Central Coast Oral Health Collaborative

The Central Coast Oral Health Collaborative (CCOHC) was convened by the Pajaro Valley Community health Trust in July 2007. The CCOHC is made up of partnering organizations that are committed to improving the oral health of low-income and underserved populations on the Central Coast. 

Organization

Mission 

To improve the oral health status of the Central Coast’s low-income and underserved populations by advocating for increased prevention, access and awareness.

Goals

The goals of the CCOHC are to: 1) Increase access and decrease barriers to oral health services; 2) Decrease the burden of oral disease through promotion of oral health and primary prevention; and 3) Advocate for policy reforms at the state and local levels that improve the oral health of low-income and underserved populations in our community.

CCOHC Administration/Health Trust Support

Currently, the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust, a non profit health care foundation serving the Pajaro Valley and surrounding region, provides administrative support. The Health Trust organizes Collaborative meetings, facilitates committees meetings and prepares meeting agenda and minutes and coordinates the meeting schedule. 

General Membership and Meeting Schedule

Membership is open to all interested organizations and individuals.  Members are recruited throughout the region, to have a broad-based representation, which reflects the geographic cultural and ethnic diversity of the region. Members may serve on the CCOHC indefinitely.
The CCOHC meets quarterly in Watsonville on the first Thursday of the Month in January, April, July and October.

Central Coast Oral Health Committees

The CCOHC forms ad hoc committees, to work on special projects. The ad hoc committees are assigned to carry out specific objectives and meets as needed between collaborative meetings. 

Access Work Group Is responsible for resource development and management of the Dental Affinity Program. 

Ad Hoc Promotion Committee Focuses on promotion oral disease prevention. 

Dental Affinity Program

Is a partnership between Dientes Community Dental Care, Salud Para La Gente and the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust. These Partners are working together to expand upon Dientes’ successful Dental Affinity Program to provide pro bono dental care to low-income, uninsured individuals throughout Santa Cruz County. More info

Contact Us

For more information on our Central Coast Oral Health Collaborative or inquiries regarding membership participation, please contact Veronica Camberos, Program Associate, phone 761-5695, or email vcamberos@pvhealthtrust.org.