In the United States, as many as 57 million people live with an acquired or developmental disability. And often, they have difficulty finding a dental team that is willing and able to meet their dental needs.
Colgate and Penn Dental Medicine are looking to change that. Colgate-Palmolive’s purpose is to reimagine a healthier future for all, and a healthier future starts with a healthy mouth. That’s why Colgate is committed to empowering proper oral care for people with disabilities.
With a $1 million gift from Colgate-Palmolive, UPenn and Colgate are looking to advance patient care through the Penn Dental Medicine Care Center for Persons with Disabilities, and the newly-established Colgate Innovation Laboratory.“The creation of the Colgate Innovation Laboratory and innovation team at Penn Dental Medicine marks an unprecedented opportunity to help overcome the disparity in oral health care for patients with disabilities.”
Embedded in the Penn Dental Medical Care Center, the Colgate Innovation Laboratory allows Colgate experts to work side by side with Penn Dental Medicine faculty, students, and researchers. To improve oral and overall health for people with disabilities, Colgate and UPenn are developing and refining new types of personal care products and strategies.
“The creation of the Colgate Innovation Laboratory and innovation team at Penn Dental Medicine marks an unprecedented opportunity to help overcome the disparity in oral health care for patients with disabilities by developing innovative, cost-effective products that will improve the quality of their lives,” Pat Verduin, Chief Technology Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, said.
Penn Dental Medicine will also measure the impact of this type of innovation model on student learning and build data on how a prevention-focused approach can improve the care experience, oral health, and quality of life for patients.
“We look forward to joining forces with our esteemed colleagues at Penn Dental Medicine to aid in the development and implementation of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to address the oral care needs of people with disabilities in collaboration with their caregivers and healthcare providers, ultimately improving their oral and overall health,” Dr. Maria Ryan, Chief Dental Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, said.
As we strive to reimagine a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet, Colgate is committed to being an ally for positive change for everyone.