Introducing My Healthy Smile NY
Collaboration and innovation from all stakeholders is needed to address the complex post-pandemic challenges facing our communities to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to oral health care.
We believe a viable solution for addressing the challenges ahead is the incorporation of a workforce model in New York, the Community Health Dental Coordinator (CDHC).
A CDHC acts as a bridge between the community and clinical care with a working knowledge of dental disease processes, the dental delivery system and disease prevention strategies.
The CDHC is a Registered Dental Assistant or Registered Dental Hygienist with additional training focused on care coordination and motivational interviewing. As a new member of the dental team, the CDHC can perform clinical preventive services and community-based outreach. In addition to promoting oral health and disease prevention, they can interact directly with populations who are at risk for dental disease but are unsure of how to access dental care or community services.
One of a CDHC's core functions is to help patients navigate the health care system:
A CDHC acts as a bridge between the community and clinical care with a working knowledge of dental disease processes, the dental delivery system and disease prevention strategies.
The CDHC is a Registered Dental Assistant or Registered Dental Hygienist with additional training focused on care coordination and motivational interviewing. As a new member of the dental team, the CDHC can perform clinical preventive services and community-based outreach. In addition to promoting oral health and disease prevention, they can interact directly with populations who are at risk for dental disease but are unsure of how to access dental care or community services.
One of a CDHC's core functions is to help patients navigate the health care system:
- Connecting individuals with dental homes that are accepting Medicaid patients
- Managing patients' fears and anxieties about dental treatment
- Helping with transportation issues
- Educating patients about dental disease and prevention
My Healthy Smile NY is a pilot program created by the New York State Dental Foundation and its partners to introduce the CDHC model in New York State over the next four years.
