Innovative Integrated Oral Health Facility Launches
The new 43-chair clinic leverages dental visits to facilitate comprehensive health screenings and foster whole-person well-being.
Harmony Whole Person Oral Healthcare recently opened a new facility in downtown Oakland, bringing a groundbreaking healthcare model that blends state-of-the-art dentistry with comprehensive health services. This initiative aims to expand access to crucial oral health care, catering to a wide range of patients and accepting most insurance plans, including future Medi-Cal coverage.
At Harmony, the focus is on advanced dental technology and pioneering new healthcare innovations while also providing preventive screenings and wellness checks. Recognizing the profound link between oral health and overall well-being, the clinic effectively identifies oral signs indicative of various systemic conditions.
Bridging Dental and Overall Health
Harmony’s multidisciplinary approach includes timely referrals and coordinated care pathways with other healthcare providers. This system supports early intervention for risks such as hypertension, diabetes, and oral cancers, contributing positively to community health enhancements.
Harmony operates with an autonomous management structure and collaborates with Emerge, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Delta Dental of California. This partnership allows the clinic to leverage expertise for strategic growth and improved patient care.
Dr. Greg Kaplan, Clinical Director at Harmony, articulates the clinic's mission: “The mouth is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in health care,” said Dr. Greg Kaplan, Clinical Director of Harmony. “At Harmony, we’re removing the silos between oral and overall health to create a smarter, more equitable path to whole-person care.” The 43-chair clinic transforms each dental visit into an opportunity for in-depth health assessments, utilizing the dental chair as a pivotal entry point for identifying systemic health concerns.
Enhancing Community Healthcare and Employment
This innovative facility is entrusted with advancing inclusive healthcare solutions while reinforcing local health resources in Oakland. By addressing critical gaps in service, Harmony aims to uplift underserved communities.
Dr. Kaplan further emphasizes their commitment, stating, “Harmony is part of the Oakland community,” said Dr. Greg Kaplan. “We are working with our community partners and local dental offices to support patient referrals, professional development opportunities, and access to advanced care that enhances their own services and provide quality care for those in need.”
Jim Wunderman, CEO of the Bay Area Council, expressed his support, noting, “It brings a big smile to my face to see such an innovative, dynamic investment in healthcare move into the heart of downtown Oakland,” said Jim Wunderman, CEO for the Bay Area Council. “The Harmony clinic offers much-needed access to important dental care services and represents just the kind of smart economic development the Bay Area Council is encouraging throughout the Bay Area to help reawaken and energize our urban centers.”
Delta Dental of California plays a vital role in supporting the launch and sustainable growth of Harmony by facilitating technology integration, creating new jobs, and developing training pathways for the local workforce.
“We’re proud to partner with Harmony on a model that redefines what oral health care can be,” said Sarah Chavarria, CEO and President of Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “Together, we’re expanding access, driving innovation, and showing what’s possible when oral health is seamlessly connected to overall well-being.” states Sarah Chavarria, CEO of Delta Dental of California.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Better Care
To facilitate effective dental-medical integration, Harmony employs Epic’s electronic health records system along with its Care Everywhere feature, enabling swift, secure sharing of patient information across both dental and medical teams. This system ensures timely referrals and coordinated treatment plans, leading to early intervention for chronic and emerging health conditions.
Corey Elfman, Implementation Executive at Epic, highlights the impressive functionality of this platform: “Each day, Care Everywhere powers the exchange of more than 25 million patient records, helping medical and dental providers share information at the point of care,” said Corey Elfman, Implementation Executive at Epic. “In 2024 alone, dentists changed medications over 234,000 times based on safety warnings in Epic. This shows the benefit of having an interoperable, comprehensive health record for each patient. We’re excited to support Harmony in providing whole-person care.”
Dr. Kaplan concludes with the vision behind Harmony's approach: “At Harmony, we’re using the dental chair as a frontline tool for prevention, early intervention, and caring support,” said Dr. Kaplan. “Our technology-enabled, human-centered approach means every touchpoint, from booking and check-in to diagnostics, is personalized, effortless, and empowering for the patient.”
About Harmony Whole Person Oral Healthcare
This clinic stands out as a newly established dental practice dedicated to alleviating significant barriers to dental care within the community. With a mission to improve oral health access and enhancing patient outcomes, Harmony accepts a variety of dental insurance plans and offers a complete range of services, including specialty care tailored for kids. Operating independently and in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, it aims to revolutionize patient experiences through technological advancements in dental and medical care integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Harmony Whole Person Oral Healthcare offer?
Harmony provides a comprehensive range of dental services and whole-person health assessments aimed at enhancing overall wellness.
How does Harmony ensure comprehensive care?
The clinic integrates advanced dental technology with individual health screenings to identify systemic health issues through oral diagnostics.
Who can access the services at Harmony?
Harmony serves a diverse patient base, accepting numerous insurance plans to ensure accessibility for everyone, including underserved populations.
What role does technology play in patient care at Harmony?
Technology facilitates early intervention strategies and streamlines communications between dental and medical teams for timely referrals and treatment planning.
Why is integrated care important?
Integrated care helps bridge gaps between oral health and overall health, leading to better patient outcomes and promoting holistic wellness.
