World Health Day pinpoints need for dental teams to test for diabetes

Some 350 million people around the world have diabetes and this figure is set to more than double in the next 20 years.

In a bid to halt the rise in cases of type 2 diabetes, in particular, Amanda Gallie, president elect of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), is suggesting dental practices could – and, therefore, should – expand their health remit to include blood glucose testing, diet and wellbeing advice and motivating patients to better health habits, thereby minimising the risk of diabetes.

She said: “Preventive health care lies at the very heart of the role of the dental profession and, in primary care, we are better placed than most health providers to alert patients to the early signs of health threatening behaviours as we see patients so regularly.

“Offering in practice screening for diabetes, in the form of blood glucose testing, not only adds value to the patient’s dental experience but also acts as a key marker regarding risk for pre-diabetics and can be a catalyst to discussions about the importance of good dental hygiene and other preventive measures.