Opportunistic health screening for cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors in primary care dental practices: experiences from a service evaluation and a call to action.

Doughty, Janine, M Gallier, Simon, Paisi, Martha, Witton, Robert ORCID: 0000-0002-6424-4376 and J Daley, Amanda (2023) Opportunistic health screening for cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors in primary care dental practices: experiences from a service evaluation and a call to action. British dental journal, 235 (9). pp. 727-733.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-6449-6

Abstract

Introduction Substantial evidence has established associations between oral health and chronic diseases, mediated by common risk factors and inflammatory processes. Dental professionals are aptly positioned to screen for cardiovascular disease and diabetes high-risk indicators. This article presents a service evaluation of two dental practices delivering health screening in dental practice, and a call to action for the wider profession.Methods Following training, two general dental practices implemented a suite of health screens, including blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio. A service evaluation was undertaken to review and improve service provision.Results Most patients (78.4%) had blood pressure values above normal range. More than half (55.8%) were outside of the healthy range for BMI. Out-of-range results for cholesterol were observed in less than one-fifth (16.7%). High blood glucose values were observed for few patients (3.3%).Conclusion Dental professionals can be successfully trained to deliver health screening interventions. Out-of-range health screening results offer an opportunity to provide targeted health advice for both the oral and general health. Clear protocols and careful interpretation of screening tests are required to minimise patients' confusion. More robust alliances between dental and general medical care are recommended.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Cholesterol, Risk Factors, Primary Health Care
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Dentistry
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 Nov 2023 14:41
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2024 03:35
DOI:	10.1038/s41415-023-6449-6
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-6449-6
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3176842