AAP Foundation to launch $2.5M gum disease research initiative

By AI, Created 5:21 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation will unveil the Levi-Richman Integration Initiative during a virtual press conference May 19 in Chicago. The $2.5 million effort is designed to fund research, education and advocacy around the link between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions.

Why it matters: - The Levi-Richman Integration Initiative is designed to push periodontal disease higher on the medical and public health agenda. - The program focuses on the oral-systemic link, including gum disease connections to diabetes, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications and heart disease. - The effort could expand prevention and earlier treatment if awareness rises among physicians and patients.

What happened: - The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation will announce the Levi-Richman Integration Initiative during a virtual press conference on May 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Central. - The announcement is being issued from Chicago. - The initiative will fund research, education and advocacy programs centered on periodontal health and systemic health. - Founding donors include Dr. Paul Levi, Patty Levi and Dr. Colin Richman. - Speakers include Dr. Chris Richardson, Dr. Mia Geisinger and Dr. Paula Matesanz of Spain’s SEPA Foundation.

The details: - The initiative will provide support to the Working Together program run by Spain’s SEPA Foundation. - Working Together is intended to raise awareness of periodontal disease among physicians and patients around the world. - The AAP Foundation described the initiative as part of its effort to champion periodontal health as part of the oral-systemic link. - Registration for the virtual press conference is available here. - The AAP Foundation was founded in 1990 and serves as the philanthropic arm supporting periodontics and dental implant surgery.

Between the lines: - The announcement reflects a shift from research alone toward a broader strategy that combines funding, education and advocacy. - The SEPA Foundation partnership suggests the effort is aiming for international reach, not just U.S.-based awareness. - Low awareness remains a central barrier, even though the research base linking gum disease and systemic conditions has existed for decades.

What’s next: - The May 19 briefing will outline the initiative’s programs and priorities in more detail. - The funded research and education work will likely determine how quickly the oral-systemic message reaches clinicians and the public. - The AAP Foundation may use the announcement to build momentum for additional support and partnerships.

The bottom line: - The AAP Foundation is betting that a coordinated research-and-outreach push can help make gum disease a more visible part of overall health care.