Avēsis and Harmony Health Partner to Expand Oral Health Care for Patients with Special Health Care Needs

Avēsis and Harmony Health have announced a new collaboration aimed at addressing oral health care disparities among underserved Medicaid populations with special health care needs. Through a pioneering pilot program set to launch in May 2024 across 4 states—California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—the initiative seeks to transform preventive dentistry using real-time salivary testing and screening, according to a press release from the companies.

Leveraging advanced dental technology, the pilot program integrates comprehensive saliva testing into dental check-ups. This non-invasive approach aims to enhance patient care by offering quick insights into oral health conditions and individuals' oral hygiene habits based on salivary insights.

Brian Jones, Chief Growth Officer of Avēsis, emphasized the importance of addressing oral health challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He stated in the press release, "Our goal is to do more for patients with special health care 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.”

Salivary biomarker analysis enables dental professionals to identify systemic and oral diseases such as diabetes, gum disease, and cavities, per the press release. Dr Tina Saw, President of Harmony Health's Board of Directors, expressed excitement about leveraging innovative technologies to redefine preventive health care.

"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 the most,” Dr Saw said in the press release. “By harnessing the power of innovative technologies like salivary testing and artificial intelligence, we are redefining preventive health care. Together, we are committed to empowering patients with proactive, personalized solutions.”

To learn more about this partnership, visit Avēsis’s website here, or Harmony Health Foundation’s website here.