BOSTON, MA — Delta Dental of Massachusetts (DDMA), the largest dental insurance carrier in Massachusetts, is introducing a program aimed at early detection of periodontal (gum) disease using saliva-based screenings. This initiative, running through July 2025, is designed to identify disease risk earlier and support a more holistic approach to oral health—helping prevent serious systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

In a first-of-its-kind effort for a dental insurer, DDMA is collaborating with six Smile Generation offices in Massachusetts to offer chairside saliva screenings at no additional cost to eligible adult members. The program uses saliva-based insights to educate patients about periodontal health risks and enable personalized care to mitigate those risks.

As part of the “Healthy Body Enhanced Benefit Program,” eligible members may also receive additional benefits such as extra dental cleanings, personalized education, and take-home medications—designed to address individual periodontal disease risk with no extra out-of-pocket cost. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to oral health by focusing on prevention rather than treatment.

Nearly half (42%) of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease, with severe periodontitis affecting about 8% of adults (CDC, 2024). Research also demonstrates strong connections between oral health and overall health. If left untreated, periodontal disease can exacerbate systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, increasing overall health care costs.

The saliva-based test measures levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8), a biomarker indicating active collagen breakdown in the gums—a key sign of periodontal disease. Identifying elevated aMMP-8 levels can enable earlier detection of gum disease progression than clinical symptoms alone, helping dentists intervene sooner with timely, personalized care.

Participating Massachusetts offices

Saliva screenings—typically not covered by dental insurance—will be available at no additional cost for DDMA adult members at the participating offices below:

• Arsenal Modern Dentistry
• Burlington Dentistry
• Dentists of Attleboro
• Milford Dentist Office
• Shrewsbury Dentistry
• Waltham Modern Dentistry

DDMA expects learnings from the program will support a greater focus on patient-centered care and inform future approaches to covered benefits and reimbursement.