Care Coordination

[Education: there is no specific certification for a care coordinator, but the Oral Health Navigation Learning Series would provide helpful education and background for this role in a dental office or community-based program.]

A care coordinator in a dental setting plays a key role in connecting patients with the care they need by managing appointment support, referrals, follow-up, and communication across dental and sometimes medical providers. This role is essential for improving patient outcomes, especially in community health centers, integrated care models, or clinics serving complex or underserved populations. Care coordination services can be embedded in roles that go by a variety of job titles, including social worker, community health worker, or community dental health coordinator.