SEATTLE, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Oral Health is sponsoring its second national conference for health care leaders, turning its focus on the growing link between periodontal disease and diabetes. The gathering on November 26-27 in Seattle will bring together academia, clinical practice and public health leaders to expand upon the current state of evidence and opportunities to improve treatment for these two related conditions.
"New ground is being broken on the diabetes and periodontal disease connection that could bring an improved quality of life to millions of people," said the Institute for Oral Health Director Dr. Ron Inge. "By exploring this relationship, there is tremendous potential for improving lives and impacting skyrocketing health care costs."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are 20.8 million diabetics in the United States, making up 7 percent of the U.S. population. Of that, 14.6 million have been diagnosed, while 6.2 million have the disease but do not know it yet. Add to that another 54 million people who are pre-diabetic. Diabetes is suggested to represent 10 percent of the two trillion dollar health care cost in the U.S.
"Diabetes creates greater susceptibility to infections, a key factor in diabetes. Controlling periodontal disease may improve diabetic patients' response to insulin, increasing their chances for controlling this devastating condition -- improving their well being and reducing health care costs," said Dr. Inge.
Conference presenters will provide the current state of evidence supporting the association between diabetes and periodontal disease. They will also discuss the advantages patients have gained through treatment of both conditions and recommend coordinated treatment to improve the overall health of diabetic patients.
Conference on Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
November 26 - 27, 2007
Grand Hyatt Seattle - Seattle, Washington
For more information about the conference and Institute, please visit: http://www.institutefororalhealth.org/. News media are welcome to attend. Please contact Paul Bergman (206) 528-7346 or pbergman@deltadentalwa.com for credentials.
Keynote speakers:
-- Jane Kelly, MD, National Diabetes Education Program, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
-- Gail Wilensky, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Project HOPE
Additional speakers:
-- George Taylor, D.M.D, Dr.PH., Associate Professor, University of
Michigan School of Dentistry
-- Thomas Beikler, Dr. med., Dr. med. dent. Habil.
School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics, University of
Washington
-- Robert Genco, D.D.S., Ph.D., Director, Buffalo Disease Research Center;
Vice Provost & Director, University of Buffalo Office of Science,
Technology Transfer & Economic Outreach
-- Maria Emmanuel Ryan, Ph.D., Professor & Director of Clinical Research,
Stony Brook University
-- Steve Aldana, Ph.D., Professor of Lifestyle Medicine, Brigham
Young University
-- Joseph Errante, D.D.S., Vice President, Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Massachusetts
About the Institute for Oral Health
Each year, tens of millions of dollars are invested in oral health research and innovations, but it often takes many years before the results reach most dental offices or impact patient care. The Institute for Oral Health intends to bridge this gap.
The Institute is advised by a diverse group of health care leaders from around the country who are committed to improving the nation's dental care delivery system. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the Institute was formed to accelerate the development and adoption of progressive treatment guidelines and delivery methods for health care policy makers, the dental profession and the public.
The Institute will make research and data accessible as a resource to government agencies, universities, benefits companies, dental professionals, dental benefits purchasers and the public. It will also collaborate with other organizations to support public policies that advance oral health.
Contact: Dr. Ron Inge, Executive Director, (206) 528-7329
Institute for Oral Health
