In recognition of American Heart Month, PDS Health, a leading dental and medical support organization, is raising awareness about the critical link between oral health and heart health.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming nearly 2,500 lives each day, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).¹ Research continues to show that oral conditions like periodontal disease and inflammation may increase the risk of heart disease, reinforcing the need for integrated dental and medical care.² When dentists and primary care providers collaborate on patient care, they can better detect risk factors early and support improved patient health.
PDS Health is committed to raising awareness about the Mouth-Body Connection, educating clinicians and their patients on how oral health impacts overall health.
“The connection between oral health and overall health, including heart health, is too important to overlook,” said PDS Health founder and CEO Stephen E. Thorne IV. “At PDS Health, we’re supporting clinicians with the resources, technologies, and partnerships to bridge the gap between dentistry and primary care so patients receive more personalized, preventive care. This American Heart Month, we encourage patients and healthcare providers to recognize the impact of oral health in creating healthier, happier patients.”
Throughout February, PDS Health team members are engaging in initiatives to support heart health awareness, including:
- On National Wear Red Day (Feb. 7), PDS Health team members joined the AHA in raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. The initiative highlighted the importance of prevention through proper oral hygiene, heart-healthy habits, and early detection.
- PDS Health dental offices are sharing the latest issue of Generations of Smiles, a Smile Generation publication focused on the connection between oral health and overall health. The February issue provides practical tips on nutrition, stress management, and preventive care.
- On Feb. 14, PDS Health team members in Dallas, Henderson, Nev., and Irvine, Calif., will craft heart-shaped pillows to provide comfort to patients recovering from open-heart surgery.
- Through Cards for Hospitalized Kids, team members will create Valentine’s Day cards for children receiving care in hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses.
PDS Health’s commitment to cardiovascular health extends beyond American Heart Month. At its dental practices nationwide, clinicians conduct routine health screenings, including blood pressure checks, to help identify potential risk factors for heart disease. These efforts, along with initiatives that integrate screenings, education, and referrals into the dental setting, encourage collaboration between dental and medical providers.
The organization also supports 14 primary care offices connected to dental practices, advancing its vision for a more connected healthcare system. With Epic integrated into all 1,000+ practices, providers have seamless access to both dental and medical histories. This integration enhances care coordination, enables earlier detection, and supports a more proactive approach to patient health.
To learn more about PDS Health’s approach to integrated care, visit pdshealth.com.
About PDS Health
PDS Health continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services in 1994, with a vision to redefine healthcare through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the U.S. For more information about PDS Health and its vision, visit pdshealth.com.
About Smile Generation
Smile Generation connects patients to Smile Generation-trusted dentists who are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and advanced clinical care. Smile Generation also provides financial choices for patients and education about the connection between oral health and overall health (The Mouth-Body Connection®). The Smile Generation network spans over 1,000 dental offices in 24 states. Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by PDS Health.
For more information, visit smilegeneration.com.
REFERENCES
- Heart disease remains leading cause of death as key health risk factors continue to rise. (2025, January 27). American Heart Association. Retrieved February 4, 2025, from https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-remains-leading-cause-of-death-as-key-health-risk-factors-continue-to-rise
- Hopkins, Steven et al. (2024). Oral health and cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Medicine, 137(4), 304–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.11.022
