HLTH Executive Series: Global Oral Health Crisis with Dr. Maria Ryan, Colgate-Palmolive
Oral health is essential for overall well-being, as problems like cavities and gum disease can lead to serious issues, including heart disease and complications during pregnancy.
In this episode, Dr. Maria Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, discusses the global health crisis of oral diseases, highlighting that 50% of people worldwide suffer from them. She emphasizes the need to integrate oral health into medical education and practice, noting the current disconnect between medical and dental professions. Dr. Ryan also touches upon the “Oral Health Quotient” (OQ), a tool aimed at educating the public on the importance of oral health, and the need to address the profound disparities in access to care, especially in underserved communities. She also advocates for preventive strategies, early education, and increased coverage of dental services to improve health equity.
Tune in and learn how dental health can impact overall wellness and why integrating oral care into healthcare systems is essential!
About Dr. Maria Ryan:
Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive Company, where she oversees the Dental and Dermal Clinical teams, as well as the Knowledge Management and Scientific Communications departments. Before joining Colgate-Palmolive, Dr. Ryan was a Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology at Stony Brook University, where she focused on teaching, practicing periodontology, and conducting research. She is the former President of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and has served on various academic and foundation boards. Dr. Ryan has earned several honors, including NIH National Research Service Awards and a Physician Scientist Award. She was also the recipient of the American Dental Association’s Achievement Award and the Victress Health Award for her contributions to women’s health research. Dr. Ryan is a renowned speaker and author, frequently appearing in media to highlight the connection between oral and overall health.
Things You’ll Learn:
Oral diseases are a global health crisis affecting 50% of the world's population and significantly impacting overall health.
There is a critical disconnect between medical and dental care, leading to neglect of oral health's importance in overall well-being.
Untreated oral diseases, like cavities and gum disease, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The "Oral Health Quotient" (OQ) aims to educate the public on their oral health knowledge and practices. Many people don't realize that cavities and gum disease are chronic inflammatory diseases that require treatment.
Addressing periodontal disease can lead to reductions in medical costs related to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Preventive measures, like proper brushing, flossing, and limiting sugar, are crucial for avoiding most oral diseases.
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