CVS, Walgreens give consumers something to grin about

CVS Health and Walgreens are taking steps toward offering more than just toothpaste in their stores.

The companies announced that they are now offering pilot programs towards providing dental-related services in select locations, according to CNBC.

CVS Health is running a pilot with SmileDirectClub, a teledentistry company, to fit people for the startup’s invisible braces in CVS’ drugstores. Walgreens opened an Aspen Dental office in one of its Florida stores, with plans to open another this year.

“CVS Pharmacy is committed to making health easier and more convenient for our customers,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. “As part of this commitment, we continuously test new programs and partnerships to enhance the customer experience.”

According to CNBC, last month Walgreens opened its first Aspen Dental location in its Palatka, Florida, store. The companies plan to open a second location during the second quarter.

Adding a dentist office, which offers everything from cleanings to Invisalign to crowns, “ties in nicely” with Walgreens’ strategy, said Walgreens Chief Medical Officer Pat Carroll. It makes dental care more accessible and transparent, he said, since Walgreens has convenient locations and Aspen posts the prices online.

To read the CNBC article, click here.