Improving Diabetes and Oral Health Outcomes with "Sweet Tooth" Program

Sweet Tooth Team at NNOHA Learning Collaborative conference in Chicago

North Side Christian Health Center (NSCHC) is taking an innovative approach to diabetes care with the launch of Project Sweet Tooth, an initiative designed to integrate medical and dental care to improve health outcomes for patients with diabetes. This program is part of the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) Learning Collaborative, a national effort to enhance oral health access and its connection to overall health.

Recognizing the critical link between diabetes and oral health, NSCHC’s medical and dental teams have joined forces to provide more comprehensive care. Led by Kaylon Campbell, PA-C, Dr. David Maxwell, and Alonso Galvis, the program identifies diabetic patients who have not received oral health care in the past six months. Beginning in October 2024, 120 patients were selected to participate, with medical providers actively referring them for dental evaluations during routine visits. By ensuring that these patients receive both medical and dental care, NSCHC is addressing an often-overlooked aspect of diabetes management.

The Sweet Tooth team presented their preliminary results at the NNOHA Integrating Diabetes and Oral Health Learning Collaborative conference in Chicago. NSCHC was the only healthcare clinic in Pennsylvania invited to participate, a recognition of the program’s early success and its potential to serve as a model for other clinics nationwide. In just six months, Project Sweet Tooth has made significant progress. The number of diabetic patients receiving oral health care increased dramatically, and a growing percentage of patients are now receiving both medical and dental care within a six-month period. More patients are also benefiting from same-day medical and dental visits, reducing barriers to care and improving overall treatment adherence.

Through the Integration of Diabetes and Oral Health (IDOH) Breakthrough Series Learning Collaborative, NSCHC is implementing best practices from NNOHA, including risk assessments, oral health evaluations, preventive interventions, and patient education. These efforts ensure that diabetes care is more holistic, and patient centered.

By June 2025, Project Sweet Tooth aims to improve diabetes outcomes tenfold by reinforcing the connection between oral health and overall well-being. With this initiative, NSCHC continues to work to fulfill our mission to provide whole-person health care, ensuring that underserved communities receive the comprehensive medical and dental care they need to live healthier lives.