In the news release, New resources help dentists identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, issued 18-Nov-2025 by Delta Dental of California over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the original version contained incorrect information introduced by PR Newswire during transmission. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:
The American Heart Association Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, creates a standard of care for heart health screening in the oral health care setting
DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Each year, approximately 29 million people see a dentist but not another medical professional.1 By incorporating blood pressure screenings into routine dental care visits, dental teams can help identify patients with hypertension and at risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., often before symptoms appear.
The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, has launched a new standard of care for heart health screening within the oral health care setting. Focused on blood pressure screening and referral to primary care, Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts provides professional education highlighting the connection between oral health and heart health, a standard blood pressure screening and referral guide, and educational materials for patients.
A 2024 survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, found that nearly 9 in 10 dental patients (88%) think of their dental care team as an important part of their overall health care team.2 More than 80 percent of patients are open to their dental care team taking their blood pressure at their dental appointments to help them manage their health.3
“For many, the dental chair is the only point of contact with the health care system, and that makes dental professionals an essential partner in chronic disease early detection,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “That early detection can lead to timely referrals, better outcomes and lives saved.”
“The mouth is a gateway to the body, and oral health professionals have a powerful opportunity to integrate more into their patients’ collective health care team beyond protecting their patients’ teeth,” said Daniel Croley, D.M.D., chief dental officer at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “By connecting oral health and heart health, this initiative helps dentists identify risks early and guide patients toward care that can improve and even save lives.”
