The purpose of this project was to implement diabetes screening for patients with diabetes risk factors during their hygiene appointments at the dental school clinic.
Diabetes is an epidemic in the U.S. 18 Million are currently effected and it is expected to rise over the next few years. One third of those with diabetes are asymptomatic and undiagnosed. There is literature to support screening for diabetes in non-primary care settings. There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Many patients with diabetes have at least one diabetes risk factor. A significant number of people see the dentist at least once a year.