California Oral Health
Equity Coalition

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The California Oral Health Equity Coalition (COHEC) Highlights Need for Dental Therapy as New Reports Shows Persistent Gaps in California Oral Health Access

April 8, 2026|

The California Oral Health Equity Coalition (COHEC) Highlights Need for Dental Therapy as New Reports Shows Persistent Gaps in California Oral Health Access LOS ANGELES, CA (April 2, 2026) — The California Oral Health Equity Coalition (COHEC) points to two newly released reports from UCSF’s HealthForce Center confirming that, despite decades of policy reforms and hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment, oral health care remains ...

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📈 California’s oral health system is already stretched thin. Now, anticipated cuts to Medi-Cal could put even more pressure on access to care. 🤝 When access is already difficult, we need solutions that help bring care closer to the communities that need it most. Dental therapy can help bridge the gap by expanding access to preventive and routine oral health care in community settings. California needs to strengthen its oral health safety net, not widen the gaps. Learn more about our efforts to combat these cuts at COHEC.org
Introducing dental therapy to California would create a new pathway to an oral healthcare career while helping build a more representative dental workforce and create lasting impact in communities. 🤝 Greater representation means better access to affordable, quality care, particularly for low-income BIPOC communities typically left without access to high-quality, affordable dental care. When people see themselves reflected in their care team and can access care closer to home, they increase their chance of accessing oral health care. Plus, when more people have the opportunity to become providers, career advancement becomes more than personal growth. It becomes a pathway to lasting community impact. Find our more about dental therapy By visiting: cohec.org
No one should have to go through a prolonged period of time without proper oral health care. Yet, this is exactly what Irma experienced. Irma stopped going to the dentist after facing unexpected costs that she did not understand. That one experience led to 15 years without dental care. At COHEC, we believe dental therapy offers a solution to experiences like Irma’s. Dental therapists are licensed dental professionals who provide preventive and routine care, like exams, cleanings, fillings, and oral health education, in communities in community settings, such as schools, assisted living centers, and community clinics. This helps more people get the routine care they need. Find more testimonials from the community on our website: cohec.org
Community health centers are facing surging demand for dental care alongside growing budget constraints. Dental therapists offer a proven way to increase capacity, reduce wait times, and optimize clinical workflows. Join us on Sept 15 at 11:00 AM PST for a free webinar on integrating dental therapists into Community Health Center (CHC) care teams featuring a panel of practicing providers. Hosted by Community Catalyst (@ccat_health), this webinar will include: • Scope of practice & supervision • Care team integration • Financial & operational ROI Free C.E. credit available (courtesy of Arcora Foundation). 🔗 Tap the link in our bio to register!
FICTION: California has plenty of dentists, so oral healthcare access isn't a major issue. FACT: Millions of Californians live in oral care deserts. A high number of providers ≠ access, especially when only a small percentage actively accept adult Medi-Cal and provide culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate care. This leaves rural towns, tribal communities, and low-income families without care. The solution? Dental Therapists. By adding licensed dental therapists to dentist-led teams, we can deliver routine preventive and restorative care directly into the communities that need it most. Help us bring dental therapy to California. Learn more and get involved at cohec.org.
As students head back to the classroom, parents are checking off every item on their prep list. For millions of California children on Medi-Cal, a routine dental check-up remains out of reach.🎒 The reality? Proximity isn't the issue, access is: ✏️97% of publicly insured children live within 15 minutes of a Medi-Cal dentist, yet less than half (46%) see one annually. ✏️In 2024, only 50% of Medi-Cal enrolled kids received dental care due to a shortage of participating providers. The solution: Meet kids where they are. By bringing dental therapists into schools and local clinics, we can deliver routine, preventive care right where students spend their days. Let's bridge the gap between coverage and care so every student starts the school year ready to learn. 👉 Learn more: cohec.org
Your zip code and insurance type shouldn't dictate your access to quality oral health care. 📍 According to research from the UCSF Healthforce Center, California’s dental workforce challenges are deepening health disparities across our state: 📊 ⚠️ Severe Regional Shortages: Rural and inland communities continue to suffer from a lack of practicing dental professionals. 💳 Medi-Cal Gaps: Millions of low-income Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal struggle to find providers who accept public coverage. 🗣️ Lack of Diversity: Our dental workforce does not reflect California’s rich diversity, limiting language access and culturally responsive care. Oral health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. At COHEC, we are fighting for policy solutions that broaden access for all Californians. 🏛️ 💡 The solution: Bring dental therapy to California! Read the full UCSF workforce findings and join our coalition at COHEC.org.
Teamwork, the key to solving California’s oral health care crisis. By taking on routine procedures like fillings, dental therapists compliment oral health teams that include dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. This team-based approach means community clinics can serve more patients, wait times drop, and folks spend less time trying to get an appointment. It's a proven win-win for providers and patients alike. Learn more about our effort to expand dental teams by bringing dental therapy to California: cohec.org
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