Feasibility of Blood Sugar Screening and Referral in Adults with Advanced Periodontitis During Dental Visits

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether HbA1c screening can be performed effectively in dental care settings to detect elevated blood glucose levels in adults with advanced periodontitis and support referral to primary care. Advanced periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease linked to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Because of the two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes, patients with advanced periodontitis may be at higher risk of undiagnosed elevated blood glucose. Many such patients regularly visit dental clinics but may not otherwise be reached by medical prevention programs. In this observational study, adult patients aged 18 years or older with advanced periodontitis will undergo capillary HbA1c testing at public dental clinics using a validated point-of-care instrument during routine visits. Participants receive their test results immediately. Those with HbA1c levels of 42 mmolmol or higher will be given standardized information and referred to their primary care center for further diagnostic assessment and preventive follow-up, following usual clinical practice. Participants complete or update a health declaration before the HbA1c test. The study will measure participation rate, success of HbA1c testing, time needed for procedures, prevalence of elevated HbA1c, referral rates to primary care, follow-up completion within six months, dropout rates, and costs. Data for follow-up will be gathered from medical records and regional health registers. This research aims to find a practical model for collaboration between dental care and primary care to improve early detection of prediabetes and diabetes and strengthen prevention efforts for patients with advanced periodontitis.

HbA1c Screening in Dental Care and Primary Care Referral in Patients With Advanced Periodontitis