Diabetes and oral health - information for health professionals
The growing evidence which demonstrates the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes affirms the principle that proper oral health is necessary for good general health; meaning oral health is a vital component of everyone’s well being and deserves the same degree of attention as other types of healthcare. Advancing the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease will foster tighter bonds between medicine and dentistry as oral health care providers enter into the diabetes management team. Removing the barriers that separate oral health and systemic health, in conjunction with the philosophy of interdisciplinary care will create opportunities for developing models of care which meet the public’s needs. The principle objective is to ensure that all individuals with diabetes have proper oral health. Advancing towards this objective will be pursued through the development of the following four key elements:
- Education: Diabetes care provider curriculum - To introduce oral health as a component of diabetes management. Curriculum focused upon the pathophysiology of periodontal disease and diabetes; and the diabetes care provider’s role in oral health assessment and management. Dental curriculum- To explore a shift in curriculum philosophy dominated by restorative dentistry to one focused upon preventative dentistry. A shift in resource allocation would be required to enhance the public health dentistry- community dentistry curriculum.
- Dissemination: Health promotion to integrate oral health care as a component of primary health care for people with diabetes.
- Advocacy: Reduce the disparities faced by the diabetes community to access oral health care. Identify the barriers to care and develop strategies and programs to meet the oral health care needs for individuals with diabetes. To explore models for care, namely publicly funded universal health care for the provision of basic, cost effective oral health care with special attention to preventative measures and oral health promotion. A publicly funded model could mean great advances in reducing barriers to care and lessening the oral health disparities faced by society. Access to care is complex issue and will take the time and effort of many stakeholders to develop suitable and sustainable solutions.
- Navigation: Future research and knowledge translation to focus upon the development of sustainable resources for the betterment of oral health for individual with diabetes.
Resources:
- Exploring the features of universal coverage - Carrin et al, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, November 2008, 86 (11)
- World Health Organization global policy for improvement of oral health - World Health Assembly 2007 - Petersen et al, International Dental Journal (2008) 58, 115-121
- Leading the World to Optimal Oral Health, the Role of the Dental Team - FDI Policy Statement, 24/09/2006
- Strengthening the Prevention of Periodontal Disease: the WHO Approach - Petersen Erik P, Ogawa H, J Periodontal 76 (12) December 2005
- WHO's action for continuous improvement in oral health - Petersen et al, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, September 2005, 83 (9)
- The global burden of oral diseases and risks to oral health - Petersen et al, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, September 2005, 83 (9)
- Oral health information systems - towards measuring progress in oral health promotion and disease prevention - Petersen et al, Bulletin of the World Health Organization, September 2005, 83 (9)
- Oral health, general health and quality of life - Sheiham A., Bulletin of the World Health Organization, September 2005, 83 (9)
- Strategies and approaches in oral disease prevention and health promotion - Watt R., September 2005, 83 (9)
- Improving Access to Oral Care - FDI Policy Statement, 26/08/2005
- Global goals for oral health 2020 - Hobdell et al, International Dental Journal (2003) 53, 285-288
IDF and FDI are grateful to Colgate-Palmolive for their support that made this section possible.
