American Heart Association expands access to blood pressure screenings in dental clinics

This article was originally published here. 

The American Heart Association has launched the "Embracing Community Care" dental clinic initiative through funds granted by the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation to address high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The program aims to equip dental clinics with essential tools, including tabletop blood pressure machines and cuffs, to screen adult patients for hypertension and connect them with appropriate medical care.

As high blood pressure remains a significant health concern, affecting more than 100 million Americans, the American Heart Association is focusing on integrating oral health and overall health care by training dental providers to identify and monitor hypertension. Many individuals visit dental clinics regularly, which presents a unique opportunity to detect and intervene early in patients' blood pressure management.

"The mission of the American Heart Association and the work being done at Med Center Health’s Dental Clinic reflects our shared commitment to improving lives and creating a brighter, healthier future for all Kentuckians," said Brad Drew, Philanthropy and Communications Manager, Delta Dental of Kentucky. "At Delta Dental of Kentucky, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the ‘Embracing Community Care’ initiative. Together, we can ensure that every Kentuckian has a healthy and happy smile."

Through this initiative, participating dental offices will receive training on best practices for blood pressure screening, equipping them with automated office machines and BP cuffs for patient use. These offices will also offer educational materials on the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and communication with primary care providers. This approach is crucial to ensuring that patients with high blood pressure are referred to medical providers for further assessment and treatment.

Hypertension is a leading contributor to heart attack and stroke, conditions that require immediate medical intervention. With nearly half of all U.S. adults living with high blood pressure, the American Heart Association’s initiative underscores the importance of early detection and proactive management to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions.

As part of the program, the American Heart Association encourages dental patients to regularly monitor their blood pressure and communicate with healthcare providers to develop strategies for better control. To learn more about blood pressure and how you can keep yours in check, visit Get Down With Your Blood Pressure™ | American Heart Association.