National Periodontal Disease Coalition

Organized by Oral Health America in 2004, the National Periodontal Disease Coalition (NPDC) is a group of leading business people, health care practitioners, dentists, periodontists, practice management consultants, insurance companies, communications experts, dental industry executives, educators, and others committed to raising the profile of this most common but underrecognized infection in the mouth.

NPDC meets annually to discuss recent scientific developments, opportunities for visibility, and the promotion of periodontal health as an important factor in overall health and well being. Recent studies show linkages or associations between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, including complications of stroke, heart disease, pre term and low-weight births, diabetes, and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Most adults show signs of periodontal disease or gingival diseases. Severe periodontal disease affects about 14 percent of adults ages 45-54. Twenty-three percent of 65- to 75-year-olds have severe periodontal disease. (Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2000.)

Related links:

• The New York Academy of Sciences, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the National Periodontal Disease Coalition are planning a one day meeting in New York City on January 18, 2008 entitled: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice and Policy: A Medical-Dental Dialogue on the Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health.  This goal of this symposium is to discuss prospective research linking oral and systemic health with both formal presentations and an interactive audience incorporated panel discussion. For more information about the program, speakers, CE credits and registration please go to www.nyas.org/oshconf.
• ABC News Interview with Dr. Maria Ryan (SUNY Stony Brook) discussing the relationship between perio and overall health.
• NPDC Meeting Summary, November 2006
• "Air Time for Periodontal Disease" PSA Campaign
• Media Alert: NPDC Meeting, Pittsburgh, November 2006
• Invitation: NPDC Meeting, Pittsburgh, November 2006
• Meeting notes: NPDC Meeting in New York City, June 2005
• Press release from first NPDC meeting, 2004
• NPDC Charter (2006)
• A related study from Aetna and Columbia University
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment--information from the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research
• A backgrounder from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on oral health and older Americans
• NIDCR Study on Association between Cardiovascular Disease and Periodontal Bacteria

For more information about the National Periodontal Disease Coalition, contact Robert Klaus, robert@oralhealthamerica.org.

Oral Health America is the nation's premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans