CareQuest Institute Appoints An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, to Serve as Chief Clinical Officer
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has announced the appointment of An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, as its new Chief Clinical Officer, marking a significant leadership addition as the organization continues its mission to transform oral health care systems across the United States. Dr. Nguyen brings with her nearly two decades of experience in clinical practice, public health, and healthcare leadership, with a strong focus on advancing equitable access to care and improving outcomes for underserved populations.
In her new role, Dr. Nguyen will serve as a key member of CareQuest Institute’s executive leadership team, working in close collaboration with Chief Executive Officer Wade Rakes. Together, they will guide the organization’s strategic direction in clinical innovation and system transformation. As Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Nguyen will be responsible for shaping and executing enterprise-wide clinical strategies, driving initiatives that integrate oral health with overall health, and strengthening CareQuest Institute’s position as a national leader in oral health equity and innovation.
The appointment comes at a time when the importance of oral health as a critical component of overall health is gaining increasing recognition. Historically, oral health care has often been siloed from the broader healthcare system, leading to gaps in access and disparities in outcomes, particularly among marginalized and underserved communities. CareQuest Institute has been at the forefront of efforts to address these challenges by promoting integrated care models, advancing policy reforms, and supporting community-based solutions. Dr. Nguyen’s leadership is expected to further accelerate these efforts.
Dr. Nguyen joins CareQuest Institute from Clinica Family Health and Wellness, where she served as Chief Dental Officer for more than a decade. During her tenure, she led comprehensive dental programs within a community health center setting, overseeing care delivery for tens of thousands of patients. Her work emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating dental services with primary care and behavioral health to create a more holistic approach to patient care.
One of Dr. Nguyen’s key contributions at Clinica was advancing medical-dental integration, an approach that seeks to bridge the divide between oral health and general healthcare. By aligning dental care with chronic disease management and preventive health strategies, she helped improve patient outcomes while addressing systemic barriers to access. This model has gained traction nationally as healthcare systems increasingly recognize the interconnected nature of oral and overall health.
In addition to her clinical leadership, Dr. Nguyen has been deeply committed to serving underserved and marginalized populations throughout her career. Her work has focused on addressing health disparities, expanding access to care, and ensuring that healthcare systems are more responsive to the needs of diverse communities. This commitment is rooted in her personal experiences and has shaped her perspective on the importance of health equity.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Nguyen expressed a strong alignment with CareQuest Institute’s mission and values. She emphasized her personal connection to communities that often face barriers within healthcare systems and highlighted her belief that advancing health equity is essential to improving overall well-being. For Dr. Nguyen, oral health is not an isolated aspect of care but a fundamental component of a person’s quality of life, dignity, and opportunity. She noted that joining CareQuest Institute represents an opportunity to contribute to bold, inclusive change and to help build a future where health systems support every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances.
CEO Wade Rakes also underscored the significance of Dr. Nguyen’s appointment, describing her as a highly respected leader with a unique combination of clinical expertise, public health insight, and systems-level thinking. According to Rakes, her experience positions her to play a critical role in advancing CareQuest Institute’s mission by driving innovation and expanding access to care. He highlighted the organization’s focus on developing new and emerging solutions to address oral health challenges and expressed confidence that Dr. Nguyen will help lead these efforts effectively.
Beyond her leadership roles in clinical settings, Dr. Nguyen is widely recognized as a national thought leader in oral health policy and advocacy. She has held several prominent positions in professional organizations, reflecting her influence and commitment to advancing the field. She currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Dental Quality Alliance, where she contributes to the development of evidence-based measures aimed at improving the quality of dental care. She is also the Immediate Past President of the National Network for Oral Health Access, an organization dedicated to supporting community health centers and expanding access to oral healthcare services.
Her contributions extend to public service as well. Dr. Nguyen was appointed by the governor of Colorado to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Medical Services Board, where she has been involved in shaping healthcare policy and ensuring that public programs effectively serve the needs of residents. She has also previously served on the board of the Caring for Colorado Foundation, further demonstrating her commitment to improving health outcomes at both the state and community levels.
In addition, Dr. Nguyen is actively engaged with several leading professional organizations, including the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the National Association of Community Health Centers. Through these affiliations, she contributes to ongoing efforts in health integration, public health advancement, and policy development, helping to shape the future of oral healthcare delivery in the United States.
Dr. Nguyen’s academic background further reflects her commitment to both clinical excellence and public health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee and went on to obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH) in community health and behavioral science from Saint Louis University. This combination of clinical and public health training has enabled her to approach healthcare challenges from a comprehensive perspective, integrating patient care with population health strategies.
As CareQuest Institute continues to pursue its vision of a more equitable and integrated oral health system, the addition of Dr. Nguyen to its leadership team represents a strategic step forward. Her experience in building and leading interdisciplinary care models, combined with her passion for health equity and her national leadership in oral health advocacy, positions her to make a meaningful impact in her new role.
Looking ahead, Dr. Nguyen’s leadership is expected to drive initiatives that not only expand access to oral healthcare but also redefine how it is delivered and integrated within the broader healthcare system. By fostering innovation, promoting collaboration, and advocating for systemic change, she will help advance CareQuest Institute’s mission to create a future where oral health is recognized as an essential component of overall health and well-being.
In summary, the appointment of Dr. An Nguyen as Chief Clinical Officer marks a pivotal moment for CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. It brings together a shared vision of transforming oral healthcare systems with a leader whose career has been dedicated to improving access, advancing equity, and driving meaningful change. As the organization continues its work on a national scale, Dr. Nguyen’s expertise and leadership are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of oral health care in the United States.
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, health transformation, 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.
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