58 - Successes and Challenges of Integrating Blood Pressure Screenings into Dental Workflows

Abstract:

Objectives: The North Dakota Oral Health Program (ND OHP) has been working to integrate blood pressure screenings and referrals into dental practices. Dental providers have conducted over 75,000 blood pressure screenings across the state since 2019, with nearly 9,000 referrals to medical practitioners. The project has aimed to determine best practices when adopting blood pressure screenings, and what factors may hinder further expansion and sustainability.

Methods: The ND OHP partners with dental providers to provide blood pressure screenings and bidirectional referrals for adults. Under this partnership, Dental providers track four key indicators:
• The number of screenings provided
• The number of screenings indicating high blood pressure
• The number of referrals to a medical provider
• The number of referrals receiving follow-up

Dental providers also participate in regular calls with the ND OHP to share success, challenges, and other contextual information regarding the project.

Results: High-quality training and support have allowed dental providers to easily integrate blood pressure screenings into their workflow. Ongoing challenges occur due to a lack of pre-existing bidirectional referral systems, workforce shortages, and the unique needs of each dental office. Data collection is often seen as a burden that can hinder continued participation in the project.

Conclusions: This project has effectively increased blood pressure screening of North Dakota residents, enabling detection of hypertension and referral to treatment. Staff and infrastructure capacity of new sites should be considered so that referral processes can be put in place without creating additional burden to the dental practice.

Source of Funding: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention DP18-1810, Component 2