More than 60 chronic conditions, from diabetes to pregnancy complications to cardiac and Alzheimer's risk, have clear links to oral health, yet referrals between medical providers and dentists remain rare.

At the Civic Health Forum, MouthWatch and Dentistry.one CEO & Founder Brant Herman, a longtime StartUp Health community member, described building a nationwide dental service organization designed to close that gap. Dentistry.one connects patients to virtual consultations with one of over 200 in-network dentists through a QR code, URL, or phone number, followed by care coordination into an in-person visit, all built around ICD-10 interoperability so a diagnosis can trigger a dental referral automatically. The network covers over 30 million lives and accepts all insurance, reaching patients through schools, FQHCs, medical offices, and homes. Herman sees the model as especially valuable for ED diversion and for underserved and rural populations who face the biggest access gaps.