Damien Cuffie, DDS, MPH

Dr. Cuffie is a general dentist and a captain in the U.S. Army National guard, actively serving for more than seven years. Passionate about public health dentistry, Damien focuses on helping patients who are looking for caring providers in their communities and cultivating relationships with organizations in Louisiana. In his role as dental director for the state, he plays an active role in the community, mitigating any issues practitioners may be facing and helping to resolve clinical questions that may arise between DentaQuest, the department of health and the dental community. He has seen firsthand oral health disparities faced by different populations, as well as the lack of Black dentists, and developed a deep concern for addressing equity in the profession and in access to care. With a strong community focus, Damien actively participates in targeted outreach including presentations to school-based oral health program leaders, advocating for the special needs of different patient groups and those with complex health issues, and supporting local nonprofits invested in serving those most in need. Damien attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans for his undergraduate degree, earned his dental degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville and a Master of Public Health from LSU Health Sciences Center. He is also a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy scholar and a 2020 recipient of 40 under 40 for the National Minority Quality Forum.

Ask Me About:  oral health care for special populations, strategic community support, chronic and infectious disease management including treating patients with HIV/AIDS, perspective as a Captain in the U.S. Army National Guard