A 12-month digital engagement program linking diabetes management and oral health for Medicaid members.

GoMo Health delivers award-winning, evidence-based digital engagement solutions that improve health outcomes and reduce costs across the health care continuum. We use our proprietary science, BehavioralRx®, to apply proven behavioral and cognitive techniques to address the whole person, building resilience and better supporting self-management, healthy decision-making, and sustained behavior change. The GoMo Health Integrated Diabetes and Oral Health Program is a 12-month state-level digital engagement program that will reach up to 10,000 Medicaid members (age 18+) with Type 2 Diabetes. Participating members receive education and awareness about healthy oral health habits and diabetes management via SMS text messaging. Messages include tips, support, and resources with general oral health education and information on the role of oral health in diabetes management. Participants are also encouraged to complete the Dentistry.One SmileScan AI screening for oral health issues, and they can receive a Colgate oral health kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouth rinse.

People with diabetes are at greater risk for oral health problems, like gum disease and tooth decay. High blood sugar brought on by diabetes impairs the body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight oral bacteria and thus increasing the risk for severe oral health problems. Conversely, untreated gum disease can raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control and worsening overall health. Medicaid members are at higher risk for oral health problems and diabetes complications due to being less likely to seek dental care and experiencing greater difficulty in accessing affordable care.

This program seeks to educate Medicaid members on the connection between oral health and Diabetes, the importance of good oral health and hygiene, and how managing diabetes (control blood sugar) help lower risk for oral health problems and diabetes complications. This will reduce total costs of care for members and improve oral and overall health outcomes.

The goals of this program are to:

• Increase oral health literacy and promote regular preventive dental care.
• Improve oral health outcomes and diabetes management through better awareness, habits, and care utilization.
• Reduce disparities and overall medical and dental costs of care.

This intervention program was launched with GoMo Health in May 2026 and is expected to run through May 2027. This model builds on previous GoMo digital oral health integration programs.

Key sources

1. 1Akinlotan, M.A., Wei, L., Thornton-Evans, G., Boroumand, S., & Griffin, S. (2024). Delayed oral health care due to cost among US adults with diabetes. 2018-2019. Journal of the American Dental Association, 155(11), 926-934. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2024.08.004.
2. 2Darling-Fisher, C., Borgnakke, W., & Haber, J. (2017). Oral health and diabetes. American Nurse Today, 12(8):22–25. https://www.americannursetoday.com/ana-journal-august-2017/
3. 3Darling-Fisher, C.S., Kanjirath, P.P., Peters, M.C., & Borgnakke, W.S. (2015). Oral health: An untapped resource in managing glycemic control in diabetes and promoting overall health. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 11(9):889-896. DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.08.001.
4. 4Lamster, I.B., Malloy, K.P., DiMura, P.M., Cheng, B., Wagner, V.L., Matson, J.M., ... & Alfano, M.C. (2022). Preventive dental care is associated with improved health care outcomes and reduced costs for Medicaid members with diabetes. Frontiers in Dental Medicine. DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2022.952182.
5. 5Lamster, I.B., Malloy, K.P., DiMura, P.M., Cheng, B., Wagner, V.L., Matson, J.M., ... & Alfano, M.C. (2021). Dental services and health outcomes in the New York State Medicaid program. Journal of Dental Research, 100(9):928-934. DOI: 10.1177/00220345211007448.