While COVID masks have hidden smiles over the past few years, teeth continue to tell a compelling story of overall health and well-being. Although largely preventable, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases—a quarter of young children, half of adolescents, and more than 90 percent of adults experience some form of tooth decay. Though often overlooked, regular dental care is associated with improved overall physical and mental health—treating oral health complications can help prevent heart disease and dementia; periodontal disease, which affects nearly a quarter of those with diabetes, may cause blood sugar to rise, making treatment of diabetes more difficult. As with other social determinants of chronic diseases, there are stark disparities in oral health among racial, socioeconomic, gender, and geographic groups. Panelists will discuss innovative ways to improve the state of oral health in America and how doing so advances health equity.

Moderator

Nicholas St. Fleur
Science Reporter, Associate Editorial Director of Events, and Host of Color Code Podcast, STAT

Speakers

Gillian Barclay
Vice President, Global Public Health and Head of Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program, Colgate-Palmolive

Arturo Brito
President and CEO, Children’s Health Fund

Natalia Chalmers
Chief Dental Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, US Department of Health and Human Services

Wells Hutchison
President and CEO, Delta Dental Plans Association