Healthcare Must Stop Separating Oral and Medical Care | Opinion
Summary
The article argues that U.S. health care often separates dental and medical care, which can leave relevant patient information unshared. It calls for better coordination between dentists and physicians, more integrated training, and greater emphasis on prevention in schools.Key Facts
- The American Heart Association has reviewed evidence linking periodontal disease with cardiovascular disease, but researchers have not established that gum disease directly causes cardiovascular events or that treating it prevents them.
- The article says medical and dental students are largely trained separately, and insurance and reimbursement systems can limit access to preventive dental care.
- Some osteoporosis medications are associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition involving damage to the jawbone.
- The article notes that some medications can affect decisions about dental anesthesia.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates emergency dental care leads to 34 million lost school hours each year.
- The article cites an estimate of more than $45 billion in lost U.S. productivity associated with untreated dental disease, measured in 2015 dollars.
- The article recommends that health professionals share relevant patient information and that schools teach oral health prevention.
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