Cardiovascular disease is preventable in many patients. It is estimated that 70% of the adult population in the United States has periodontal disease. Chronic inflammation, of which periodontal disease is the most common, is a leading risk factor in developing heart disease. One in two women will die because of CVD. In addition, stroke, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, pre-term low birth weight and still born babies can be linked to periodontal disease. Genetic testing has determined that the plaque that builds up below the gumline is the same plaque that deposits in the arteries and causes atherosclerosis. Your patients want to prevent health problems. You can help them.

OUR PURPOSE

This website was created so that adults can draw their own conclusions regarding the value of preventing oral disease. Learn how to promote Dentistry has a Heart month in your office. The website and seminar were designed to help educate the entire dental team on the subject of oral body inflammatory connection. DentalEDU.tv offers one hour of continuing education on the subject of Dentistry has a Heart. See sample of seminar. In this hour long seminar learn how to educate patients about the importance of prevention. You will hear about cross promoting your practice with a local cardiologist and keeping your patients connected to developments in this dynamic subject matter.

ENDORSEMENT

"Dentistry has a Heart is an incredible program that works to educate dental teams and their patients about the medical-dental connection. Laura provides a wealth of information that can be immediately incorporated into practice. I learned such valuable information and cannot wait to implement these ideas with my clients."

Lynn Mortilla
Executive Director, ICOI/ADIA

SUGGESTED ACTIVITES

These are suggested activities to implement while promoting American Heart Health Month (and Dentistry has a Heart month):

1. The thoroughness of your dental examinations will be realized by recording blood pressure readings and taking a resting heart rate, then recording the numbers on your hygienist’s business card. Many patients see a dentist more often than they see a physician for a physical examination. This alone can be a life saver. This step requires taking a blood pressure reading and a business card. Both can be accomplished within two weeks.
   
   
2. Educate the patients with periodontal symptoms about the effect of the bacteria in the oral cavity directly linked to cardiac health. Hygienists can be committed to explaining the information in the context of your heart health promotion. This step requires verbalizing what is being done in the chair. Don’t allow bleeding to occur without bringing it to your patient’s attention! Bleeding upon scaling or probing is indicative of infection.
   
   
3. Send letters to cardiologists (See letters on the side bar of this website) in your local community to engage them in your practice activities. Ask for www.goforredwomen.org printed materials that can support your campaign. This step requires a little bit of organization but could be done before February.
   
   
4. Connect to the website and enroll online to receive a free red dress pin and ideas for embracing this national campaign. Keep in mind that Valentine’s day is on a Thursday in 2013 but February 1 (Go Red for Women Day) is on a Friday. Teams love to dress up for holidays. This could be done immediately.
   
   
5. Decorate the office in hearts and the logo of the little red dress. This requires going to the party store and going online. (See Articles in top bar for link to online application).
   
   
6. Send note cards to patients post treatment. These can be ordered in our promo products section. We recommend ordering the note cards with your logo on the back of the card.
   
   
7. Send a letter to patients prior to the month long celebration to encourage them to wear red. Offer to donate $ 1 to the local chapter of the American Heart Association if they do. This is an opportunity to mail your patients a letter. It is a great way to remind them that you are there for them in January which can be a slow month for some dentists. This may take two weeks to manage but can be pulled off prior to February..

ADDED SUGGESTIONS

Have fun while doing something helpful. Encourage the team to wear red throughout the month. Visit local cardiologist’s offices with invitations to your practice in a goody bag filled with toothbrushes and floss. Consider the benefits of cross promotion. These physicians may be excited to hear from a dentist who has a heart for this cause. Give away some fun promotional items. To order promotional products that fit in line with this theme, I can be reached by phone at 800-637-3947 and by email at jamisonconsulting@verizon.net. Share your success stories on my blog at www.jamisonconsulting.com.

CONCLUSION

Dental teams have the biggest hearts of any organization I know. It has been my privilege to work with dentists and teams since 1981. Try something different. In this case, it will bring attention to the heart of the matter which may save the lives of your patients..