Dental Health Aides: Providers Within the National Community Health Aide Program (CHAP)

Monday, April 17, 2023

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Seminole D&E

CE: 1.5

Speaker(s)

CS

Cheryl Sixkiller, DDS

National Community Health Aide Program Dental Health Aide Specialist
Indian Health Service

Slides
Miranda Davis, DDS, MPH

NDTI Director
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
Savannah J. Bonorden

Slides

Moderator(s)

Sarah Shoffstall-Cone, DDS, MPH

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Disclosure(s):

Cheryl Sixkiller, DDS: No financial relationships to disclose

Miranda Davis, DDS, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Savannah J. Bonorden: No financial relationships to disclose

Sarah Shoffstall-Cone, DDS, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

After recognizing the success of community health aides in Alaskan Tribal Communities, Congress authorized the creation of a national federal Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), in 2010. After tribal consultation, Circular 20-06 outlining the framework for expansion to the contiguous 48 states was released in 2020. Within CHAP are Health Aides of multiple types and levels, including four levels of Dental Health Aides (DHAs). The most basic level of DHA provides oral health education and nutritional counseling, while the most advanced of the DHA levels is the Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) who provide both preventive and restorative treatment. DHAs, like all providers under CHAP, provide an evidence-based, community-focused approach to preventing and treating disease. Public health professionals may benefit from understanding the CHAP model. Oral health professionals should understand all DHA levels and types, as they may be in a position to work or interact with DHAs.

Learning Objectives:

- Explain the history of the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), why it is expanding nationally, and who may utilize this program.
- Describe the four levels of Dental Health Aides (DHAs) within the CHAP and how they may be utilized in clinics and communities.
- Understand the similarities and differences between DHA roles and other members of the dental team.
- View evidence supporting the efficacy of CHA, BHA, and DHAs.
- Know where to find more information about CHAP and DHA policies and implementation in your region.