Healthy Smiles Healthy Hearts鈩� Recognition Program

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A patient鈥檚 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.听

The 木瓜直播鈥檚 Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts鈩� 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.听听

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!听
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Register and stay in the know

All oral health sites should register with the 木瓜直播鈥檚庐 Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts鈩� Recognition Program, whether they would like to perform the data attestation for recognition or not. However, those sites that register will have access to the latest program information, tools, communications, and resources. Please retain you unique ID (once registered and received via email) to log in and complete your attestation prior to May 31, 2026.

Attestation for Recognition Program Participation NOW OPEN

The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Recognition Program bridges the gap between oral and heart health care, helping patients, dental teams, and primary care providers address this critical connection. Starting January 2026 and ending May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm EST, participating sites can attest to completing several steps including:

  • Review of the Ready. Set. Go. Implementation Guide
  • Staff Training for the blood pressure screen and refer process
  • Use of validated blood pressure devices for blood pressure screenings
  • Identification of a dental site champion to monitor workflows and adherence

Submit your attestation and be recognized for your commitment to quality implementation. Please use your unique ID (sent via email upon completion of registration) to log in and complete your attestation.听

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.听

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

Education and Training Opportunities

Office Hours: Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Implementation Guide and Recognition Program

Dental professionals play an important role in overall patient wellness that extends far beyond the dental chair.

The 木瓜直播 invites you to join dedicated Office Hours designed to help you better understand how to integrate the "Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts" (HSHH) Blood Pressure Screening and Referral Implementation Guide into your practice. During these live sessions, AHA staff will provide step-by-step guidance on utilizing the HSHH blood pressure screening and referral implementation guide, explain the benefits and criteria of the HSHH Recognition Program, and walk attendees through the simple registration process. Elevate your practice's participation in integrated health by attending one of the upcoming sessions.

  • Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. CST
  • Friday, May 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. CST

Webinar: Bridging Oral and Cardiovascular Health

Join us for a webinar where medical and dental professionals unite to explore the critical connection between oral inflammation and cardiovascular outcomes. This session will provide an understanding of the latest 木瓜直播 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