Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health for Medical Students

Abstract

Abstract The goal of this learning module is to provide instruction on currently-available knowledge regarding the association between periodontal disease and both cardiovascular outcomes and type 2 diabetes. It also aims to supplement the level of understanding through the use of case-based patient scenarios via an online module to third-year medical students. Research has identified associations between poor dental health and a worsening of systemic diseases or conditions including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Periodontal disease is a common chronic infectious disease and it is characterized by a progressive gingival inflammatory response to bacterial plaque on the teeth that eventually leads to a loss of the involved teeth and the adjacent dental tissue. As there are common risk factors between oral and systemic diseases, one must be cautious when interpreting the literature and have a proper understanding of the role of potential confounding variables like socioeconomic status or health behavior, as well as a fundamental understanding of the different systemic diseases currently shown to be associated with poor oral health. This learning module was given to 11 third-year medical students; the estimated time for completion of the module ranged from 41 to 60 minutes. All respondents rated all objectives from excellent to satisfactory. The learning module is designed so that all students who take the module can send a completed evaluation form to the primary author so that the module can be constantly improved and updated. The module is also designed so that the students can check the corrected answers against the case scenario questions. The student can take the module and complete the stated objectives without faculty oversight.

Keywords

• Oral
• Building Oral Health Capacity (BOHC) Collection
• Diabetes
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal Disease
• Patient Care