The FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale) World Dental Federation’s “Consensus Statement: Integrated Electronic Health Records” marks a landmark move toward the unification of dental and medical records to achieve truly comprehensive healthcare. Guiding this visionary effort is FDI’s Integrated Electronic Health Records Task Team, and we’re thrilled to spotlight PlanAm’s very own Dr. Fred Horowitz as a key contributor and member of this Task Team. As President of PlanAm Group, LLC, and Executive Chair of OpenView Consulting, LLC, Dr. Horowitz brought his depth of expertise in oral healthcare to this prestigious team, joining individuals like Professor Mark Wolff, Morton Amsterdam Dean at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Jina Linton of the FDI Dental Practice Committee.
Published in 2025, the Consensus Statement lays out a framework to weave critical oral health indicators—periodontal disease, caries, and oral cancer screening—alongside general health factors like diabetes and drug interactions into electronic health records (EHRs). The goal? A holistic approach to patient care that bridges the gap between dental and medical systems. With Dr. Horowitz’s input, the task team tackled tough challenges like standardization and data security, offering practical solutions such as pilot programs, stakeholder collaboration, and continuing professional development (CPD) initiatives to drive progress.
This statement is more than a document—it’s a call to transform healthcare. It envisions integrated EHRs boosting research, supporting universal health coverage, and delivering better patient outcomes through standardized data, enhanced training, and strategic funding. Dr. Horowitz’s role in this effort exemplifies the power of expertise and forward-thinking leadership in reshaping how we view oral health as part of overall wellness.
As we step into a future where dental and medical care are seamlessly connected, Dr. Horowitz’s contributions remind us that innovation starts with visionaries willing to lead the charge. Stay tuned – we are just warming up!
Reference: FDI World Dental Federation. (2025). Consensus Statement: Integrated Electronic Health Records. Geneva: FDI World Dental Federation. Available from: fdiworlddental.org
