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Incorporating HbA1c screening into dental practices offers a valuable opportunity to identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes, especially among those who may not regularly seek medical care. This resource from CareQuest Institute outlines the benefits, roles, and considerations for oral health providers in screening for diabetes.
Key Insights
- Periodontal disease and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship driven by systemic inflammation.
- Approximately 80% of individuals with prediabetes and 22% of those with diabetes are unaware they have it.
- An estimated 9% of individuals who visit a dentist annually do not also visit a medical provider, emphasizing the important role for oral health providers in educating patients about diabetes.
The author’s write:
By leveraging their unique position, oral health providers can help bridge gaps in health care, promote early intervention, and support better overall health outcomes.”
You may also be interested in:
- Periodontal Treatment Associated with Decreased Diabetes-Related Costs, an article in The Journal of the American Dental Association demonstrating cost savings up to 14% for patients with diabetes who received periodontal treatment.
- A Simple Alternative Payment Model to Incentivize Periodontal Care for Diabetes Patients in Community Health Centers, an interactive tool simulating potential costs savings from covering periodontal treatment for diabetes patients.
- Another Billion Reasons for a Medicare Dental Benefit, a research report finding that including periodontal treatment in Medicare has the potential to save up to $14.5 billion annually for patients with diabetes.