Enhancing oral health for patients on chronic medications at Al-Kaaban health center

The project's primary goal was to enhance dental and oral health services for patients on chronic medications, which are known to cause adverse effects on oral health. The initiative required to establish a referral system that would guarantee that 100% of these patients underwent comprehensive oral health screening assessments by the dentist within a six-month timeframe.
Family physicians were responsible for referring patients who were taking medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and epilepsy to the dental clinic for evaluations. Identified oral health issues, including gingival hyperplasia and gingivitis, were managed through direct treatment, consultations with physicians for potential medication modifications, or referrals to specialized clinics when necessary. Among the 40 patients assessed, 10% exhibited oral health problems, which included one instance of phenytoin-induced gingival hyperplasia and four cases of diabetes-related gingivitis.
This collaborative effort facilitated the early identification and management of oral health complications, reduced the risk of further complications, and improved patient outcomes. Important insights gained from this initiative included the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the necessity of early intervention, and the importance of patient education. To ensure the sustainability of the program, recommendations include the establishment of a permanent referral system, training family physicians to recognize the oral side effects of medications and conducting regular audits of the program. This quality improvement initiative underscores the potential benefits of integrating dental care into the management of chronic diseases to enhance patient care across various healthcare systems.