The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, Inc.

11/19/2025

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE: You're invited to take part in a powerful day that brings together advocates, policymakers, providers and community leaders who believe everyone deserves access to the care they need to stay healthy.

This January, at COHI's first-ever Connecticut Oral Health Summit, we'll take a look at how national policy and funding changes are shaping access to care and what those shifts mean for Connecticut. Our state’s legislative champions will share their vision and priorities for the upcoming session and show how each of us can help protect and advance oral health for every resident. 🦷

Leading experts will spark fresh conversations about the connection between oral and overall health, the value of prevention, and the policy solutions that can drive lasting change. In interactive breakout sessions, you will collaborate with peers, sharpen your advocacy message, and commit to actions that move the needle, from testifying and meeting with lawmakers to mobilizing your community.

Together, we will turn ideas into impact, strengthen our collective voice, and build a future where oral health is a priority for all. This is a free event but donations to support advancing access to oral health in CT are welcomed. A full buffet breakfast will be provided for attendees at 8:30am. Let's kick off the new year with advocacy -- together! Register now for this event: https://tinyurl.com/2026COHISummit ✍️

11/13/2025

We're proud to partner with The American Institute of Dental Public Health for Veteran Oral Health Week, an annual national campaign dedicated to raising awareness and sharing resources for veterans’ oral health.

Connecticut is home to over 150,000 Veterans, with more than 36,000 residing in Greater Hartford. Many Veterans, once out of active duty, are no longer eligible for dental insurance through the Veterans Administration. Some may have private insurance, but lower-income Veterans often do not qualify for Medicaid and cannot afford private plans due to pension-related income limits.

At COHI, we're increasing capacity for Veterans' oral health through our newest initiative, Salute to Smiles. Made possible by Delta Dental Foundation, this program provides free dental care to Greater Hartford Veterans with a limited VA connection and financial constraints keeping them from getting the oral health care they need.

Veterans cannot be fully healthy without proper oral health care. Salute to Smiles seeks to honor their service by connecting them with quality oral health education, preventive care, and treatment resources.

Learn more and sign up at: ctoralhealth.org/salute

11/11/2025

Sharing our Salute to Smiles program in honor of ! Do you know a Connecticut veteran in need of dental services? They may qualify to receive services for free through our program! Visit www.ctoralhealth.org/salute to learn more and register today 🇺🇸🦷

Program made possible by Delta Dental Foundation

Veterans cannot be fully healthy without proper oral health care. Many suffer from poor dental health due to limited access and long-term impacts of military service. Salute to Smiles seeks to honor their service by connecting them with quality oral health education, preventive care, and treatment r...

11/11/2025

Last week, our team enjoyed reconnecting with two pillars of COHI’s history—former Board Member Doug Larson and COHI co-founder & Board Member Emeritus Dr. Howard Mark, who will celebrate his 97th birthday this March.

Their passion and leadership, which helped build COHI’s strong foundation, continue to inspire our work every day. As we look ahead to COHI’s 25th Anniversary this summer, we’re excited to reconvene with them—and everyone who has shaped and powered our mission forward!

11/04/2025

COHI Policy and Advocacy Director Sandra Ferreira-Molina recently attended UConn Health Disparities Institute's Power of the Pause event, noting an inspiring and enriching day grounded in community, connection, and the empowerment of women. HDI's event focused on helping women understand and reflect that experiencing perimenopause or menopause is a natural and empowering part of life. 💗

COHI was honored to be present for these important conversations centered on women’s health, including the often-overlooked connection between oral health and menopause. Research has shown that women in menopause are at an approximately 86% higher risk of tooth loss and experience an increased prevalence of gum disease due to hormonal changes that affect the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth. 🦷

COHI extends sincere appreciation to HDI Director Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, HDI Planning Specialist and COHI Board Vice President Trisha Pitter, and the entire Health Disparities Institute team for hosting such a thoughtful and impactful event. The discussions were a powerful reminder of the importance of pausing to reflect, recharge, and uplift one another, while also highlighting how oral health is essential to overall well-being at every stage of life.

11/03/2025

November is — did you know your oral health plays a key role in managing diabetes? 🩵🎗️

Diabetes can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection, making the mouth one of the first places symptoms may appear. Individuals with diabetes are also at higher risk for gum disease, dry mouth, cavities, oral infections, and delayed healing after dental procedures.

But the connection goes both ways: untreated gum disease can make it hard to control blood sugar. Chronic inflammation can cause the body to release stress hormones that make it harder for insulin to work effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels even when someone is following their diabetes care plan.

At COHI, we advocate for accessible, equitable oral health care because managing chronic conditions like diabetes starts with prevention, early detection, treatment, and regular dental visits:

✅ Keep up with brushing and flossing
✅ Schedule routine dental checkups
✅ Talk with both your medical and dental providers about your diabetes care
✅ Seek care early if you notice bleeding gums, dry mouth, or changes in your oral health

10/31/2025

from all of us at COHI 🧙🏻‍♀️ Enjoy those treats tonight, but don't forget to rinse, brush, and floss to scare all that cavity-causing sugar away! 👻 🍭 🪥✨

10/30/2025

COHI is thrilled to share that the newly revitalized Connecticut Oral Health Advocacy Coalition is now officially part of the American Network of Oral Health Coalitions (ANOHC)! 🎉

By joining ANOHC, we’re amplifying Connecticut’s voice in oral health advocacy—gaining access to national collaboration, shared tools, and learning opportunities that strengthen our efforts to advance equity and oral health access across the state and beyond.

Learn more about the Coalition and how to get involved at: https://www.ctoralhealth.org/news

And check out our current list of Coalition members who are helping us make an impact in :

CT Dental Health Partnership
Dental Hygiene Association
CT Family Support Network
CT Department of Public Health
CT Mission of Mercy (CTMOM)
Yale University
CT Commission on Women, Children & Seniors, Equity and Opportunity
Husky 4 Immigrants
Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHC/ACT)
Cross Street AME Church
Nonprofit Accountability Group
Dental professionals
DynoBite
Connecticut Health Council through Metro Hartford Alliance
Cornell Scott - Hill Dental Services
Health Equity Solutions
Hispanic Health Council
CT Association of School Based Health Centers
Dental Hygiene Association
Northeast State Government Affairs Blood Cancer United - Office of Public Policy

10/27/2025

Many people are surprised to learn that dental insurance doesn’t work like medical insurance. As highlighted in The New York Times, dentists explain that it functions more like a “discount plan” than true coverage, leaving both providers and patients frustrated.

That’s why COHI continues to push for dental plan reform through education and legislative advocacy—because everyone deserves access to the care they need.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/15/well/live/dental-insurance-problems.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oE8.mt6r.dSx7NK45tg4u&smid=url-share

Many people assume coverage for teeth works the same as other insurance. It doesn’t.

10/24/2025

🦷 Making smiles brighter across our communities — from Newington to Windsor! 💙

This week, COHI was proud to take part in two wonderful events through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Community Funds! 💙

✨ In Newington, we were officially awarded a grant from the Newington Community Fund to support our work providing oral health education, connecting residents to care, and promoting the importance of good oral health throughout the community.

🎃 In Windsor, we joined the Night of 1001 Pumpkins celebration as part of our ongoing Windsor Community Fund grant. We shared oral health resources, handed out dental supplies (including sugar-free xylitol candy!), and were thrilled to have a special visit from the Tooth Fairy, helping us spread smiles and healthy habits to hundreds of families enjoying Halloween fun.

10/23/2025

TONIGHT at 6pm! Can't wait to see you there! 🎃🦷🧙

Calling all Windsor, CT families: we are bringing FREE oral health resources to you next week for a very special Halloween-themed event, "Night of 1001 Pumpkins!" 🎃 🦷

Visit COHI at the LP Wilson Community Center next Thursday, October 23rd as we bring oral health promotion directly to Windsor area residents and give you the tools and resources needed to maintain and improve oral health at home. The event will include interactive games, light refreshments, and complimentary oral health kits and supplies!

Check out all the details in the flyer below. We hope to see you there 🪥