Improving oral health outcomes through education and access

Supporting oral health and overall well-being with provider training and knowledge

Pioneering research from the 1950s and 1960s demonstrated that neglecting oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis and bleeding gums in as little as 9 to 21 days. Remarkably, researchers also found that gingivitis could be reversed within a day of plaque removal in healthy individuals. This foundational research continues to shape today’s oral care guidelines.

In January 2025, the Journal of the American Dental Association published a study linking self-reported flossing with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. This underscores the vital connection between oral health and systemic health.

Strengthening the knowledge base around oral health and improving access to providers is essential. Programs like GEHA Solutions’ educational scholarships and fellowships for dental and dental hygiene students, with hometowns across the country, help make this possible. Educating the next generation of dentists and dental hygienists is key to promoting improved access to oral health and advancing centers of knowledge in dentistry. Our philanthropic partnerships with organizations like the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry and BrownGirl, RDH have provided more than 125 students with scholarships or fellowships to support a future in dentistry or dental hygiene.

Explore more research and insights:

Journal of Periodontal Research: Experimental gingivitis in man

The Journal of Periodontology: Experimental gingivitis in man

Journal of the American Dental Association: The effect of self-reported flossing behavior on cardiovascular disease events and mortality: Findings from the 2009-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

The information contained herein is for information and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.