Compendium July/August 2009 : P 303
This integrated model of healthcare is important es- pecially in managing children and adolescents with dia- betes and obesity, which, combined with poor oral health, are lifestyle-associated conditions, sharing similar health- risk behaviors. Children and adolescents who are over- weight and have diabetes may have adverse lifestyle be- haviors, such as unhealthy diet, which promotes obesity and tooth decay. Poor lifestyle behaviors, such as low activity levels, are comparable to poor habits of proper oral hygiene. One such novel model of healthcare is the establish- ment of the first-of-its-kind Pediatric Healthy Weight Research and Treatment Center at the Department of Pe- diatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. In this new model of integrated health- care, children with certain conditions (eg, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, endocrine, cancer, hema- tologic, and pulmonary) receive oral/dental care. Rather than traditionally referring patients for dental treatment, pediatric specialists work with dental professionals in the same clinic to manage chronic conditions in children and adolescents comprehensively in a clinical setting where oral disease is managed as yet another health condition instead of an isolated event. The patient’s detailed and complete health information is in a central electronic record, which facilitates access of health-related informa- tion for dental and medical professionals. Communication among these professionals is continual. The treating den- tist is completely aware of and familiar with the patient’s comprehensive and detailed medical history, medication history, and medication regimens. Likewise, the pediatric specialists are completely informed of the patient’s dental history: diagnosis, treatment history, treatment outcome, and follow-ups. The message to the young patient is clear: Health is in- terconnected and important, and following “doctor’s orders” and treatment schedules is essential to health and well- being. The increase in the number of patients with chronic conditions, especially obesity and diabetes, and the rise in oral diseases require a new breed of dental and medical professionals trained to recognize, treat, and manage chron- ic conditions with a more holistic approach. This integrated model is just what the doctor ordered. www.compendiumlive.com It’s this ™ small... Yet you can build your entire practice on it! The STA System C-CLAD “Computer-Controlled Local Anesthesia Delivery” Learn why thousands of your colleagues have made the switch. LEARN ABOUT CCLAD Obtain 4 CE Credits FREE Visit www.stais4u.com www.stais4u.com testimonials / product videos / recent articles 800.862.1125 Compendium 303