The ADA has made its community dental health coordinator (CDHC) program available as a fully online, asynchronous course that practicing dental hygienists and assistants can take directly from the association.
Previously, hygienists and assistants could earn the CDHC recognition only through dental hygiene or dental assisting programs that incorporate ADA-licensed content into their curriculums -- an option that remains available. As of September, clinical team members already in practice can enroll on their own.
The updated course teaches community health worker skills, preparing community dental health coordinators to connect underserved patients with a dental home by providing education and resources and addressing barriers to care, according to an ADA News article.
At Zufall Health, a federally qualified health center in New Jersey, 32 people have trained as CDHCs over the past five years, said Dr. Mark Vitale, chair of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention.
Hygienists and assistants can register for the course on the ADA website.
