Arizona State University (ASU) has joined forces with Delta Dental of Arizona to create an innovative program that emphasizes the importance of oral health in medical training. This initiative, named SMILE-AI, aims to prepare future doctors for better patient care by making oral health education a core part of their studies.

The Need for Integrated Health Education

Oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet it often gets overlooked in medical education. The SMILE-AI program is here to change that. Set to launch in the 2026-27 academic year, this initiative will introduce oral health curricula directly into the medical school experience at ASU’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. By investing $578,947, the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is supporting a program that aims to empower medical students to understand how oral health impacts systemic health.

Dr. Sarah “Holly” Hollingsworth Lisanby, the founding dean of the Shufeldt School, emphasizes that integrating oral health education is vital for training future physicians. “This program will empower our students to better understand, prevent, and treat conditions that affect both oral and systemic health,” she states. The approach is to prepare students not only with knowledge but also practical skills so they can offer comprehensive, patient-centered care.

What Students Will Experience

The SMILE-AI program is designed to give students an engaging, hands-on learning experience that reflects real-world medical challenges. Under the leadership of Kristen Will, an associate dean and clinical professor, the program will utilize augmented intelligence and provide patient avatar cases for first- and second-year medical students. This technology-driven learning will enhance students’ clinical decision-making abilities and highlight the importance of teamwork among different medical disciplines.

Graduates of this program are expected to positively impact around 72,000 patients each year, highlighting the potential reach of this new way of educating future healthcare providers. “Our goal is to prepare graduates for team-based care that improves outcomes for diverse patient populations,” Will says.

Addressing Health Disparities

Delta Dental of Arizona has long recognized the connection between oral and overall health. Michael Jones, the president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona, describes medical-dental integration as vital for improving health outcomes. Through SMILE-AI, the partnership aims to equip future physicians to tackle health disparities related to oral health.

The curriculum will not only prepare students to handle immediate health issues but will also promote better long-term health strategies for people with chronic diseases or those facing obstacles to care. As health disparities become increasingly important in today’s healthcare landscape, initiatives like SMILE-AI are crucial in setting a new standard for education and patient care.

Collaborative Efforts for Comprehensive Care

ASU and Delta Dental of Arizona are collaborating with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Initiative to create a robust curriculum that emphasizes team-based care. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between oral health and general health, ensuring future healthcare providers are well-rounded.

Barb Kozuh, executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, points to their commitment to leverage science and technology as a means to improve health access. “Our investment in SMILE-AI reflects our commitment to integrated, equitable healthcare for future providers,” Kozuh explains. This program not only aims to enhance educational outcomes but also focuses on better health for communities through a more holistic approach to patient care.

What this means for you

For individuals navigating the healthcare system, understanding the connection between oral health and overall wellness is essential. By promoting integrated care, programs like SMILE-AI can lead to better health outcomes for everyone. If you ever need to review health-related documents, AI legalese decoder can help decode the fine print, ensuring you know exactly what you’re signing.

Source: https://news.asu.edu/20260417-university-news-asu-delta-dental-arizona-collaborate-smileai-program