The benefits of dental health and integrating dental benefits
Increasingly, researchers are illuminating the benefits of dental health. Oral health impacts overall health and dental care is vitally important to curb chronic conditions and improve the systemic health of patients.
In this publication by CHRT and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, CHRT’s health policy team analyzes peer-reviewed clinical research to understand the benefits of dental health for whole person care.
The paper also discusses how payment models can be used to incentivize dental and medical integration to achieve these benefits, as well as provides recommendations for payers and providers.
Key findings:
- Periodontal disease is the most reported oral condition linked to chronic systemic
diseases. - Many systematic reviews and epidemiological studies have confirmed that both
type 1 and type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease have a true bidirectional
relationship. - Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer’s disease are strongly
correlated with periodontal disease. - Periodontal treatment has been found to improve glycemic control, decrease
diabetic-related complications, reduce CVD inflammatory markers, and improve
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lung function. - Periodontal treatment was also associated with lower rates of inpatient
admissions. - Oral health treatments ranging from preventative care to periodontal treatment
can lower annual medical costs for individuals with diabetes, CVD, and COPD. - Including dental providers in accountable care organizations (ACOs) may increase
value-based payments (VBP) for oral care and medical-dental integration efforts.
The integration of dental and medical benefits presents a significant opportunity to enhance
whole-person care and improve both health and financial outcomes, particularly within
chronic disease management. The literature demonstrates the benefits of dental health and evidence supports that preventative dental care, and periodontal treatments can improve glycemic control, decrease diabetic complications, reduce cardiovascular inflammatory markers, and enhance lung function in COPD patients.
Furthermore, integrating dental services with medical care within health systems and accountable care organizations can potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve care coordination. However, the lack of interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) and differing payment models remain significant barriers. Moving forward, fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, developing robust EHR systems, and pursuing value-based payment models will be crucial steps toward fully realizing the integration of dental and medical care.
Read on for more information about the causes and consequences of dental-medical siloes, the connection between oral health and systemic health, the relationship between oral health and specific chronic diseases, the benefits of dental health, and more.