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Community Dental Health Coordinator

Want to make a difference in your community? CDHCs connect patients with care, provide education, and support those facing barriers to dental care. Learn more about this emerging role.
What does a CDHC do?

CDHCs are trained community health workers with dental skills who work as members of the dental team. As a CDHC, your goal will be to link patients with dental care providers who are ready to serve them. You will be a bridge between underutilized resources and patients who can benefit.

CDHCs focus on case management, navigation and oral health education and promotion. They may conduct motivational interviews to reveal issues or concerns that might keep patients from seeking oral care. Community mapping — which involves helping people identify oral health resources near them — may also be part of the role.

Where do CDHCs work?

You can find trained CDHCs working in:

  • Large group practices
  • Dental clinics
  • Schools
  • Faith-based settings
  • Head Start programs serving school-aged children and their families

Several dental practices may also join together to hire a CDHC that works with all participating locations.

What benefits does this career offer?

Personal satisfaction: The CDHC role is helping millions of people who lack access to adequate dental care find the services they need. As a CDHC, you can play a significant role in improving the oral health of hundreds, even thousands of people near you.

Career security: As the dental profession works to end the disparities that block so many people from getting the oral care they need, the demand for CDHCs will expand. Career opportunities will be strong in the years ahead.

How can I train to become a CDHC?

CDHCs often come from the same communities where they grew up or attended school. This ensures they have a good grasp of cultural and language barriers that might affect patient habits, concerns and needs. CDHCs are trained to:

  • Work in clinics, schools, private practices and public health settings in accordance with state laws and regulations
  • Collect information to help dentists provide quality care
  • Help patients set goals and learn skills to improve their oral health
  • Coordinate care in accordance with a dentist’s instructions
  • Help patients navigate the health care system
  • Provide specific clinical services such as fluoride treatments, sealants and dental x-rays

There are CDHC training programs across the country, and graduates are now working in many states. In many cases, the curriculum is integrated with dental assisting and dental hygiene programs.

Where can I find more career resources?

To learn more about the CDHC role and how you can get started, contact your state or local dental society.

Find an overview of CDHC careers and resources from the ADA's Action for Dental Health.