Healthy Smiles Healthy Heartsâ„¢ Recognition Program

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A patient’s oral health can be an indicator of overall health and well-being. Research shows that chronic gum inflammation may be associated with other chronic diseases including coronary artery disease and diabetes. Additionally, there are certain bacteria that live in the mouth that can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the heart and lungs. While research has established a connection between oral health and cardiovascular health, linking these health specialties into an integrated care model remains a significant opportunity.Ìý

The ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Heartsâ„¢ initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental, aims to improve health and well-being by helping dental care teams, primary care teams and patients to better understand and address the connection between oral and cardiovascular health.ÌýÌý

The Ready, Set, Go Implementation Guide was created to facilitate quality integration of blood pressure screen and refer into oral health practices. Once quality implementation is complete, our Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Recognition program will acknowledge participating sites annually for their implementation and dedication to quality blood pressure screen and refer processes in oral health settings.

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Ready. Set. Go.: Blood Pressure Screen and Refer Implementation Guide

Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts has created an implementation guide to assist dental professionals in the implementation of a quality-focused blood pressure screen and refer process as part of their workflows. Begin your quality journey toward becoming a participating Healthy Smiles, Health Hearts site by downloading the new Implementation Guide and Quick Guide!Ìý
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Register and stay in the know

All oral health sites should register with the ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s® Healthy Smiles, Healthy Heartsâ„¢ Recognition Program to have access to the latest program information, tools, communications, and resources. Attestation will open early January 2027 and will close May 31, 2027.

The Cardiovascular-Oral Systemic Link: A Groundbreaking Interprofessional Course

Collaborative care between dental and primary care teams supports patient education on the link between oral and cardiovascular health. This foundational course helps your team understand and address these connections. CE credits available for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates.

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Now that you are a participating site, what's next?

Sites that are registered and have completed the attestation will receive a recognition toolkit later this year following the closure of the submission window. The toolkit can be used to promote your site as a Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts recognition program participant. The toolkit includes, award icons, press releases, and other materials that your site can use to distinguish itself as a leader in overall health and patient-centered care.Ìý

Do you have a question or need support? Please contact: [email protected]

Education and Training Opportunities

Recorded Webinar: Bridging Oral and Cardiovascular Health: A Discussion on the Connection and Coordination of Care

Medical and dental professionals explore the critical connection between oral inflammation and cardiovascular outcomes. This session will provide an understanding of the latest ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ statement and its implications for integrated care.

Presenters will:

  • Guide attendees through the scientific evidence supporting the new statement
  • Explore practical implications for clinical care across both medical and dental settings
  • Highlight the relevant intersectional work of the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative