Providing Health Screenings in a Dental Setting to Enhance Overall Health Outcomes

Data suggest that providers and patients have a favorable attitude toward chairside screening in the dental setting and are willing to participate in these activities. Likewise, efficacy studies indicate this strategy can effectively identify patients who are at increased risk of disease or have the presence of disease risk factors and could benefit from medical follow-up. Studies suggest it is feasible to conduct these screenings in the dental setting. Although the American Dental Association has established screening treatment codes, challenges to widespread implementation still exist, including developing a provider reimbursement strategy and the need for adequate provider training.