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By Jennifer Garvin

Since 1964, the ADA Foundation Health Screening Program has worked to make the dental office safer for dentists and patients.

More than just complimentary medical screenings, the program has evolved into a cutting-edge research program that now boasts the largest national database on the health of dental professionals.

Now the program is being renovated and the new version will be unveiled at the 2009 ADA annual session, which means, for first time in 45 years, the program will not be offered at the 2008 annual session in San Antonio.

The ADA and ADA Foundation consider the health screening program one of the Association's most valuable resources and scientific benefits, which is why updating the program and making sure the program provides state-of-the art scientific information that is clinically relevant is so important, said Dr. Daniel M. Meyer, senior vice-president, ADA Division of Science/Professional Affairs.

"Advances in oral health delivery have changed the way dentists and the dental health team provide care for their patients," Dr. Meyer continued. "As we gain greater insight into the relationship of oral health to general health, the HSP has an opportunity to provide the profession with a wealth of scientific data on complex clinical health relationships affecting the entire health care team."

For the new and improved version, the ADA Division of Science staff has brainstormed with scientists from government, academia and industry to help develop a vision of the retooled science program. They have determined that the future HSP will continue to serve an important role in conducting clinical surveillance of the health of dental professionals.

During this time, the ADA will provide members with periodic updates in ADA publications.  Look for future information in the ADA News, on ADA.org and in other ADA communications, and visit the ADA Pavilion in San Antonio in October.