ASU and Delta Dental Partner on AI-Powered Oral Health Program for Medical Students
Arizona State University and Delta Dental of Arizona are launching SMILE-AI, a program that embeds oral health education into medical school training starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is investing $578,947 to develop the initiative at ASU's John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering.
The program uses augmented intelligence and patient avatar cases to teach first- and second-year medical students how oral health connects to systemic conditions. Students work through interactive, technology-driven cases designed to strengthen clinical reasoning and show real-world applications across patients' lifespans.
ASU estimates that each graduating class will treat up to 72,000 patients annually, making the curriculum's reach substantial for patient care outcomes.
What the Program Covers
SMILE-AI embeds oral health directly into the medical school experience rather than treating it as a separate subject. The curriculum emphasizes team-based care and addresses how oral health affects overall wellness.
ASU is partnering with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Initiative to Integrate Oral Health and Medicine to develop the course content.
Kristen Will, associate dean at the Shufeldt School, is leading the program. "SMILE-AI is designed to give medical students both the knowledge and practical skills needed to incorporate oral health into everyday clinical practice," Will said.
Why Medical Schools Are Adding Oral Health
Medical-dental integration is increasingly recognized as a way to improve health outcomes, particularly for patients managing chronic disease or facing barriers to care. Michael Jones, CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona, said the approach helps future physicians address health disparities and understand connections between oral and overall health.
Dr. Sarah "Holly" Hollingsworth Lisanby, founding dean of the Shufeldt School, added that integrating oral health reflects how care is actually delivered in practice. "This program will empower our students to better understand, prevent and treat conditions that impact both oral and systemic health," she said.
For more on how AI is reshaping medical education and healthcare delivery, see AI for Healthcare and AI for Education.
Your membership also unlocks:
