Dental Services
Education
Research
Policy & AwarenessWho We Are
About the Center for Oral Health
COH is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to oral health in the U.S. Learn more about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed here.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the oral health of vulnerable populations through innovation, research, education and advocacy.
Our Vision
The vision of Center for Oral Health has remained unchanged since our founding in 1985: Oral Health for All.
Our Culture
Our core values are Humanism, Getting Things Done, Acceptance & Inclusion, Maximize Sustainability, and Teamwork.
Our History
Our Founders
COH was envisioned in the 1980’s by four extraordinary individuals. Together with initial funding from a Knight Ridder grant, these men laid the groundwork for what COH would become.
01
The late Dr. John Green, former Assistant Surgeon General of the United States and Dean of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Dentistry
02
Dr. Robert (Bob) Isman, former Dental Director of California
03
Dr. Ernest (Ernie) Newburn, an internationally recognized expert on fluoridation, an expert consultant to the FDA, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the American Dental Association (ADA), a distinguish cariologist, and a published author
04
Dr. Joel Boriskin, an avid community water fluoridation advocate who successfully led the campaign to fluoridate the East Bay Municipal Utility District
Revenue
To fulfill our goals, your support of COH goes a long way.
Grants
Contributions
Sustainable Practice
Program Services
Management & General
Expenses
We offer programs that help the underserved in CA and FL.
What We Do
Dental Services
We offer oral health services at standalone clinics and through school-based programs in California and Florida. We help low income families, the elderly, the disabled, and more.
Education
We teach the community about the importance of oral health and connect them with dental professionals. We also train dental and non-dental providers on preventive oral health services.
Research
We conduct research and release reports documenting oral health care needs of vulnerable populations. We partner with other organizations to better understand oral health issues.
Policy & Awareness
We provide policy and programmatic recommendations to improve the oral health of vulnerable populations. We also raise awareness with the public and legislators to achieve this goal.
Be a Champion of Oral Health
We can’t win the fight for oral health alone. If you want to partner with us in our vision, consider offering your time and resources to help those in need.
Careers
Are you interested in dentistry, research, or administrative positions? View our job openings.
Smile Drive
Help us raise awareness for children’s oral health and collect dental care supplies for kids.
Donate
Your financial contributions go a long way towards fulfilling our vision: Oral Health for All.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about our services or organization? Contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
8am-6pm, M-F