Oral Health Pavilion at HLTH 2024 Highlighted Links Between Dental and General Health

At HLTH 2024, a major health industry event, CareQuest Innovation Partners, Colgate-Palmolive, Henry Schein, and PDS Health showcased the new Oral Health Pavilion. This first-of-its-kind exhibit aimed to spotlight the role of oral health in overall wellness and introduce attendees to the dental practice of the future, where medical and dental professionals collaborate closely, according to a press release from CareQuest Innovation Partners.

The Pavilion allowed health professionals to explore patient care models that integrate oral health with general health services, including preventive screenings and innovative self-care options. Industry leaders see this as a step toward reducing health care costs, expanding access to care, and emphasizing the importance of oral health in detecting systemic diseases.

“Introducing the first Oral Health Pavillion at HLTH is a significant step toward integrating dental and medical care, which can enhance both health equity and patient outcomes,” said Denise Marks, CFO and EVP at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “Addressing the gap in oral health innovation presents a crucial opportunity for health innovators to develop comprehensive solutions, making them more attractive to investors. We can drive meaningful progress in the health care industry by recognizing the proven link between oral health and overall health.”

Representatives from the participating companies joined HLTH panels to discuss holistic health approaches and the future of integrated care. Additionally, startups from CareQuest’s SMILE Health accelerator showcased new oral health technologies during a “Demo Day” event on October 22, 2024.