Oral Health America Promotes the Oral–Systemic Link
The mouth is the gateway to well-being. A beautiful smile is more than a “joy to behold”; it reflects good health, pain-free eating, and effective speech. As a pediatric dentist, I communicate these messages to families every day.
Oral Health America’s mission, to raise public awareness of oral health’s importance to overall health, is relevant not only to my work but also to all health professionals, individuals, and communities that are collaborating to improve health and healthcare in this country.
As a long-time supporter of Oral Health America, I know that this organization’s programs and initiatives expand public understanding of the impact and importance of dental care. As a neutral convenor and public advocate, Oral Health America is able to reach business leaders, policy makers, and the media with messages that increase the profile of oral health. And that is good for all of us. Please join me and support Oral Health America today.
Mary Jane Hayes, DDS, MS
Former Member, Board of Directors
Oral Health America
Chicago, Illinois
Past Chair and Current Co-Chair, Oral Health America Gala & Benefit
Chicago, Illinois
Oral Health America is the nation’s premier, independent organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans. As part of its mission to raise public awareness of oral health’s importance to overall health, Oral Health America organized the National Periodontal Disease Coalition (NPDC), a group of leaing business people, healthcare practitioners, dentists, periodontists, practice management consultants, insurance companies, communications experts, dental industry executives, educators, and others committed to raising the profile of this most common but underrecognized infection in the mouth.
The NPDC meets annually to discuss recent scientific developments, opportunities for visibility, and the promotion of periodontal health as an important factor in overall health and well-being. Recent studies show linkages or associations between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, including complications of stroke, heart disease, pre-term and low-weight births, diabetes, and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
NPDC members are actively promoting public awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding and recognition of periodontal disease. They are also at the forefront of a rapidly increasing exchange of information among dentists, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies committed to improving patient diagnosis and treatment outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs.
Making connections is at the heart of what Oral Health America does, and these connections bring the organization’s mission to life. Please visit www.oralhealthamerica.org to learn more.
