As the CDA Foundation marks 25 years of advancing oral health equity, the milestone also signals a new chapter in patient care. The nonprofit’s volunteer leadership reflect on how clinic models have evolved to increase impact and support sustainable access to care. The year also marks the launch of a new clinic identity: CDA Cares clinics are now CDA Cares Connects clinics, underscoring a shift to ongoing care.
Over the last quarter-century, patient care has remained central to the Foundation’s mission. Here’s how that care has evolved:
Then: CDA Cares clinics and large-scale relief
Since launching in 2012, CDA Cares clinics have provided dental services at no cost to Californians facing significant barriers to access. For many years, these large-scale, two-day events operated out of venues like fairgrounds and convention centers and had the capacity to serve hundreds of individuals and families at each clinic. More than 30,0000 patients have received services valued at $25.22 million — all powered by nearly 27,000 volunteers, including dentists, hygienists, health professionals and community members.
These clinics provided direct care for vulnerable patients while shining a light on barriers to oral health access, profoundly impacting communities across the state. For patients, critical services such as cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals and prosthodontics relieved pain, instilled dignity and opened social and employment opportunities. For dental professionals, CDA Cares became a meaningful, hands-on way to give back at scale.
“There is no bigger joy than to use our talents and skills to help others in need,” notes Dr. Richard Barnes, past chair of the Foundation’s CDA Cares committee. “CDA Cares gave us an organized, efficient way to help so many people and the gratitude was inspiring!”
Beyond patient care, the clinics played a vital advocacy role. For the press, public and policymakers, the events provided education on systemic gaps and the need for Medi-Cal Dental Program reforms, too. After adult Medi-Cal dental coverage was eliminated from the state budget in 2009, CDA Cares became a highly visible, hands-on demonstration of the oral health crisis. The clinics contributed to key policy wins, like fully reinstated adult Medi-Cal Dental Program benefits in 2018, and increased provider participation.
Now: Introducing CDA Cares Connects Clinics
Building on 25 years of lessons learned, the CDA Foundation has intentionally evolved its clinic model, and its name, to reflect a more sustainable approach to care. While large-scale events effectively raised awareness and delivered urgent relief, today’s clinics are designed to connect patients to ongoing care in their own communities.
“The changes are a reflection of CDA’s constant attention and adaptation to the needs of Californians,” shared Dr. Alyssa Nowlen, chair of the Foundation’s patient care committee. “With so many passionate individuals and the evolution of the model into mini clinics in high-need areas, we’re establishing dental homes and supporting continuity of care.”
CDA Cares Connects clinics are co-hosted dental practices or community clinics, enabling more frequent outreach, better care coordination and improved follow-up, especially in underserved and remote areas. The model emphasizes right-sized volunteer engagement, efficient logistics and post-clinic impact tracking, aligning resources with long-term outcomes.
The new name, CDA Cares Connects, reflects this purpose: connecting patients to dental homes, connecting communities to care and connecting volunteerism to lasting impact. Communities with care capacity are encouraged to partner with the Foundation to host future clinics and support sustained access to care.
As the CDA Foundation celebrates 25 years of service, CDA Cares Connects represents both a continuation of compassion and a commitment to the future. Learn how to get involved in the Foundation’s mission to improve the oral and overall health of all Californians through compassionate, equitable and community-driven solutions.