Community Dental Health Coordinator, Certificate of Completion

Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________	Catalog: 2015 - 2016 CNM Catalog, Volume 48.1 Program: Community Dental Health Coordinator, Certificate of Completion
Community Dental Health Coordinator, Certificate of Completion School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS) Description This program is designed for Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) and Dental Hygienists (RDHs) who are interested in exploring community dental health. Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHC) are health care workers who help promote oral health in underserved communities. A CDHC is essentially a Community Health Worker (CHW) with an emphasized skill set related to oral health. Working under the direction of a Dentist and in partnership with a community clinic, CDHCs will provide oral health education, prevention intervention, provide low level dental care, and help patients navigate an often complex public health system to receive adequate oral health care. CDHCs will be working in the communities, peoples’ homes and other locations under the same concept and realm of a CHW. The CDHC will also establish an emergency triage system and an organized oral health referral system with the Community Clinic or Federally Qualified Health System and dentists they will be working with. Approximate Costs of this Educational Option Cost of Attendance Tuition Books Program and Course Fees Financial Aid Considerations This is a financial aid eligible program. Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule Career Opportunities CDHCs work in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and other safety-net facilities. The role of the CDHC is emerging as a valuable member of the dental health care team. The State of New Mexico plans to expand the number of CDHCs working as patient navigators, preventive specialists, and oral health screening workforce in the community health center and private practice environment to reduce barriers to access (socio-economic, cultural, geographic, educational, and psychological), while increasing the capacity of community dental health programs and private practices. Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Program Proficiencies and/or Prerequisites Students must demonstrate proficiency in these areas either by placement exam scores or specific course work. Coordinated Entry Program ENG 1101 - College Writing Math 1 Proficiency Reading 2 Proficiency COMM 2221 - Interpersonal Communication Studies HLTH 1001 - Clinical Preparation or A current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate from a DANB-accepted CPR provider and course.
Required Courses
Course Name	credit hour(s)	Term Taken	Grade	Gen Ed
BA 2282 - Leadership and Group Dynamics	3 credit hour(s)
COMM 2281 - Intercultural Communication Studies	3 credit hour(s)
HLTH 1030 - Introduction to Community Health Care	3 credit hour(s)
Term 1
Course Name	credit hour(s)	Term Taken	Grade	Gen Ed
CDHC 1010 - Interviewing Skills for the Dental Health Advocate	2 credit hour(s)
CDHC 1020 - Dental Health Teaching and Learning Skills	2 credit hour(s)
CDHC 1035 - Dental Health Screening and Classification	3 credit hour(s)
CDHC 1045 - Palliative Care	3 credit hour(s)
Term 2
Course Name	credit hour(s)	Term Taken	Grade	Gen Ed
CDHC 2098 - Community Dental Health Coordinator Internship	6 credit hour(s)

Certificate of Completion in Community Dental Health Coordinator 25 credit hours
Notes:

School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)

Description

This program is designed for Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) and Dental Hygienists (RDHs) who are interested in exploring community dental health. Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHC) are health care workers who help promote oral health in underserved communities. A CDHC is essentially a Community Health Worker (CHW) with an emphasized skill set related to oral health. Working under the direction of a Dentist and in partnership with a community clinic, CDHCs will provide oral health education, prevention intervention, provide low level dental care, and help patients navigate an often complex public health system to receive adequate oral health care. CDHCs will be working in the communities, peoples’ homes and other locations under the same concept and realm of a CHW. The CDHC will also establish an emergency triage system and an organized oral health referral system with the Community Clinic or Federally Qualified Health System and dentists they will be working with.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

Cost of Attendance
Tuition
Books
Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

This is a financial aid eligible program.

Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule

Career Opportunities

CDHCs work in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and other safety-net facilities. The role of the CDHC is emerging as a valuable member of the dental health care team. The State of New Mexico plans to expand the number of CDHCs working as patient navigators, preventive specialists, and oral health screening workforce in the community health center and private practice environment to reduce barriers to access (socio-economic, cultural, geographic, educational, and psychological), while increasing the capacity of community dental health programs and private practices.

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Description

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

Career Opportunities

Recommended Sequence of Courses

Program Proficiencies and/or Prerequisites

Required Courses

Term 1

Term 2

Certificate of Completion in Community Dental Health Coordinator 25 credit hours