Community Dental Health Coordinator

Certificate

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Take your dental skills and expertise to the people who need it most. Our one-year online program focuses on community-based prevention, care coordination, and more. We are the only college in Iowa offering this program and one of two in the U.S. providing it fully online. Designed for Registered Dental Hygienists or Certified Dental Assistants. 

What You Learn in the Community Dental Health Coordinator Program

This program is part of the American Dental Association's effort to connect people who usually don't get dental care to the resources they need. You provide guidance and link them to care, while also empowering them to manage their oral health.

Courses cover advocacy, communication, finance, coordination, and reporting. You also study legal and ethical issues.

A Solid Foundation

Legal & Ethical Issues

HIPPA, too

Legal & Ethical Issues

Learn about consumer protection, policy, confidentiality, liability, and more.

Advocacy & Outreach

This is how you work

Advocacy & Outreach

Concepts, strategies and methods for assisting the underserved.

Interviewing Skills

What's the question?

Interviewing Skills

Master motivational interviewing and behavior change interventions.

Dental Care Finance

Cover costs

Dental Care Finance

Determine payment eligibility and public financing available to clients.

Ready to Get Started?

As a dental professional, you already care about patients and their oral health. Yet tens of thousands of Americans are lacking dental care, and there are so many more people who need help. Our Community Dental Health Coordination program puts that power in your hands. Here's what you need:

You must be a Registered Dental Hygienist or Certified Dental Assistant and are required to provide documentation of licensure or certification according to your state's Dental Practice Act. You must also meet the following criteria:

  • Ability to fully participate in classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting program activities
  • Allied Health Program Policy documents completed and submitted
  • Submitted current supplemental background checks

Dental Assistants must document certain clinical competencies before applying to the program and must be in compliance with the Dental Practice Act in their respective state. Documentation of these skills should be recorded on part 2 of the application:

  • Ability to take radiographs
  • Ability to place fluoride
  • Ability to perform coronal polishing
  • Ability to identify suspicious lesions

Applicants who enroll in the Community Dental Health Coordination (CDHC) program will be exposed to blood-borne and infectious diseases. The program strictly adheres to established policies and procedures regarding infection control as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The American Dental Association, The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Depending on the internship site selected, you may be required to have current proof of immunizations for that site. However, immunizations are not required to enroll in the CDHC program.

Healthcare program students are required to complete a CPR Basic Life Support course. CPR certification must include infant, child, and adult, 1 and 2 man rescuer, AED, and evidence of a hands-on skills component.

Smiling dental assistant student at desk with textbooks

Enhance your resume

This certificate is valuable, to you and to your employer. It illustrates your commitment to your community and brings unique variety to your career. You get to connect patients from all backgrounds to the care they need.

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Online to Fit Your Needs!

With more than 1,000 online students each semester and years of experience, we are an established leader in online education. Take classes on your schedule and be fully supported in reaching your goals. In addition to your instructor, take advantage of advising, tutoring, and all services EICC students enjoy.

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Ready to Launch?

Start here. Earn a certificate. Build new skills in a short-term program. Step into the field and enjoy the edge you now have in the job market. From baking to digital analytics, we give you a launching pad.

Where do you want to go?

Employment and Wage Outlook

Contact Admissions

Contact the admissions representative from the college you plan to attend. If you’re not sure, you may contact any rep. Each can answer questions about any college or program.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Community Dental Health Coordinator: Locations

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Online Program

Yes, EICC fits into your life. Take our courses anywhere. Login at home on the couch or in the back of a breakroom. Our online learning platform lets you view lessons, access materials, submit assignments, and easily connect with your instructor. Have questions? We’re here to help.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE CLASSES