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Historically, general medicine and dentistry have been independent of one another. But, as the health care landscape evolves and with the May 2000 release of the Oral Health in America: A Report of the U.S. Surgeon General, perceptions of the relationship between the two fields are beginning to change.
Oral health is now being seen by many as an integral part of general health and well-being. By comparing dental and medical data, we now have the ability to demonstrate just how powerful the impact of proper and regular oral health care can be on good health in general and in reducing overall health care costs. But there is still much work to do.
That's why it's been particularly rewarding for me to leverage Aetna's unique data and technology resources in ways that can help dentists make a significant difference not only in people's smiles, but also to their overall health and, ultimately, their lives.
Dentistry wouldn't be where it is today and we couldn't have the same bright hopes for the future if we didn't have such an illustrious past. I hope, through this calendar, you'll enjoy learning more about that past and the critical role African Americans play in oral health care today and in
the future.
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