Interdisciplinary cooperation between dentists and endocrinologists for identification and management of diabetes mellitus

• Main Authors: Elena E. Maslak, Victoria N. Naumova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Endocrinology Research Centre 2019-04-01
• Series: Сахарный диабет
• Subjects: diabetes mellitus; interdisciplinary cooperation; dentistry; endocrinology; mass screening
• Online Access: https://dia-endojournals.ru/dia/article/viewFile/9581/pdf
• ISSN: 2072-0351; 2072-0378

Background: DM mellitus (DM) leads to worsening periodontal diseases, and in turn the inflammatory diseases of maxillofacial region adversely affect the glycemic control and exacerbate the severity of DM, thereby engendering a vicious cycle that compromises the DM management in patients. Taking account of the bidirectional relationship between DM and periodontal disease, interdisciplinary examination of patients with both DM and periodontal diseases is warranted to improve the health outcomes in patients. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of dentists and endocrinologists on the interdisciplinary cooperation for identification and management of patients with DM. Materials and methods: Studying patients knowledge about DM and their compliance in providing endocrinological recommendations, dental screening survey to identify DM risk and signs The research was done in 2015-2016 years using clinical survey (dental status survey), statistical analysis. 432 patients from different dental organizations and 433 doctors (371 dentists and 62 endocrinologists) took part in the research. The research was approved by Regional research ethics committee. The written informed consent was taken from each participant. Results: There was insufficient interdisciplinary collaboration for identification and management of patients with diabetes, and lack of motivation among dental patients to endocrinological survey. Hence, it is important to incorporate definitive screening for risk of DM for patients with inflammatory periodontal disease and include dentists in consultation for patients with DM. The feasibility of statutory determination of collaboration between specialists in identification and management of patients with DM was found, dental lectures are necessary in DM school. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the necessity of including dentists in the standard of medical management of patients with DM and incorporating DM screening by a questionnaire upon dental examination.