On June 12, 2025: Nancy Foster, CDA, EFDA, RDH, EdM., professor and dental health programs coordinator was selected to serve as a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Site Visitor!
A Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Site Visitor plays a critical role in evaluating dental and dental-related education programs in the U.S. to ensure they meet CODA’s accreditation standards. A CODA Site Visitor conducts on-site evaluations of dental programs, visits dental or dental-related education programs (e.g., dental hygiene, dental assisting etc.). They observe educational facilities, interview faculty, students, and administrators, and review documents and records. Site Visitors evaluate whether a program meets CODA’s established standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and outcomes. They prepare a detailed report of findings, including strengths, weaknesses, and any areas of non-compliance. They are required to attend trainings to stay updated on accreditation standards and ensure consistency in evaluations across site visitors.
CODA Site Visitors are dental professionals, dental hygienists, educators, or specialists with substantial experience in their field. Site Visitors must have an understanding of dental education, either through teaching, administration, or clinical experience.
Professor and Dental Health Programs Coordinator Nancy Foster, was nominated by both the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and by an accredited dental hygiene program. Nancy was selected by the commission to serve as a CODA Site Visitor for the 2025-2026 academic year and in June 2025 plans to undergo formal training and calibration before participating in site visits. Nancy serves for a 1-year term and may be reappointed by CODA.