Marlene Moranino
Director of Clinical Programs

The Community Health Center Association of CT (CHCACT) continues to support health centers in their efforts to increase oral health access and utilization statewide, towards better health outcomes. We value any opportunity to participate in learning collaboratives that strengthen health centers and their dental practices to improve the delivery of oral health care for all. Through our programs at CHCACT, we often focus on ways to ensure that those who have not sought oral health treatment maintain access to and seek oral health services.

Oral Health Training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) has been announced and CHCACT is excited to support this free learning opportunity for all CHWs through the Southwestern CT AHEC with support through funding from CT DPH and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program utilizes “Smiles for Life” curriculum to stress the importance of oral health and its connection to overall health and well-being. This training will help CHWs be able to improve access to care for the targeted population of infants and young children (Age 0-5), pregnant women, and older adults 65 and over. Understanding the relationship between oral health and overall health will be an important component of this training. Identifying ways to integrate oral health into their roles and determining best ways of teaching parents how to prevent cavities in young children, along with how to prevent oral diseases that affect pregnancy outcomes are areas to be discussed. In addition, effective oral preventative measures for the elderly and their caregivers will be included. The training will be offered from 9am-3pm in the following locations:

- April 18th - CHCACT, Cheshire

- April 26th - Burroughs Community Center, Bridgeport

- May 14th- Hispanic Health Council, Hartford

- May 26th - Danbury Hospital, Danbury

- June 11th- Eastern AHEC, Norwich

Lunch is provided! Registration: https://www.train.org.connecticut/welcome use course id# 1072031

We encourage all CHWs to participate!!!!

Please contact me for more information!