As a health-equity focused nonprofit, the CDA Foundation has historically addressed urgent gaps in dental access by offering hands-on, clinical training for providers working with high-needs populations. These programs emphasized public health, data collection and service delivery within under-resourced populations, specifically children and older adults. Over the past 25 years, the Foundation’s education offerings have evolved into a diverse, interactive learning series that answers the profession’s call for flexibility, wellness, advocacy and whole-person care.
Then: Clinical training to expand access and address gaps
In 2003, the CDA Foundation collaborated with the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry to create the Pediatric Oral Health Access Program and expand early dental care for underserved children. More than 400 dentists were trained in pediatric and special needs care through the POHAP initiative, dramatically increasing oral health access for children across California. Participants provided pro bono care and long-term treatment integration for communities most in need.
“As a pediatric dentist, I especially appreciate the Pediatric Oral Health Access Program and Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment as every child deserves a healthy start in life,” shared Dr. Lindsay Robinson, past Foundation chair. “These programs connect children to care early to help prevent disease, expand access and build a foundation for lifelong oral health.”
The Foundation launched the Geriatric Oral Health Access Program in 2026 to support older residents in long-term care facilities. The program trained facility staff to identify undiagnosed dental disease and deliver bedside care using portable equipment. Training also included instituting essential hygiene protocols and collecting data to advocate for improved regulations and systemic change in elder oral care.
Dr. Cindy Lyon, past Foundation board member, said the GOHAP initiative “raised the visibility of patient needs at the other end of the life spectrum and helped address some of them in innovative ways through collaboration with our RDHAP colleagues and long-term care facility teams.”
“As the fortunate family of a 102-year-old grandmother, I discovered these challenges personally,” Lyon recalls. “When senior patients quietly stopped coming to our traditional practices, we didn’t learn of their needs until an emergency arose. GOHAP demonstrated a model for partnering to provide oral health evaluations and preventive services at the top of the scope of care and training to improve knowledge and support skills of front-line facility care givers.”
Now: Wellness, advocacy and integrated care to empower the dental workforce
Today, the Foundation’s education offerings reflect a broader vision of health and professional sustainability.
- Fluoride communication and advocacy: Courses such as “Fluoride Facts, Myths & Meaningful Conversations” and “Tooth Truth: Advocacy Skills for Fluoride Champions” prepare providers to speak confidently with patients and policymakers about the science and policy of water fluoridation and dispel misinformation.
- Workplace wellness and leadership: Trainings such as “Less Stress, More Success,” “Leadership and Wellness,” and “Beyond Burnout” equip dental teams with tools to foster trust-driven communication, manage stress and cultivate healthy workplace cultures.
- Whole-person care: Webinars such as “Patient Mental and Dental Wellness” explore the intersection of oral and behavioral health, offering trauma-informed communication strategies to improve outcomes and strengthen dentist-patient relationships.
Dr. Alyssa Nowlen, Foundation board member and chair of the Patient Care Committee, echoes the need for lifelong learning. “It’s an exciting gift to be in an ever-evolving field, but this comes with the responsibility to stay informed on modern best practices, current policy and patient management,” she shared. “Education that betters us not only enhances our clinical skills and knowledge but includes maintaining our own wellness and supporting the growing needs of our communities. We’re dedicated to supporting the dentist as a whole person so their careers may be impactful, sustainable and rewarding.”
Current education programs make it easy for the whole dental team to participate. Courses are C.E.-eligible and offered at no cost online in live virtual or on-demand formats. Learning outcomes are geared toward resilience, communication, collaboration and the interconnectedness of oral and overall health, shaping an informed and compassionate workforce.
The CDA Foundation’s evolving course and resource offerings support today’s dental teams in becoming clinically prepared and holistically empowered to serve, lead and thrive. To learn more or participate in Foundation webinars, visit cdafoundation.org.