Imagine your dentist as a key player in preventing and managing chronic diseases, not just treating cavities.
In this episode, Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association, shares his journey from overcoming substance abuse to becoming a strong advocate for wellness in dentistry. He emphasizes the need for dental benefit reform, arguing that the current system limits preventative care and fails to recognize the critical connection between oral and overall health. Through his leadership, he has expanded Medicaid dental benefits in Colorado, providing care to 300,000 previously underserved patients. He envisions a shift from a surgical-based model to one focused on chronic disease management, integrating dentistry into broader healthcare systems. Dr. Kessler believes this transformation will improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and position dentistry as a key player in overall health management.
Tune in to learn how dentistry is evolving beyond the drill, tackling substance abuse, reshaping healthcare policies, and proving that oral health is the gateway to overall wellness!