ADA launches oral health certification for community health workers

Association works with New Jersey to create training, invites other states to collaborate

The American Dental Association has launched an oral health certification program for community health workers — public health professionals who provide health education to residents in their community and connect them with healthcare providers, services and resources.

The ADA Oral Health Ambassador Certificate for Community Health Workers is meant to prepare these workers to confidently educate patients about oral health and address common misconceptions, including the recommended timing of a child’s first dental visit. The program also explores the relationship between oral health and chronic conditions, including diabetes.

Through the online course, community health workers will learn common dental terminology and procedures as well as patient communication and education strategies, with an emphasis on oral health considerations and barriers to care for underserved populations. The course is available to community health workers and not intended for dentists or dental team members.

The ADA created this new program after working with the New Jersey Department of Health to develop oral health training for community health workers in that state — the first time the ADA has collaborated with a state health department in such a way.

“Oral health is essential to overall health, and community health workers play a vital role in connecting individuals and families with the resources and care they need,” said Becky Parnian, D.H.Sc., New Jersey state dental hygienist. “Through the New Jersey Department of Health Colette Lamothe-Galette Community Health Worker Institute-sponsored oral health ambassador training, we are empowering community health workers with the knowledge and tools to promote oral health and advance health equity across New Jersey.”

The collaboration with New Jersey began when the state health department reached out to the ADA for assistance creating an oral health certification program. ADA staff met with the health department to determine the scope and modality of the program and helped design it according to those parameters. The training then launched May 6 with a live webinar featuring ADA staff as presenters.

Through its community health worker institute, the health department offers a series of certification programs covering specialized healthcare topics, but it did not previously have a program on oral health.

“The New Jersey Department of Health is proud to launch this important initiative and grateful to the American Dental Association for its leadership in developing the oral health ambassador training for New Jersey community health workers,” Dr. Parnian said. “Together, we are advancing the integration of oral health with overall health and expanding access to oral health education in communities across the state.”

Other health departments interested in working with the ADA on state-specific programs can email CE-online@ada.org.