Each year, approximately 29 million people see a dentist but not another medical professional. By incorporating blood pressure screenings into routine dental care visits, dental teams can help identify patients with hypertension who may be 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 healthcare 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 found that nearly 9 in 10 dental patients (88%) think their dental care team is an important part of their overall healthcare team. More than 80% of patients are open to their dental care team taking their blood pressure during their dental appointments to help them manage their health.
“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 Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, 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 Dr. Daniel Croley, 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.”
See our exclusive interview with Dr. Croley on the initiative.
The new Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts resources will help dental care professionals:
- Learn more about the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health and engage with the latest science on blood pressure management through an e-module and educational activities.
- Adopt a standardized blood pressure screening process with referrals to primary care providers.
- Provide patients with educational materials that explain the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health and help people take charge of their overall health.
High blood pressure affects nearly half (46.7%) of all U.S. adults and is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A new joint guideline from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, released in August 2025, advises earlier treatment for hypertension that includes lifestyle modification and medications as appropriate. Further, it reinforces the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight.
The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative aims to improve the overall health of patients by expanding access to integrated healthcare and educating patients and clinicians on the connection between heart health and oral health. For more information, visit www.heart.org/HealthySmiles.
