CDHC Certificate

Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) Certificate Program

What is a community dental health coordinator?

Community dental health coordinators (CDHCs) are members of the healthcare workforce who work and build trust at the community level. They play an important role in bridging the gap between cultures and dental healthcare systems.

CDHCs navigate community members through the system and community services, helping diverse populations overcome barriers that prevent them from accessing and benefiting from dental health services. They serve as advocates, facilitators, motivators, and culture brokers with oral health resources.

Their overall goal is empowering community members, communities, and dental healthcare systems to achieve positive outcomes and to reach the optimal level of wellness for everyone.

Break down barriers to better oral health in your community

Designed specifically for dental hygienists and dental assistants who serve rural, underserved communities, the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) Certificate Program at MUSC is based on the American Dental Association's national CDHC curriculum.

This certificate program is for dental hygienists and dental assistants who want to expand their skills in community-based oral health care. The program equips participants with the knowledge and tools to serve as vital links between patients, healthcare providers, and community resources, particularly in underserved rural areas. 

Flexible learning

Delivered online via Endeavor (Brightspace), the course can be completed in 8-12 months, allowing participants to study at their own pace.

Comprehensive training

Learn to coordinate care, provide oral health education, and navigate patients through healthcare systems.

The  course is delivered virtually and asynchronously through the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine's Center for Rural Oral Health Research and Community Engagement. 

Length: 8-12 months
Cost: Coming soon

Who should apply? Dental hygienists and dental assistants looking to expand their role in public health and community engagement, with a focus on improving access to oral health care in rural and underserved areas.

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Registered Dental Hygienist (will be required to submit RDH license)
  • Certified Dental Assistant (will be required to submit CDA certification)
  • Be a graduate of an ADA CODA accredited dental assisting program (will be required to submit dental assisting diploma)


Next start date: January 2025
Registration opens: Coming soon
Registration deadline: December 31, 2024

Education method: Lecture
Speaker conflict of interest disclosure: None
ADA CERP | Continuing Education Recognition Program

The MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine is an ADA CERP recognized provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. The MUSC College of Dental Medicine designates this activity for up to 24 hours of continuing education (CE) credits for dental hygienists and up to 30 hours of CE credits for dental assistants. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for CE Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

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Population Oral Health Programs