The American Heart Association is launching the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental, to involve oral health clinicians in prevention and early detection of heart disease.
The initiative aims to improve the total health of patients nationwide by expanding access to equitable, integrated health care, and educating patients and clinicians on the connection between heart health and oral health.
According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, the prevention or early detection of heart disease can result in significantly better health outcomes. Through the Healthy Smiles, Healthy HeartsTM initiative, the Association and Delta Dental will engage oral health clinicians to create and implement a new standard of care for heart health screening at the dentist’s office, by conducting blood pressure screenings and providing referrals to primary care if necessary. The initiative will also educate health care professionals and patients on the link between heart health and oral health, while emphasizing the importance of a patient’s integrated care team in improving total health and well-being.
