Community Dental Health Coordinator

 

Requirements for Admission
1 Participation:  Ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting program activities.
2 Complete and submit required Admission Criteria: Complete and submit required proof of licensure or certification based on your specific State Dental Practice Act.  Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
  • Dental Assistant II (DAII) and/ or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
  • Be a graduate of a ADA CODA accredited dental assisting program 

OR

  • Have a minimum of two years (3,000 hours) work experience as a chairside dental assistant.  Employment must be verified by a dentist (*this applies to NC DA applicants).
3 For Dental Assistants only: applicants to the CDHC program at Alamance Community College must demonstrate clinical competencies before applying to the program and the candidates must be in compliance with the dental practice act in their respective state. The skill sets are:

  • Ability to take radiographs
  • Ability to place sealants and fluoride
  • Ability to perform coronal polishing

Documentation must be provided that the student possesses the skills above.  Submit copies of course descriptions along with official transcripts, certificates from an approved educational provider, or State certificates/licensures demonstrating that the above competencies have been met.  (Note: If you do not have proof that you have met these competencies, you cannot be admitted to the program).
4 CPR card: Applicant must provide a copy of a current CPR card for Basic Life Support. The course must include the coursework and a hands-on skills component.
5 Supervisory Provider:  Identify a dentist or coordinating provider in the community who agrees to work with you in a supervisory capacity throughout the CDHC program, providing guidance for the final project implementation during the Internship course.
6 Immunizations: Applicants who are accepted and enroll in the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) program may be exposed to Bloodborne and infectious diseases. Be advised that depending on the site selected for internship hours, you may be required to have current proof of immunizations for that site, and as such, be prepared well in advance.  Immunizations are not required to be enrolled in the CDHC program.
7 Additional Program Information:  Please click here for

 information about the course modules and schedule.

Please review the CDHC Checklist before registering to ensure you have all necessary items to complete the registration process. 

  • Students must be a Registered Dental Hygienist or a Dental Assistant II. 

  • Applicants are required to provide documentation of licensure or certification according to their state’s dental practice act.

Community Dental Health Coordination oversight and regulations vary by state.  It is the student’s responsibility to verify individual state requirements to practice as a CDHC.  Please visit the American Dental Association CDHC website for more information.

Participants can choose to complete their internship at a community dental health clinic or at their current place of employment.

Financial assistance may be available from the American Dental Association.  
The ADA Foundation is starting a pilot scholarship award program for Community Dental Health Coordinator students. In piloting this new scholarship program, the ADAF has funding to offer six $250 scholarships to CDHC applicants accepted into the ACC program.  
In order to be eligible for the ADAF CDHC Scholarships applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • At the time of application, be accepted or enrolled full time as a CDHC student at Alamance Community College (NC);
  • Demonstrate financial need.
The ADA Foundation uses an online application system. Students will need to complete a log in and set up a password first and then they will have access to the application.  To apply, interested students should click here.  

Community Dental Health Coordinator (Online)

The Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) is a new member of the dental team who fills an important role whether working with a health center or private practice. The CDHC can perform clinical preventive services and community-based outreach duties. The CDHC program provides Dental Assistants II, CDAs, or Registered Dental Hygienists an opportunity to expand their skills with a practical and theoretical basis for assisting in the reduction of disparities in dental health. Course modules are online and will cover dental health advocacy, intercultural communication, interviewing skills for the dental advocate, in addition to legal and ethical issues and finance. The student will also participate in an internship in a clinical setting. 

Course modules are online and will cover dental health advocacy, intercultural communication, interviewing skills for the dental advocate, in addition to legal and ethical issues and finance.  The student will also participate in an internship in a clinical setting.  

Location: ONLINE  Hours: 166  Class
            120  Internship		 Fee:  $183
Section # Dates
82946 Class: 9/11/23 - 4/07/24

Internship:4/15/23 - 7/14/24