Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Multiple studies have shown that patients with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease and consequently suffer diabetes-related complications.

The connection between diabetes and oral health further magnifies the benefits of conducting screenings for diabetes in a dental setting. Through this grant, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine implemented a system-wide protocol for conducting diabetes screening across their dental clinics; institutionalized a referral process to a primary care provider for patients identified as having diabetes or pre-diabetes; and disseminated and replicated a protocol for routine diabetes screening in the dental care setting.

The successful implementation and institutionalization of a best practice, low-cost model for diabetes screening in one of the four dental schools in the State can help further the case for reimbursement of these services in New York. It can be the catalyst for an innovative, sustainable intervention that ultimately leads to fewer people with unidentified diabetes and pre-diabetes statewide.