Dentists Screen 22K Marylanders For Hypertension (Washington Informer)

Wednesday Aug 29th, 2018

A grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has enabled dentists to screen more than 20,000 Marylanders for hypertension, or high blood pressure — a common risk factor for heart disease.

The grant funds a pilot program to encourage dental professionals to screen patients for hypertension at every visit and refer cases of elevated and high blood pressure to medical professionals and community resources for further services.

According to health department, a 41-year-old man visiting the Baltimore City Health Department Eastern Dental Clinic, a pilot program participant, came in for an oral exam when he was screened for hypertension by the dental assistant.

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