Dr. Ryan Hungate, DDS, MS
A practicing orthodontist and healthcare innovator. As Chief Strategy Officer at Henry Schein One and founder of Simplifeye, he’s helped thousands of practices streamline operations through tech-driven solutions. With a background at Apple, Dr. Hungate blends design thinking with clinical expertise to modernize dental workflows and improve patient care.
I’m writing this from Cologne, Germany. I just wrapped up a powerful panel session at IDS, the International Dental Show. It’s my fourth time attending, and each visit leaves me more inspired than the last. But this time was different. I had the chance to sit in on the public launch of the FDI Integrated Electronic Health Records Project, a joint initiative between FDI and Henry Schein. And let me tell you … it’s a game-changer!
Download the Consensus Statement Here
This global project has been quietly evolving for nearly five years. Today, it officially stepped into the spotlight. Its mission is bold: integrate medical and dental health records so providers across the world can share critical patient information. The goal? Better collaboration and healthier outcomes.
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From Hoverboards to Health Records
Before we dive in, let me tell you how I reconnected with Dr. Ryan Hungate, one of the project leads. Ryan is the Chief Strategy and Clinical Officer at Henry Schein One. Years ago, we met at a dental conference where he was launching Simplifeye. Back then, we were literally riding hoverboards down the hallway!
Watching his journey since then has been incredible. Today, he’s helping shape the future of integrated care through the FDI Integrated Electronic Health Records Project.
The Eight Health Indicators That Matter
At the center of this initiative are eight key health indicators. You’ve probably already been documenting most of these. The big difference now is how we’ll use that data.
The 8 Core Health Indicators include …
- Periodontal Health
- Caries and Endodontic Health
- Oral Cancer Screening/Examination
- Oral Health Status Measures
- Medical Devices Implants Information
- Prescription Data
- Allergies & Medical History Findings
- Radiographs & Diagnostic Images
This isn’t just about dental charts. The project aims to create a unified record system where oral and medical health professionals can share and understand each other’s data. That means Dentrix could soon “talk” directly to platforms like Epic or Cerner.
What Will Change in Your Practice?
If you’re wondering what this means for your day-to-day, take a breath. As Ryan explained, most dental teams won’t need to learn anything new. You’re already collecting much of this information. The change lies in how it’s shared and interpreted.
Behind the scenes, Henry Schein One developed the Universal Data Platform (UDP). It acts as a connector between systems like Dentrix and medical EHRs. Think of it as a universal translator for your practice data.
Why This Matters
The FDI Integrated Electronic Health Records Project is more than a software upgrade. It’s about proactive care. For example, imagine detecting pre-diabetes in a patient two years earlier than usual. That kind of early detection saves lives—and money.
Insurance companies are already showing interest. If catching conditions early leads to long-term savings, they may reimburse practices for collecting this data. Some might even provide new testing equipment.
Will This Add More Work For Me?
Not necessarily. The project’s success depends on keeping workflows efficient. Let’s say you want to add a quick blood test to a hygiene visit. An assistant could run it while the hygienist cleans teeth. No extra time added, but more value delivered.
We’re at a tipping point in dentistry. As dental teams, we’re often the first to spot signs of larger health issues. With the FDI Integrated Electronic Health Records Project, we finally have a way to act on those insights—and collaborate across the entire healthcare system.
