COHI Turns 25
Celebrate with us at COHI's 25th Anniversary Gathering!
Join us for an inspiring evening of connection, learning, and celebration on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the Pond House Café in West Hartford as we recognize and honor COHI's 25 years of impact in advancing oral health equity. Together, we’ll honor our collective achievements and deepen the conversation on how we can improve equitable access to oral health care in Connecticut.
We are honored to welcome award-winning journalist and author Mary Otto, whose groundbreaking book, Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America, helped spark a national conversation about oral health and justice. In a special conversation, Mary will share insights on the evolving landscape of oral health equity and the work still ahead. We anticipate welcoming elected officials and other distinguished guests engaged in advancing oral health policy and access across Connecticut and beyond. Plus, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Howard Mark, COHI's co-founder & Board of Directors Emeritus and invited guest Governor Ned Lamont; it will be a star-studded event at a pivotal time for oral health policy here in Connecticut that you won't want to miss!
Whether you're an oral health professional, student, policymaker, or simply passionate about improving community health, we welcome you to join us. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now!
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The Mark I. Howard Award
Nominate an oral health champion! As we prepare to celebrate COHI's 25th Anniversary, we want to honor individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding difference in advancing oral health equity in Connecticut.
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? We are now accepting nominations for COHI's Howard I. Mark Award. This award is presented annually to a leader in oral health access in Connecticut who shares the passion of Dr. Mark -- our co-founder, Board Member Emeritus, and retired oral surgeon -- about access to quality oral health services. Dr. Mark believes everyone should have the opportunity to attain good oral health, no matter their income or wealth.
Nominees could include an:
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Oral health clinician or practitioner
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Advocate or community leader
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Educator or researcher
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Organization or community partner
Someone who is working on a system level to advocate for change.
Nominations are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. Award recipients will be recognized at the event before an audience of oral health professionals, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders.
Thank you to our Sponsors
We can't do this work without our generous Supporters! Click here to become an event sponsor.
This section will be updated regularly as Sponsors are confirmed.
