fbpx
A peer-reviewed journal that offers evidence-based clinical information and continuing education for dentists.

Dentists Screen 22,000 Marylanders For Hypertension

0
Blood Pressure
AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus

BALTIMORE, Md (July 31, 2018) ā€” Thanks to a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more dentists are screening Marylanders for hypertension than ever before. The grant funds a pilot programĀ overseen by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Office of Oral Health and the Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control to encourage dental professionals to screen patients for hypertension at every visit and refer cases of elevated and high blood pressure to medical professionals and community resources for further services.

To promote the pilot, MDH launched a campaign, ā€œTwo Minutes With Your Dentist Can Save Your Life,ā€ which educates Marylanders about the critical role dentists play in identifying undiagnosed hypertension as well as reminds dentists of the critical role they can play in a patientā€™s overall health. As a part of the campaign, a traveling banner exhibit, coupled with a discussion explaining the importance of good oral health for better health, recently kicked off at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Orleans Street Branch in Baltimore and the Carroll County Public Library North Carroll Branch in Hampstead. Additional banner exhibits will be announced throughout the year.

A Life Saved

In one case, a 41-year-old man was visiting the Baltimore City Health Department Eastern Dental Clinic, a pilot program participant, for an oral exam when he was screened for hypertension by the dental assistant. The patientā€™s reading was 147/101ā€”high blood pressure. The dentist urged the patient to see his primary care provider as soon as possible since he had not reported a previous history of hypertension.

Concerned about his health, the patient immediately visited a local emergency room. While at the ER, physicians determined that he had an undiagnosed heart condition. Today, the patient is doing well and gives credit to the Eastern Dental Clinic staff for saving his life.Ā 

To learn how ā€œTwo Minutes With Your Dentist Can Save Your Life,ā€ please visit www.health.maryland.gov/oral-health.

Ā 

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy

YEAR-END CE SALE

Coupon has expired Get your units by year-end or buy now to get the discount and complete the courses next year. All at discounted pricing!
Get Special CE Savings!