A recent study published in the British Dental Journal suggests that dental professionals can play a significant role in public health by detecting markers of chronic diseases.
Titled “Opportunistic health screening for cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors in primary care dental practices: experiences from a service evaluation and a call to action,” the research was conducted in two general dental practices.
Here, patients received health screenings for various risk factors alongside their regular dental check-ups.
The study involved offering patients at dental practices checks for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio, in addition to oral health examinations.
This approach aimed to identify risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues and diabetes.
Findings: High Prevalence of Risk Factors
Out of over 500 patients:
- 78% had blood pressure values above the normal range.
- 55.8% had BMIs outside the healthy range.
- Nearly 40% exhibited an above-average waist-to-height ratio.
- 17% had out-of-range cholesterol levels.
- Just over 3% showed high blood glucose values.
Patients with abnormal results were advised to consult their general practitioners (GPs) for follow-up care.
Training and Impact on Dental Professionals
The study, involving researchers from Peninsula Dental School and the Royal Liverpool University Dental Hospital, highlights the capacity of dental teams to support patients’ general health.
Dental and hygiene therapists were successfully trained to deliver screening interventions, offer lifestyle advice, and guide patients to appropriate medical services.
This research underscores the significant opportunity for dental practices to detect patients with chronic disease risk factors.
It emphasizes the importance of integrating general health assessments into dental care, thereby enhancing the scope of dental visits.
Challenges and Recommendations
While the study presents a promising avenue for early detection of chronic diseases, it also acknowledges the challenges. These include the need for clear protocols and careful interpretation of screening tests to avoid patient confusion.
Moreover, stronger collaborations between dental and general medical care are essential for effective implementation.
The approach aligns with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which encourages collaborative work across NHS platforms to increase early detection of conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Janine Doughty, the lead author from the Royal Liverpool University Dental Hospital, notes the potential benefits of such health checks. She emphasizes the unique opportunity to reach patients who regularly visit dentists but may not see their GPs frequently.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Dental Professionals
The study serves as a call to action for the wider dental profession to embrace a more integrated approach to patient care.
By conducting health screenings during dental visits, dental professionals can significantly contribute to the early detection of chronic diseases, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
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The research findings can be found in the British Dental Journal.
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