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Embracing Change In Dental Practice To Deliver Better Health Outcomes- A Type 2 Diabetes Screening and Oral Health Pilot Program

Rogers MJ, Pawlak JA, Law S, Carroll L, Sharp S, Dunning T and Smith M

Disadvantaged communities carry the highest burden of disease with respect to oral and general health. Diabetes is a growing chronic-condition in Australia with those living in regional or lower socio-economic areas at a higher risk of developing diabetes and experiencing the associated complications. Oral and periodontal disease has been linked to diabetes. Within the community dental clinic we aimed to determine the feasibility of screening for diabetes and reduce the burden of both diseases. All patients presenting to the community dental clinic of the Colac Area Health Service were given the opportunity to participate in a Diabetes screening assessment. Adults who consented completed the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment (AUSDRISK) with those at high risk offered an HbA1c blood test. Six hundred and seventy patients were invited to participate. Seventy-five reported confirmed diabetes and 125 were currently being monitored by their general practitioner. Ninety-six of the remaining 470 eligible patients declined to participate (participation rate 80%). The AUSDRISK was completed by 371 patients (n=3 incomplete) and identified 56 (15%) as low risk, 123 (33%) at intermediate risk and 192 (52%) at high risk. Following HbA1c blood testing, 14 patients were in the high risk range (>6.0%). The high risk category according to the AUSDRISK included 31% emergency patients, an average of 25 (IQR 19-29) Decayed Missing or Filled Teeth, 49% with early signs of periodontal disease, 73% aged 55 years or older, 48% male, 36% had a direct relative with diabetes, 18% had hypertension, 29% currently smoked and 75% had waist measurements >90 cm for men and 80cm for women. The study demonstrated that 68% of patients willing to participate in the study presenting to the community dental clinic had either confirmed diabetes, were being tested by their general practitioner or were in a high risk category (AUSDRISK).