The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, created in partnership with Delta Dental of California, has introduced a new standard of care for heart-health screening in dental settings. The program encourages dental teams to include blood pressure screenings in routine visits, helping to identify hypertension and other cardiovascular risks early.
Every year, an estimated 29 million people visit a dentist but do not see any other medical professional. This puts dental teams in a unique position to detect health issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, including cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States.
A 2024 Harris Poll found that nearly 9 in 10 dental patients consider their dental care team an important part of their overall health care. More than 80% of patients said they are comfortable with dental professionals checking their blood pressure during appointments.
“Many people only interact with the health care system through their dental visits,” said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “This makes dental professionals essential partners in the early detection of chronic disease. Early detection can lead to faster referrals, better outcomes, and lives saved.”
Dr. Daniel Croley, chief dental officer at Delta Dental of California, emphasized that oral health professionals can play a greater role in whole-body health. “The mouth is a gateway to the body,” he said. “By linking oral health and heart health, dentists can help identify risk early and guide patients toward care that may protect—and even save—lives.”
What the New Resources Provide
The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative offers new tools to help dental teams:
Learn how oral health connects to cardiovascular health through e-learning modules and educational activities.
Use a standardized process for blood pressure screening and referral to primary care providers.
Give patients easy-to-understand materials about oral health, heart health, and steps they can take to protect themselves.
High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Updated guidelines released in August 2025 by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend earlier treatment, including lifestyle changes and medication when needed. They also highlight the importance of diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative aims to improve nationwide health by increasing access to integrated care and strengthening patient and provider understanding of the link between the mouth and the heart.
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