The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, Inc.

02/23/2026

‼️🗓️ Due to the ongoing snowstorm, COHI has made the decision to POSTPONE our Legislative Breakfast originally scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24th. We are hoping to reschedule and will post again when we have an updated date.

For advocacy questions, please contact COHI Policy and Advocacy Director Sandra Ferreira-Molina at sandraf@ctoralhealth.org.

Stay safe and warm! ❄️

02/20/2026

Photos from COHI's 2026 Connecticut Oral Health Summit are here! 🥳

Thank you to the 60+ leaders, partners, community members, and advocates who joined us on January 23rd for a truly inspiring morning. We came together to 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 shared visions and priorities for the legislative session, and we sparked fresh conversations together about the connection between oral and overall health, the value of prevention, and the policy solutions that can drive lasting change. Thank you for helping us kick off the new year with robust energy for ! 🦷💪

Check out all of the photos now at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCK8KY

02/19/2026

📩 COHI is pleased to invite legislators, providers, community members, and all other oral health advocates to discuss key oral health issues affecting residents and efforts needed to make an impact during the legislative session next Tuesday, February 24th.

This discussion will highlight access to care, emerging issues driven by federal funding shifts, and opportunities to strengthen oral health equity across the state. Oral health providers, advocates, and community members with lived expertise will be in attendance to share on-the-ground perspectives.

We will convene in the private cafeteria for a light breakfast at 9:00AM in the back of the Legislative Office Building (LOB) at 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.

This event is free to attend and your advocacy is needed! 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐎𝐇𝐈 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐚-𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟@𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡.𝐨𝐫𝐠 to let us know you'll be there. We look forward to rallying together in support of improving access to oral health!

02/18/2026

February is - did you know gum health affects overall health?

Gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis or periodontitis, is inflammation in the mouth that can lead to decreased blood flow to vital organs, increased risk of heart disease, respiratory conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancers. It can also make existing chronic health conditions worse.

Gum disease can be treated by a dental professional if needed; but there are easy steps you can take to prevent it altogether. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings, brush your teeth twice a day, and make it a habit to floss daily. Your gums (and entire body) will thank you! 🦷🪥

Learn more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/02/10/gum-disease-inflammation-longevity/88533078007/

This part of your body is often overlooked, but it can have a major impact on your overall health. Here's how.

02/16/2026

🌟 Meet COHI’s Spring 2026 Interns 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome our newest interns to the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative team! These emerging leaders are passionate about advancing oral health equity and supporting our mission to ensure oral health for all in Connecticut.

Together they’ll contribute to advocacy, research, community outreach, and initiatives that help strengthen oral health access across the state. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make!

02/14/2026

February is Heart Health Month—and your mouth plays a bigger role than you might think in keeping your heart healthy! Gum disease and inflammation in the mouth are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, which means daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are good for more than just your teeth. Oral health care and heart health care are just meant to go hand-in-hand. 🫀🦷💓

Learn more about the connection between oral health and heart health from the American Heart Association - just in time for and : https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/oral-health

02/12/2026

Connecticut's 2026 Legislative Session is officially here - and so are COHI's priorities for the year! With a focus on emphasizing efforts that help fill in gaps caused by federal funding reductions and advancing strategic investments in oral health care access for CT residents, we are excited to present our state policy agenda. 📝

✅ This year, we’re fighting to protect Medicaid dental coverage, expand adult benefits, strengthen provider rates, and improve access to care for families, older adults, people with disabilities, and underserved communities across . We’re also pushing for smarter statewide coordination, fair workforce supports, better in-home and perinatal care, and an expansion of the ABC Program for kids.

Together, these priorities move Connecticut closer to . 🦷💙 Take a look at the full scope of our priorities and download our one pager here: https://www.ctoralhealth.org/legislative-priorities

02/10/2026

Last week, COHI's Executive Director Gary Turco, Policy & Advocacy Director Sandra Ferreira-Molina, and Community Champion Fellow Kirsten Ferguson visited the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain and learned all about their unique approach to desensitize children with special needs to make them more comfortable at the dentist's office. 🦷🧸

Using a sensory-informed, patient-centered approach, the Hospital’s Dental Desensitization Program helps children and adults who may struggle in a traditional dental environment become more comfortable and confident receiving care. Thank you to amazing staff at the Hospital for Special Care for their hard work in developing and running this critical program, and thank you for having us so we could see it in action!

Learn more about the program: https://www.wtnh.com/on-air/connecticut-families/connecticut-families-new-program-at-hospital-for-special-care-enables-kids-with-autism-to-practice-dental-visits/

02/05/2026

COHI is hiring! We’re seeking a part-time Community Oral Health Program Manager (Dental Hygienist) to lead outreach, education, screenings, and patient navigation across . This hands-on, community-based role supports multiple grant-funded initiatives and helps improve oral health literacy, reduce barriers to care, and advance equity statewide. CT-licensed hygienists looking to make a meaningful impact are encouraged to apply. Please visit www.ctoralhealth.org/employment-opportunities to view the full job description and application instructions.

02/04/2026

🦷✨ February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

DYK? Children are highly susceptible to cavities (tooth decay) - the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. - often leading to severe pain, infection, and school absences. But there's good news - cavities are highly preventable through daily brushing, limiting sugary snacks/drinks, and regular dental visits! 🪥 Help your kiddos form healthy habits by using fun resources like the American Dental Association's Brushing Calendar - available for free download here: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/resources/activity-sheets/brushing-calendar

At COHI, we’re working to ensure every child in Connecticut has access to the dental care they need to grow, learn, and thrive in February and beyond!

02/02/2026

COHI is thrilled to announce the recent appointment of Dr. Frank Amaefuna and Megan Baker to our Board of Directors. Please join us in welcoming Frank and Megan to the team! 🎉

Dr. Frank Amaefuna earned his bachelor’s in Molecular and Cell Biology before pursuing his DMD at UConn and completing an MPH in Health Policy at Yale, where he focused on overdose-prevention work. His commitment to health innovation has included roles at xAI and Tubee, helping advance healthcare-focused AI models and safer infant care products.

Megan Baker earned dual BAs in Political Science and History, along with a minor in English, and later completed her Master’s in Political Science at Southern Connecticut State University. She specializes in civic and electoral impact research, using mixed-methods analysis and public policy expertise to advance legislative initiatives for Asian American Pacific Islanders in Connecticut, with a strong commitment to data equity and inclusion.

We are excited to have Frank and Megan bring their vast knowledge, skills, and experiences to our work toward . Learn more about Frank and Megan here: https://www.ctoralhealth.org/our-board

01/29/2026

Enrollment for medical and dental plans through Access Health CT is open now through January 31st! In addition, starting February 1st, Access Health CT will offer a Special Enrollment period for eligible customers to enroll in coverage that includes a state subsidy. For information, visit https://www.accesshealthct.com/

Access Health CT is here to help you understand how to enroll and what to expect during Health Insurance Annual Open Enrollment.