About COHEC

The California Oral Health Equity Coalition (COHEC) is a grassroots campaign led by low-income BIPOC, Tribal, and other marginalized communities across the state. Together, we are working to authorize dental therapists in California—a proven, community-driven solution to expand access to quality, affordable, and culturally relevant oral health care.

Dental therapists help close the gaps in oral health access by delivering preventive and routine care like exams and fillings, often in schools, community clinics, and Tribal health centers. Their work not only strengthens the oral health care system; it also builds local economic opportunity by creating new, accessible pathways into the dental workforce for people from the communities most affected by inequities.

COHEC supports dental therapy because it represents more than a policy change—it’s a way to reshape oral health care to be driven by the needs of the community.

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Our Approach: Power-Building for Systemic Change

At the heart of our work is power-building. We believe the only way to create lasting, equitable change is by investing in the leadership and capacity of marginalized communities. By organizing, mobilizing, and amplifying local voices, we are building a base of power that can drive ongoing progress—not just in oral health, but in economic, racial, and social justice across California.

Coalition Members

COHEC was founded and is directed by Asian Resources Inc., California Rural Indian Health Board, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Strategic Concepts in Organizing Policy Education (SCOPE), and Visión y Compromiso.

COHEC thanks its funders for their generous support.

Dental therapists are going to help California because refugees from our community have learned that they can help prevent disease.

CBO staff, Sacramento, California

There are a lot of barriers in getting a degree. Not everyone can become doctors or nurses because of various reasons.

Resident of Sacramento, California

I can share from my perspective coming from a small town, rural-ish surrounded by farmlands. In 2019, I changed employers, so my provider changed. It took me one year to find a dentist because everywhere I called, the dentist was either retiring or not accepting new patients or had a 6-month waiting list.

I would like my provider to look like me so that they could know what I’m talking about and can relate.

Resident of South Central Los Angeles, California

Dental care should be accessible to all people, regardless of race.

Resident of Woodlake, California

Many of us go abroad if we’re looking for something more affordable. Sometimes, when you can’t go far, clinics should be brought into town.

Resident of Wasco, California

My husband doesn’t speak English and just agrees without understanding the dentist. He doesn’t know what he’s agreeing to, and in the end, doesn’t know what they’re going to do.

You should be able to walk into a dentist’s office and feel human.

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Our Approach: Power-Building for Systemic Change

Coalition Members

Community Voices

Communities Advancing Oral Health for All

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