Goodbody Clinic introduces health diagnostics to dental practices
A spokesperson from Goodbody Clinic explains why it is introducing blood testing equipment to dental practices.
After supplying and training over 150 UK pharmacies to deliver health diagnostics, Goodbody Clinic is rolling out its comprehensive blood testing solution to dental practices. The service enables dentists to offer a complete range of venous blood tests to support patient care, as well as at-home blood test kits for patients to complete before or after their appointment.
Blood testing allows dentists to gain a deeper understanding of their patients’ overall health. Goodbody Clinic’s medical advisor Dr Jamie Brosch explains: “Studies have shown a direct link between the condition of the gums and mouth and serious disease.
“Gingivitis and periodontitis have been shown to raise your risk of health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, pneumonia, and cancer, while gum disease appears to be more frequent, and more severe, in people with diabetes (1).
“In fact, people with type 2 diabetes are around three-times more likely to develop dental problems than those without the disease. Gum disease and infections can increase blood sugar levels and lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke.”
For practices offering dental implants, blood tests become invaluable in ensuring procedural success, which typically hinges on the periodontal health of the customer for healing and graft acceptance. A simple, inexpensive blood test will check for health problems that can impact the success of surgery.
From checks for diabetes which can impair healing, to tests for heart disease which makes patients vulnerable to fatal heart attacks following infection after dental surgery – a blood test soon becomes a vital tool in the dentist’s armoury ahead of surgical procedures.
Goodbody Clinic provides dentists with all the necessary equipment, as well as free phlebotomy training if required. Venous and finger prick tests are processed at UKAS accredited laboratories, with results sent direct to the patient.
There is even the option of patients being referred to an online GP service to discuss any abnormal results in more detail. Alternatively, the patient can take the results back to their own GP for further assessment and treatment if required.
A state-of-the-art Abbott Affinion 2 device can also be provided, along with full training, which means HbA1c and cholesterol tests can be processed in-surgery with results relayed to the patient immediately during existing appointments.
George Thomas, Managing Director of Goodbody Clinic adds: “Faced with continued challenges in the market, more and more dental practices are seeking additional treatments and solutions for their patients. These treatments not only complement the services already offered at the practice, but provide increased healthcare that may be otherwise missed, and secures additional revenue streams for private practice.”
For more information, visit https://health.goodbodyclinic.com
1) https://www.dentalreview.news/people/58-dentistry-interviews/9110-dr-christopher-turner-nice
