Advice for furthering my dental hygiene career as a public health advocate

Hello,
I am trying to plan a course for my career as I feel a strong calling toward public health.   I am currently enrolled in the BSDH program at Farmingdale State college.  I am wondering if you can answer some questions. How did you begin as a dental public health advocate? Which avenues were most successful in aiding toward your nonprofit business? Can I continue to work in private practice while trying to start a nonprofit dental practice?  Do you recommend having a strong research proposal background/grant writing before starting nonprofit? I also am curious to know the highest degree necessary to work for the state’s public health department. I would greatly appreciated any insight on the process.
Sincerely,
Euridiss