NACHC and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Partner to Promote Oral Health at Community Health Centers

Contact: Michael King at

BETHESDA, MD - Feb. 10, 2026 - The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health today announced a partnership to strengthen oral health integration across Community Health Centers (CHCs) and support the creation of a NACHC Center for Oral Health.

The collaboration will focus on advancing team-based, interdisciplinary, patient-centered, and prevention-focused care models that improve the overall health of patients served by CHCs and deepen medical-dental integration within CHCs nationwide.

"CHCs bring oral health and primary care together for patients and families who have historically faced barriers to both," said, Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC. "Our partnership with CareQuest Institute will strengthen this work by equipping care teams with the tools they need to ensure oral health is an essential part of whole-person care."

Today, 81% of CHCs provide dental services, yet 65% of current CHC patients still lack access to dental services, according to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Bureau of Primary Health Care Service Area Assistance Tool. Under the partnership, NACHC and CareQuest Institute will work together on a comprehensive set of education and practice initiatives designed to expand access to oral health within CHCs.

"We are proud to collaborate with NACHC to help build a future where oral health is embedded in primary care," said Wade Rakes, CEO, CareQuest Institute. "By investing together in best practices, workforce development, and innovative care models, we are empowering community health centers to lead the shift toward prevention-first oral health-and build healthier communities for all."

The NACHC and CareQuest Institute partnership will expand training and education offerings for CHC staff. This includes delivery of workforce training programs that equip providers to educate families on early oral health and infant feeding practices; development of virtual learning communities to support dental health integration into primary care settings, and establishment of a leadership academy for Chief Dental Officers and other oral health leaders at CHCs.

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About NACHC

NACHC's mission is to champion Community Health Centers delivering affordable, effective, comprehensive primary care that is community-driven and improves health for all. For more information, visit https://www.nachc.org.

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit www.carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. For more information about CareQuest Institute, contact Sara Ward [email protected]