Summary: A new pilot program introduces real-time salivary testing in dental check-ups for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a tool for early disease detection and personalized treatment.
Takeaways:
- The use of saliva in this pilot program offers a non-invasive, efficient way to gain insights into patients’ health, making it particularly beneficial for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may face challenges during traditional dental visits.
- By analyzing salivary biomarkers, dental professionals can detect diseases early and tailor treatments to the individual needs of each patient, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions.
- This initiative specifically targets improving oral health outcomes for a traditionally underserved population, using cutting-edge technology to break down barriers in preventive care and enhance accessibility.
Avēsis and Harmony Health unveiled a pilot program aimed at revolutionizing preventive dentistry by harnessing the power of real-time salivary testing and screening as a frontline tool to assist healthcare providers in early disease detection and personalized treatment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The year-long initiative will kick off in May across four states: California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Harnessing Saliva-Based Testing
Saliva, often overlooked in traditional medical and dental care, is a powerful medium for screening—rich with insights about an individual’s health. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the pilot program integrates comprehensive saliva testing into dental check-ups. This offers a non-invasive and efficient means of monitoring patients’ overall health, providing quick insights into oral health conditions and the quality of individuals’ oral hygiene routines at home.
Supporting those with Developmental Disabilities
“More needs to be done to improve oral health outcomes for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For this underserved population, dental appointments are no easy feat—fraught with challenges, uncertainties, and fears,” says Brian Jones, chief growth officer of Avēsis. “Our goal is to do more for patients with special healthcare needs—to break down barriers with innovative technologies that improve preventive care. This is the first-ever chairside salivary test that offers immediate results—what this will do for early disease detection and personalized treatment is significant.”
Early Disease Detection
The initiative aims to facilitate early disease detection by leveraging screening technologies that enable dental professionals to analyze salivary biomarkers indicative of various systemic and oral diseases, including diabetes, gum disease, and cavities. This proactive approach allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes. The integration of screening technologies into dental practice also enables personalized treatment planning based on an individual patient’s health profile. This customized approach optimizes efficacy and minimizes risks associated with one-size-fits-all treatment strategies.
Steve Perlman, DDS, clinical professor of pediatric dentistry at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and a disabilities advocate known for his contributions to oral healthcare accessibility through initiatives like the Special Olympics Special Smiles Program, remarked, “This initiative represents a monumental step forward in addressing the oral health needs of individuals with special healthcare needs. By integrating innovative salivary screening technologies, machine learning, and easy-to-use smartphone applications into oral healthcare, this pilot not only enhances care but also advances equity and accessibility in oral healthcare for vulnerable populations.”
“As pioneers in advancing new technologies within underserved communities, we are excited to collaborate with Avēsis to leverage this technology for those who need it most,” says Tina Saw, DDS, Board of Directors President of Harmony Health. “By harnessing the power of innovative technologies like salivary testing and artificial intelligence, we are redefining preventive healthcare. Together, we are committed to empowering patients with proactive, personalized solutions.”
The multi-state pilot underscores Avēsis’ commitment to improving access to innovative healthcare solutions and reaching diverse patient populations. Each pilot site, strategically selected based on community needs and existing infrastructure, will serve as a focal point for advancing preventive dentistry and driving value-based care initiatives on a regional scale.
