Healthy Smiles Healthy Hearts™ Recognition Program

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The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Recognition Program for 2026 has been EXTENDED - Register and attest before December 4th!

 

Program Overview

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. 

The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ 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.  

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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Register and stay in the know

The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Recognition Program for 2026 has been EXTENDED -- Register and attest before December 4th! All oral health sites should register with the American Heart Association’s® Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ Recognition Program to have access to the latest program information, tools, communications, and resources. We believe every patient deserves care guided by the best science available. 
Register Today

Attestation for Recognition Program Participation NOW OPEN

The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Recognition Program bridges the gap between oral and heart healthcare, helping patients, dental teams, and primary care providers address this critical connection. Starting August 1, 2026 and ending December 4, 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. 

Complete your Attestation

We believe every patient deserves care guided by the best science available. Through the American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, we have recognized the following dental sites for implementing quality blood pressure screening and referral with education for their patients. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to helping patients thrive. Because better care today can mean longer and healthier lives.

.Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts 2026 Change Champions 

702Dentist New York Center for Dental Oncology
Advanced Dentistry of Rhode Island North Olympic Healthcare Network Dental Clinic
All Smiles Family Dentistry LLC Redding Smile Dentistry
Asian Health Services - Weinberg Dental Clinic Rimon Saad, DDS - Oxnard
Asian Health Services Dental Clinic Rimon Saad, DDS - Van Nuys
Athena Zhong, DDS Salathe Dental
Beverly Hills Dentist - Arminé Nazarian, DMD, Inc. Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center
Bonita Dental Scenic Bluffs Community Health Center - Cashton
Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group Shrijana Shakya, DDS INC.
Charles B. Wang Community Health Center Smiles Across Montana
Eastern Iowa Health Center-Dental Health Southern Arizona VAHCS - US Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Feel Good Dentistry The Dentist off Main
Fortis College - Houston North Campus Thomas J. Allen, DDS
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Heights Dental Tampa Union Square Smiles
INNOVA Periodontics & Implant Dentistry - Dr. Dean N. Ahmad Vicente O. Miramon, DDS, Inc.
Inspire Dental Implant Associates Wellwood Family Dentistry
Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association  

 

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! 
Download the Implementation Guide
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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.

TAKE THE COURSE
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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. 

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

Education and Training Opportunities

Recorded Webinar: Expanding Care in Dental Clinics: A Process and Impact Panel Discussion

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An insightful panel discussion where dental professionals come together to explore how the science behind the oral and cardiovascular connection is translated into clinical workflows and patient impact. This session will highlight how three distinct dental organizations implemented the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ Implementation Guide and the measurable impacts achieved through standardized workflows. 
During this session: 

  • Explore the impact of standardized clinical workflows on staff and patients
  • Understand how consistent, streamlined processes enhance workflow efficiencies and strengthen team confidence
  • Gain understanding around the interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities through the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative 

WATCH NOW

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 American Heart Association 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

WATCH NOW

 

 

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