We aim to break down barriers between oral and primary care to improve wellness and lower costs.
Our Mission
The mission of the Initiative is to drive comprehensive systems change in medical-dental integration to deliver value-based equitable care for all. We envision a future in which universal access to oral health is delivered in an integral part of whole-person, patient-centered care and linked to the social determinants of health; in which rigorous science and a commitment to equity drive how we educate our workforce and deliver care; and in which a paradigm shift has normalized integrated healthcare among patients, providers, consumers, industry, government, and the public.
Dr. Robert Lewando, HSDM Initiative Chair, discusses the integration of oral and overall health, and shares his vision for the HSDM Initiative in a recent interview, and discusses the importance of integrated health here.
About the Initiative
The Initiative to Integrate Oral Health and Medicine convenes academics, students, and leaders from the business, healthcare, and public health communities to advance innovative ideas around the integration of oral health and overall health— a core academic mission of Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Research demonstrates that the benefits of providing oral health care include improved quality of life and a reduction of overall healthcare costs. Initiative Board Members provide informed guidance and serve as vital allies on issues related to the integration of oral health and overall health.
Research & Demonstration Projects
At the Initiative's core is engagement in research and demonstration projects that explore new models of education, training and clinical practice. Other projects measure outcomes and evaluate financial models that demonstrate the value of integration.
Additional objectives
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Foster discussion, guide public policy, and advocate for integrating oral health and primary care.
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Provide interdisciplinary connections among Harvard faculty, students, industry leaders and other higher education institutes to shape policy recommendations on oral health and primary care integration with an eye toward effectiveness.
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Collaborate with national, state, and local partners to identify and develop innovative strategies for improving oral and systemic health outcomes.
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Provide scholarly review of all clinical and epidemiological data regarding oral and systemic health.
