Medical-Dental Integration

The Importance of Medical-Dental Integration in Whole-Person Care

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Medical-dental integration is critical to achieving whole-person care by recognizing the connections between oral health and systemic health. The mouth is not separate from the body; it serves as a gateway to overall health. Poor oral health can exacerbate systemic conditions, and systemic diseases can manifest in the mouth. Several conditions related to oral health issues are high blood pressure, difficulty in achieving diabetes control, risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and pregnancy complications.¹ Addressing oral and systemic health together ensures comprehensive care.

Some of these relationships are bi-directional, as in the example of diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease. Patients with diabetes often experience periodontal disease, which can in turn worsen blood sugar control.² Therefore, monitoring certain diabetes markers such as HbA1c levels in dental settings and communicating findings with medical providers can help manage both conditions more effectively.³ Similarly, routine blood pressure screenings during dental visits can identify undiagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) or prevent hypertensive emergencies during dental procedures, contributing to patient safety and reducing cardiovascular risks.⁴

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Interdisciplinary care models are essential for patient safety and optimal outcomes. Dental, primary care, and other healthcare providers must collaborate to address complex cases.⁵ An example would be a thorough review of a patient’s medical history to ensure appropriate pre-treatment care. Shared communication platforms or integrated electronic health records allow providers to align treatment plans, prevent adverse events, and co-manage patient care using an interdisciplinary approach.

Medical-dental integration is no longer optional—it’s vital for whole-person care. By breaking down silos, healthcare systems can address the intricate relationships between oral and systemic health, improve patient outcomes, and advance health equity.

Other topics: oral manifestations of systemic disease, periodontal disease

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References

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1. Medical-Dental Integration. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Accessed November 15, 2024.
2. Darling-Fisher CS, Kanjirath PP, Peters MC, Borgnakke WS. Oral Health: An Untapped Resource in Managing Glycemic Control in Diabetes and Promoting Overall Health. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. 2015;11(9):889-896. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.08.001
3. HbA1c in Dental Practices: Enhancing Patient Health Through Blood Glucose Screenings. Accessed November 15, 2024.
4. Hypertension. Accessed November 15, 2024.
5. Medical-dental integration emphasizes mouth-body connection. Accessed November 15, 2024.

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