CHICAGO, May 19, 2026 — The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation announced today the launch of a $2.5 million initiative to grow the understanding of the relationship between oral and systemic health. Despite decades of research linking gum disease to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, awareness of this connection remains low among both physicians and the public. The Initiative seeks to close that gap.
The program will sponsor research, disseminate knowledge with education programs for dentists and physicians, and enable advocacy to raise awareness of periodontal/peri-implant diseases, the importance of treating them, and the specialists who can help. Named for its founding donors, Patty and Dr. Paul Levi and Dr. Colin Richman, the Levi-Richman Integration Initiative will leverage existing and new investments to champion periodontal health as the oral-systemic link.
“My family and I are proud to support this ambitious new project,” said Dr. Richman, “and to expand understanding of the bi-directional relationship between oral and systemic health.” “Our goal here is to ‘put the mouth back in the body,’” added Dr. Levi, quoting the late Dr. Bruce Donoff, a dentist and physician who served as dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. “Although these relationships are understood among periodontists and other dentists, they remain largely unfamiliar to the general public and physicians, including even cardiologists, pulmonologists, and endocrinologists, whose patients could be in critical need of periodontal care.”
Elements of the Initiative will include:
· New interdisciplinary research grants exploring the oral-systemic connection
· The Foundation’s existing Richman Family Foundation Perio-Ortho Interface Grants
· Expanded Levi Research Awards recognizing prevention-focused dental research
· Education programs for dental, medical, and allied health professionals
· Support for professional initiatives at partner organizations advancing prevention and understanding of the oral-systemic link
· Collaborations with Europe’s SEPA Foundation, including a global symposium on prevention and educational webinars and events for dentists and physicians
The Initiative launches with nearly $2 million in philanthropic support from Dr. Colin Richman, Patty and Dr. Paul Levi, and more than 100 other donors. Another $250,000 has been committed by PDS Health, which will also collaborate with the Foundation and grantees on research that furthers the understanding of periodontal health as a component of whole-body health. The AAP Foundation has committed to the Initiative for five years and is seeking an additional $300,000 to expand its impact.
“Microbial dysbiosis and inflammation association with periodontal and peri-implant diseases and the dysbiosis have been linked to over 57 systemic diseases and conditions,” said Dr. Mia Geisinger, Immediate Past-President of the American Academy of Periodontology, who will chair the Levi-Richman Integration Initiative’s Advisory Committee. “Patients suffering from many systemic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementias, may be at increased risk for the development or progression of periodontal disease and should be evaluated for periodontal treatment, particularly if they demonstrate one or more warning signs. The Levi-Richman initiative will fund research assessing mechanistic links between periodontal and systemic disease and the impact of periodontal treatment on overall health as well as help expand the understanding of these links in the medical community and the public through education and advocacy.”
Funds from the Levi-Richman Integration Initiative may also be used to support programs related to prevention or the oral-systemic link at the American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, and other partner organizations. The first example is partial funding of the AAP’s recent Best Evidence Consensus on the Prevention of Peri-Implant Disease, to be held in May of this year. The workshop had a goal of developing clinically relevant strategies to prevent the onset, progression, and recurrence of peri-implant diseases.
Founded in 1990, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Foundation is the premier philanthropic entity ensuring the viability and sustainability of the specialty of periodontics and dental implant surgery. For more information about the AAP Foundation, visit www.periofoundation.org.
