Integrating health screening for non-communicable diseases into dental services: what do we know?

Abstract

This narrative review describes the impetus for health screening for non-communicable diseases in dental settings and highlights important considerations for evaluating such interventions. Real world cases are presented that showcase health screening interventions implemented in the UK. Non-communicable diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease are a global public health challenge. They are largely preventable by implementing lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and participation in physical activity, regular health screening for disease prevention, and/or early initiation of treatment. Hypertension case finding and control is one of the key five areas of focus for adult health, and oral health and diabetes are two of five key clinical areas for children and young people where efforts should be focused to intervene, improve outcomes and reduce inequalities. Links between oral and chronic diseases have been discussed in recent years. Therefore, screening for diabetes and cardiovascular disease has become of greater relevance to the dental profession. There is emerging evidence indicating that screening for the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in dental settings shows promise for improving health outcomes and may offer a cost-effective preventive approach for the detection of diabetes. Real-world services implementing health screening in dental settings have highlighted possibilities for the future and highlight the potential for the role of the dental team in detecting chronic diseases.