National Gum Care Month: Leveraging Oral Systemic Health for Enhanced Practice Profitability
National Gum Care Month, observed each September, is an essential reminder of the significance of periodontal health and its broader implications for overall health. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the connection between oral health, particularly gum disease, and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses (Pihlstrom et al., 2005; Chapple & Genco, 2013). For healthcare professionals, this awareness opens new avenues for patient care and practice profitability. By integrating a focus on oral-systemic health into their practices, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and increase revenue through enhanced service offerings and patient retention.
Understanding the Oral Systemic Connection
Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, is a prevalent oral health issue and a significant risk factor for several systemic diseases (Sanz et al., 2020). Understanding this connection is crucial for healthcare professionals aiming to provide comprehensive care.
1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): There is a well-documented association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), commonly elevated in periodontal disease, are also implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (Lockhart et al., 2012). Managing periodontal disease may help reduce systemic inflammation and lower the risk of CVD, allowing healthcare professionals to collaborate on patient care.
2. Diabetes Mellitus: Periodontal disease and diabetes share a bidirectional relationship. Poor glycemic control can worsen periodontal conditions while treating periodontal disease can improve glycemic control (Preshaw et al., 2012). For healthcare providers, recognizing and managing this interplay is essential, particularly in diabetic patients, to prevent complications and enhance overall health outcomes.
3. Respiratory Diseases: The link between periodontal health and respiratory diseases is increasingly recognized. Bacteria from the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations (Scannapieco et al., 2003). Proactive periodontal care could reduce these risks, highlighting the importance of dental assessments in at-risk patients.
4. Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Studies have also associated periodontal disease with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight (Xiong et al., 2006). Integrating periodontal care into prenatal care routines could help mitigate these risks, providing a comprehensive approach to maternal health.
Integrating Oral Systemic Health into Practice
Integrating an oral systemic health perspective into healthcare practice enhances patient care and presents opportunities to increase practice profitability. Here are some strategies:
1. Develop Collaborative Care Models: Establishing collaborative care models between dental and medical professionals allows for comprehensive management of patients with conditions affected by periodontal health. Creating referral networks, sharing patient data, and co-managing cases can improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction, driving patient loyalty and referrals (Jeffcoat et al., 2014).
2. Invest in Interdisciplinary Training and Education: It is crucial to train healthcare teams to recognize the signs of periodontal disease and understand its systemic implications. Interdisciplinary education ensures that all team members—from dental hygienists to physicians—are aligned in their approach to patient care, improving treatment outcomes and promoting a unified standard of care (Gurenlian, 2006).
3. Enhance Patient Education and Engagement: Educating patients on the importance of periodontal health and its systemic effects can increase compliance with treatment recommendations and preventive care visits. Educational materials, such as brochures, videos, and interactive digital content, can effectively communicate these concepts, fostering a partnership between the provider and patient in managing health (Asher et al., 2015).
Enhancing Practice Profitability through Oral-Systemic Health
Adopting an oral-systemic health approach can significantly boost a practice’s profitability through various mechanisms:
1. Expanded Service Offerings: By incorporating services such as periodontal therapy, systemic disease screening (e.g., diabetes and cardiovascular risk assessments), and educational programs, practices can broaden their service portfolio. This expansion can attract a broader patient base, increase appointment frequency, and enhance revenue (Albert et al., 2012).
2. Increased Patient Retention and Satisfaction: Practices emphasizing a holistic approach to health and recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health tend to achieve higher patient satisfaction and retention rates. Patients who feel their overall health is being considered are more likely to return for routine visits and refer friends and family, driving practice growth (Nguyen et al., 2019).
3. Optimized Insurance Reimbursements and Incentives: With insurers increasingly recognizing the value of integrated care models, practices that demonstrate comprehensive care, including periodontal management as part of chronic disease care, may qualify for higher reimbursement rates and performance-based incentives. This can improve patients' access to care while boosting the practice’s bottom line (Chapple & Genco, 2013).
4. Effective Marketing and Patient Acquisition: Leveraging the practice’s focus on integrated oral-systemic health care in marketing efforts can help attract health-conscious patients who value comprehensive care. National Gum Care Month offers an excellent platform to raise awareness about these services, fostering patient engagement and driving new patient acquisition (Warren & Chater, 2020).
Conclusion
National Gum Care Month presents a prime opportunity for healthcare professionals to emphasize the importance of periodontal health within the broader context of systemic well-being. By integrating an oral-systemic health perspective, practices can improve patient outcomes, enhance service offerings, and drive profitability. Embracing collaborative care models, investing in education, and engaging patients through comprehensive care strategies will position healthcare practices at the forefront of a holistic approach to patient management, ultimately benefiting both patients and providers.
AAOSH Resources
The AAOSH Core Curriculum areas, Practice Profitability and Periodontal Disease and Biofilm Diseases of the Mouth are designed to equip dental professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-evolving field of oral systemic health. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes integrating oral and systemic care, offering practical strategies for improving patient outcomes and enhancing practice efficiency. With a focus on continuous improvement and professional growth, this curriculum is essential for anyone looking to elevate their practice and make a lasting impact on their patients' lives.
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We hope you will enjoy this sample course from our core curriculum. (Please Note: These are sample courses; watching these videos here does not provide CE credit. Please visit members.aaosh.org to search for these courses and earn CE credit.)
Growing a Co-Referral Relationship With Medical Professionals
Presented by: Doug Thompson, DDS, FAAMM, ABAAHP; Susan Maples, DDS
Original Presentation Date: 9/23/2021
References
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Asher, A., Gomez, R., Harper, J., & Norris, K. C. (2015). Enhancing patient engagement in chronic disease management: Lessons from the Kidney Education and Awareness Program (KEAP). Ethnicity & Disease, 25(2), 123-129.
Chapple, I. L., & Genco, R. (2013). Diabetes and periodontal diseases: Consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(S14), S106-S112.
Gurenlian, J. R. (2006). The role of dental professionals in the prevention of systemic disease. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 6(2), 202-206.
Jeffcoat, M. K., Jeffcoat, R. L., Gladowski, P. A., Bramson, J. B., & Blum, J. J. (2014). Impact of periodontal therapy on general health: Evidence from insurance data for five systemic conditions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 47(2), 166-174.
Lockhart, P. B., Bolger, A. F., Papapanou, P. N., Osinbowale, O., Trevisan, M., Levison, M. E., ... & Taubert, K. A. (2012). Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: Does the evidence support an independent association? A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 125(20), 2520-2544.
Nguyen, L., Newland, J. G., & Graber, J. E. (2019). An integrated framework for comprehensive patient care. Journal of Healthcare Management, 64(2), 83-95.
Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. The Lancet, 366(9499), 1809-1820.
Preshaw, P. M., Alba, A. L., Herrera, D., Jepsen, S., Konstantinidis, A., Makrilakis, K., & Taylor, R. (2012). Periodontitis and diabetes: A two-way relationship. Diabetologia, 55(1), 21-31.
Sanz, M., Marco Del Castillo, A., Jepsen, S., Gonzalez-Juanatey, J. R., D’Aiuto, F., Bouchard, P., ... & Herrera, D. (2020). Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 47(3), 268-288.
Scannapieco, F. A., Bush, R. B., & Paju, S. (2003). Periodontal disease as a risk factor for adverse respiratory outcomes. Journal of Periodontology, 74(7), 1045-1055.
Warren, R., & Chater, A. (2020). Integrating oral health into general health care: Strategies to improve population health and reduce health disparities. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 80(S1), S46-S52.
Xiong, X., Buekens, P., Fraser, W. D., Beck, J., & Offenbacher, S. (2006). Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 113(2), 135-143.