Oral Health

Resource List

stethoscope Integrating oral health services is crucial for comprehensive primary care. By addressing dental needs alongside medical care, health centers can promote overall well-being and identify systemic health issues.

These resources have been developed by the National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAPs). Check back as new resources are continually added.

Communication and Customer Service for the Dental Department. E-Learning by NNOHA This new, interactive learning module is designed to support the oral health team in understanding skills and strategies to deliver positive customer service in a dental setting. This module is intended for the entire dental team from dental providers to administrative team members. (1.25 CDE is offered).

Dental Therapy Employment Manual for Michigan Community Health Centers. Manual by Michigan Primary Care Association A comprehensive guide to help health centers prepare for and incorporate dental therapists into their dental teams.

HRSA UDS Sealant Measure FAQ. Fact Sheet by NNOHA Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the new UDS sealant measure for children between the ages of 6-9 years at risk for dental caries. Developed in consultation with oral health specialists and HRSA staff, the FAQ answers questions asked during NNOHA training and technical assistance sessions and webinars.

Integration of Oral Health in Team-Based Care Settings. Archived Webinar by CHC This training provides foundational principles and best practices for integrating oral health into health centers, including the history of integration, strategies for successful implementation, and a case study illustrating effective integration.

NNOHA Workforce Chapter: Operations Manual. Manual by NNOHA This chapter of the NNOHA Operations Manual describes the oral health workforce in health centers.

Optimizing the Role of Integrated Oral Health in Health Centers. Archived Webinar by CHC An informative 60-minute training on the role of integrated oral health in improving patient care. Through an interdisciplinary panel discussion and practical case study, expert panelists will illustrate how integration strengthens collaboration and enhances patient access. Dr. Sheela Tummala, Chief Dental Officer, at Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI) presents.

Oral Health Care for People with HIV at Health Centers. Archived Webinar by Fenway Join the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center for a webinar highlighting the unique oral health needs of people with HIV and discuss the ways in which health centers can provide effective, comprehensive oral care.

Promising Practice: Improving Care Coordination and Health Outcomes for Diabetic Patients through Medical and Dental Integration. Case Study by NNOHA CommUnityCare in Texas shares how their organization implemented medical and dental integration through NNOHA Integration of Diabetes and Oral Health Learning Collaborative to help improve the health outcomes of patients with diabetes.

Promising Practice: Integrating Oral Health and Primary Care for Patients with Diabetes. Report Case Study by NNOHA This promising practice features Horizon Health Care, Inc. in South Dakota. This health center implemented a medical and dental integration program for patients with diabetes while participating in NNOHA's Integration of Diabetes and Oral Health Learning Collaborative.

Promising Practice: Utilizing Quality Improvement for Integrating Oral Health and Diabetes Care. Case Study by NNOHA This promising practice features Wood River Health in Rhode Island. This health center has implemented several integration initiatives to improve overall patient health. Their care model focuses on engaging patients with multiple services while they are already visiting one of the clinic sites.

Strengthening Oropharyngeal Cancer Screening in Dental Settings Webinar. Archived Webinar by NCHPH, NNOHA Hosted by the National Center for Health in Public Housing (NCHPH) and the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA), this session highlighted practical approaches for integrating oropharyngeal cancer screening into dental and primary care workflows. The session reviewed common risk factors, including tobacco use and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and discussed prevention strategies such as HPV vaccination and patient education. Participants gained practical insight into how health centers can strengthen screening efforts, support cancer prevention, and promote coordinated care across clinical teams serving residents of public housing.

Teledentistry Readiness Assessment. Guide by NNOHA This assessment helps health centers determine their level of readiness to implement teledentistry services.

The Impact of Tobacco and Cigarette Smoking in Oral Health. Archived Webinar by NCHPH, NNOHA This webinar designed for health center staff, dental professionals, and community health educators explored the intersection of tobacco use, oral health, and public housing. Speakers from the National Center for Health in Public Housing, the National Network for Oral Health Access, and the American Lung Association discussed trends in tobacco use and their impact on oral health, the vital role of dental teams in tobacco cessation, and practical tools, resources and strategies for implementing integrated tobacco cessation programs in health centers.

The Pivotal Role of Data in Dentistry in Improving Health Outcomes. Archived Webinar by CHC This training highlights the essential role of dentistry in improving health by showcasing strategies for collecting and using data to design and implement interventions that maximize dental contributions and promote clinical excellence in health center settings.

User's Guide for the Implementation of In-House Dental Assistant Training Programs. Guide by NNOHA This publication describes strategies for health centers to implement in-house dental assistant training programs to enhance recruitment and retention.