022 and the Enduring Spirit Award from the Native Action Network in 2022. She was also honored with the Ida Gray Award from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2021 and was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2009 as the first American Indian woman dentist worldwide. Dr. Rickert attributes her success to her family’s strong work ethic and resilience, which are deeply rooted in their Potawatomi heritage.
Looking to the future, Dr. Rickert plans to continue her work with the Anishinaabe Dental Outreach and collaborate with Native News Online’s health editorial department. She is committed to encouraging American Indian and Alaskan Native youth to pursue careers in the healing professions, with a particular focus on increasing the number of American Indian dentists, especially in underserved areas like the 12 Indian reservations in Michigan, which currently lack dental professionals. Dr. Rickert is also determined to help prepare these youth for professional schools and to work with institutions to attract them to the field, ensuring that dental health care access for American Indians continues to improve and expand.