Frequency of Medical Care and Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Dental Patients Age 40

Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the number of dental patients age >40 who may not be receiving regular medical care. Additionally, we identified the prevalence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) in this populationThis study was conducted to identify the number of dental patients age >40 who may not be receiving regular medical care. Additionally, we identified the prevalence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) in this population
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of medical and dental histories for patients > age 40 from 2 community based dental clinics in the Boston area. The date of the last physical medical exam and a history of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and CVD were recorded for each patient. Additional data included frequency and purpose of dental visits in previous year, as well as type of dental insurance
Results: Data was collected from 205 patient charts. Average age was 57, with a range of ages from 40 to 95; 43 % male and 57% female. Forty eight percent of patients had a physical exam within 1 year of a reference dental visit date. However, 62% had not seen a physician for an exam within an average of 12.6 months, with a range from 13 months to 3 years. Male patients who were 48-68 years old (21%) were more likely to not have a physical exam. Patients who had any dental insurance (40%) were more likely to have had a physical exam. Hypertension (42%) and diabetes (17%) were the most common cited conditions and associated with more frequent medical visits; 68% of the patients who reported hypertension and diabetes did not have a physical exam in the previous 12 months
Conclusions: Many dental patients with significant risk factors have not had timely medical physicals. Dental professionals are in a position to identify signs of chronic disease and lack of regular medical care in their patients. They should consider screening and referral of older patients