The New York State Dental Foundation is celebrating the successful implementation of its pilot program, My Healthy Smile NY. Launched in April, the program has increased access to dental care by connecting underserved populations to crucial services. Of the 228 cases opened this year, 150 have been resolved, and approximately 70 remain in progress, demonstrating the program’s immediate impact.
My Healthy Smile NY, funded by the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, addresses oral health challenges by deploying Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs) in four strategic areas throughout New York State: Central New York, the Capital Region, the North Country, and Long Island.
“Our CDHCs are a bridge between the community and clinical care, providing the necessary connections to ensure people can get the services they need,” said Stacy McIlduff, executive director of the New York State Dental Foundation. “It has been a privilege to watch our CDHCs’ dedication in real time. We are thrilled with the results so far and know 2025 will lead to further growth and more people receiving the dental care they have been searching for.”
In the first months of the program, all four CDHCs enrolled in the CDHC Training Program at Alamance Community College and received initial training and onboarding in the Unite Us platform through Healthy Alliance.
Major Initiatives:
- Capital Region Community Dental Event: Held October 5 at Hudson Valley Community College, 53 community members received free dental screenings. Of those, 24 patients were referred to Kare Mobile dental vans for additional services, resulting in 42 total extractions. Following the event, CDHCs further engaged with attendees, connecting them to dental homes.
- Salute Vets with a Smile: Throughout 2024, more than 150 veterans were connected to free dental services, and an additional 24 veterans signed up for the program. Salute Vets with a Smile links veterans to volunteer New York State Dental Association dentists who perform a range of services free of charge. Launched in January 2024, CDHCs are now overseeing veteran cases.
In addition, an Early Head Start Oral Health Prevention Project will be launched in 2025, with CDHCs visiting sites throughout the year. CDHCs will also promote the dental profession throughout their region via community events such as school presentations and high school career fairs.
To learn more about My Healthy Smile NY, please visit nysdentalfoundation.org.
About the New York State Dental Foundation
The New York State Dental Foundation, founded in 1980, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the oral health of all New Yorkers and supporting outreach to communities in need.
