Standard equipment and techniques such as bleaching trays, veneers, and orthodontics are all viable options to expand your practice. But you can get the growth you’re seeking by offering your patients something far more valuable than a cosmetic upgrade: a healthy heart and longer life. All this from integrating three simple systems into your practice.
We all know heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the U.S. And oral systemic health has a major influence on heart health. As my respected colleague Dr. Bradley Bale, M.D., says, “One of the reasons heart attacks are not being prevented is because healthcare providers are not recognizing the link between cardiovascular disease and oral systemic health.” Now that you’re aware of this link, you can offer your patients the solution.
Dentists such as you are in prime position to give their patients a new lease on life through three key areas: oral heart care, sleep and wellness. Let me explain.
Oral Heart Care—Oral inflammation is strongly linked to heart attack and stroke. Some 85% of the adult population has periodontal disease. This is treatable and preventable. Several simple tests will help you diagnose periodontal disease so you can eradicate this life-threatening condition from your patients’ lives, decreasing their risk of heart attack and stroke.
Sleep Health Care—Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) plagues millions of Americans, robbing them of a good night’s rest and increasing risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions. A Sleep Center allows you to offer your patients affordable, in-home diagnosis and non-invasive treatment of sleep apnea, reducing risk of heart attack and stroke.
Overall Wellness—Reducing stress, improving nutrition and stopping smoking are all critical components to helping your patients enjoy a longer, healthier life. We’ve incorporated the Cleveland Clinic’s wellness platform into the Four Profit Centers of Oral Systemic Health and other methods to make it easy for you to bring this level of care to your patients.
Your patients visit you more frequently than they do their regular physicians and yet a lot can happen in the six months between oral checkups if a disease goes undiagnosed and untreated. Integrating these heart attack and stroke prevention techniques into your practice, and into the semiannual exams, makes you a key player in helping your patients enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth and healthier life. Take your practice to the next level: the level of oral systemic care.
I’d love to hear from you. What is your biggest challenge in getting your patients to take responsibility for their oral health?
