Coalition Explores Impact And Recent Data Linking Diabetes Heart Disease And Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Dentistry;  Heart Disease
Article Date: 17 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT


On November 16-17, Oral Health America and the National Periodontal Disease Coalition (NPDC) will gather in Pittsburgh to explore the controversy and recent scientific data surrounding the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. NPDC is a proactive group of practitioners, researchers, industry leaders, educators, universities, government agencies, health advocates, foundations and insurers that meets annually to address health issues surrounding periodontal disease (PD), an infection that afflicts more than 30% of the adult population. Though prevalent, PD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite mounting evidence of its relationship to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and pre-term, low-birth weight babies.

Medical researchers have reported that people with diabetes are very likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, a chronic bacterial infection of the gums. Periodontal disease, the sixth most likely complication of diabetes, may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

The Coalition will discuss recommendations and best practices for the treatment and management of diabetes and periodontal disease.

WHEN:

Thursday, November 16 (1:00 pm - 5:45 pm)

-- 1:30-2:30 To Head Off Disease, Start at the Top: Oral-Systemic Connections in Diabetes (Dr. Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Professor and Director of Clinical Research, State University of New York at Stony Brook, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Biology and Pathology)

-- 3:45-4:30 Diabetes Management: Involving Dentistry (Martee Wade Engel, DDS, Director of Oral Health Programs, Diabetes Centers of America)

Friday, November 17 (8:00 pm - 12:15 pm)

-- 8:00-9:15 The Effect of Periodontal Treatment on Medical Costs and Risk Scores (Mary Lee Conicella, DMD, FAGD, National Director of Clinical Operations, Aetna Dental)

-- 10:45 Discussion: Advancing the Work of NPDC

WHERE:

Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT:

NPDC meets to explore disease management issues surrounding periodontal bacteria and diabetes.

Oral Health America is the nation's premier independent advocacy organization devoted to improving oral health. Formed by Oral Health America in 2004, the National Periodontal Disease Coalition (NPDC) unites providers, insurers, educators, researchers, advocacy groups and government agencies in addressing the issues surrounding periodontal disease. More information is at http://www.oralhealthamerica.org.

Oral Health America
http://www.oralhealthamerica.org

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