Scholars will work on seven modules, to be completed either during or after office hours, by pre-determined deadlines.

The first part of each module is a pre-recorded 60-minute presentation for completion at an individual pace. Next, scholars complete a quiz and assignment, to reinforce the learning materials and directly apply the learning materials to the scholars’ own oral health program. Throughout the modules, scholars are encouraged to engage in discussion with faculty and peers. Lastly, scholars and the faculty of the module meet remotely for a live discussion webinar to review the learning materials. The webinars are an opportunity for scholars to come together to share questions, ideas and concerns. While all materials are specifically designed for Federally Qualified Health Centers, the materials can also be applied to other safety-net clinics.

NOHLI Cohort 15 scholars will meet in-person at the following times:

• 2026 NNOHA Conference, October 25 - 28, 2026, Seattle, WA 

• NOHLI Boot Camp, Spring 2027 (2 1/2 days), Denver, CO

• 2027 NNOHA Conference, September 26 – 29 2027, Kansas City, MO

The initial meeting for Cohort 15 will be held on Sunday, October 25th in Seattle, WA and the closing meeting will be held in Kansas City, MO during the 2027 NNOHA Conference. These meetings include intensive trainings and networking opportunities with peers and NOHLI faculty. Scholars will be expected to not only attend the NOHLI meeting at the 2026 and 2027 NNOHA Conferences, but also stay for the NNOHA Conference sessions.

(NOTE: All decisions regarding in-person meetings and travel requirements will be made at the appropriate time with close monitoring of pandemic conditions.  If travel/in-person meetings are not deemed safe, virtual options will be provided)

Each scholar will be assigned to a learning pod where they will review and discuss case studies in a smaller group.

Scholars will engage with faculty at the in-person trainings, during webinars and via e-mail.

Previous NOHLI faculty have included:

• Wayne Cottam, DMD, MS 

• Irene Hilton, DDS, MPH – Dental Consultant, NNOHA

• Ethan Kerns, DDS – Chief Dental Officer, Salud Family Health Centers

• Leah Schulz, DMD - Director of Dental Projects, Salud Family Health Centers

• Kecia Leary, DDS, MS – Associate Dean of Clinics, Clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa

• An Nguyen, DDS, MPH – Vice President of Dental Services, Clinica Family Health, Denver, CO

• Candace Hsu Owen, RDH, MS, MPH -  Senior Director of Education and Strategic Partnerships, NNOHA, Denver, CO 

Participating in NOHLI provides benefits to both the scholar and the overall Health Center/safety-net clinic oral health program.

• Participation in web-based and in-person trainings.

• Participation in learning pods and networking opportunities.

• Access to proven tools and resources that are easily applicable to daily oral health program operations.

• Access to a network of NOHLI alumni and faculty.

• Approximately 40.5 Continuing Dental Education Credits

There will be a $500 participation fee for NOHLI (this is separate from the $500 for your organizational membership), and the scholar’s Health Center/safety-net clinic is responsible for all travel costs associated with the in-person meetings.

• 2026 NNOHA Conference, October 25 - 28, 2026, Seattle, WA: registration fee, travel and accommodations

• Boot Camp, Spring 2027, Denver, CO (2 1/2 days): travel and accommodations

• 2027 NNOHA Conference, September 26 – 29, 2027, Kansas City, MO: registration fee, travel and accommodations

(NOTE: All decisions regarding in-person meetings and travel requirements will be made at the appropriate time with close monitoring of pandemic conditions.  If travel/in-person meetings are not deemed safe, virtual options will be provided)

Scholars are expected to actively participate in the program throughout the year.

• Complete all online modules within pre-determined deadlines.

• Actively participate in webinars and learning pod.

• Attend all in-person meetings (2026 NNOHA Conference, Boot Camp, 2027 NNOHA Conference) and cover all related expenses as mentioned above.

NOHLI scholars will spend an estimated 8-10 hours a month on course materials (combination of modules, assignments, participation in learning pods, etc.). Time spent on coursework may occur during and/or after work hours.

• June 30, 2026: Call for applications opens

• August 14, 2026: Application deadline

• September 4, 2026: Acceptance notification

• October 25 – 28, 2026: Scholars attend sessions at 2026 NNOHA Conference in Seattle, WA (attendance is required)

• Sunday, October 25, 2026: Kick-off meeting, scholars begin coursework

• Spring 2027: Boot Camp training (2 1/2 days), Denver, CO

• September 26 – 29, 2027: In-person meeting/graduation, attend sessions at 2027 NNOHA Conference, Kansas City, MO

PLEASE NOTE: All decisions regarding in-person meetings and travel requirements will be made at the appropriate time with close monitoring of pandemic conditions.  If travel/in-person meetings are not deemed safe, virtual options will be provided.