Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso has been piloting a program that helps dentists identify patients who are diabetic or prediabetic to improve overall health.
The dental school launched the Diabetes and the Community Dentist program using a $400,000 grant from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, according to a Nov. 20 news release.
Throughout the pilot, 26% of 1,293 dental patients were identified as prediabetic or diabetic, nearly three times higher than national estimates from the CDC. At-risk patients are also given resources and referrals for primary care providers.
The school plans to expand the program to additional offices, according to the news release.
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