CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has appointed An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, as chief clinical officer. She joins the organization from Clinica Family Health and Wellness, where she has served as chief dental officer since 2010.
In the role, Nguyen will serve on the executive leadership team and work with the CEO to shape clinical strategy and support the organization’s efforts to expand access to care and integrate oral health with overall health. Her responsibilities include leading enterprise-wide clinical initiatives and supporting efforts related to oral health system transformation.
“I have a deep, personal connection to marginalized communities that navigate systems not built for them, and this connection has shaped my belief that advancing health equity and overall well-being makes oral health indispensable,” said Dr. Nguyen. “CareQuest Institute has long driven bold, inclusive change in oral health systems, and I’m honored to join the team’s efforts to build a future where health is a catalyst for opportunity, dignity, and prosperity for every person in every community.”
Nguyen brings nearly two decades of experience in clinical practice and leadership, with a focus on underserved populations. At Clinica Family Health and Wellness, she led interdisciplinary care models serving tens of thousands of patients and worked on medical-dental integration and chronic disease management.
“Dr. Nguyen is a highly respected leader whose work spans clinical practice, public health, and systems transformation,” said Wade Rakes, chief executive officer of CareQuest Institute. “She will play a key role in advancing our mission by driving innovation for new and emerging solutions while expanding access to improve oral health nationwide.”
Nguyen has held leadership roles across several national organizations. She is immediate past president of the National Network for Oral Health Access and chair-elect of the Dental Quality Alliance. She has also been appointed to Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Medical Services Board and previously served on the board of the Caring for Colorado Foundation.
Her professional involvement includes work with the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the National Association of Community Health Centers, with a focus on health integration, policy, and advocacy.
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing oral health through philanthropy, analytics, health transformation, policy, and education, while collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare system.
