Symposium to examine bidirectional relationship between oral health and diabetes

Some 65 percent of people in the US have periodontal disease, but that rate jumps to 90 percent among individuals with diabetes. While the links between oral disease and other systemic health issues are now well known, there continues to be little to no connection between medical and dental care for diabetic patients. On May 4, the New York Academy of Sciences will host a symposium that brings dental and medical experts together to examine the bidirectional relationship between oral health and diabetes.

The daylong "Diabetes and Oral Disease: Implications for Health Professionals" symposium will feature presentations by more than a dozen experts in dentistry and diabetes, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, endocrinologists, dentists, periodontists, dental hygienists, epidemiologists, public health and nursing professionals, and basic researchers. This event is designed to provide practitioners with tools for enhancing the quality of health-care delivery and improving patient outcomes. A keynote address by William C. Knowler, MD, DrPH, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, will discuss the need for collaboration among medical and dental care professionals to improve the health of individuals with diabetes.

This symposium is presented by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the New York Academy of Sciences, and offers participants the opportunity to earn up to 6.5 continuing education credits.

WHAT:Diabetes and Oral Disease: Implications for Health Professionals

WHO:

Organizers:
David A. Albert, DDS, MPH
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Evie Lalla, DDS, MPH
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Ira Lamster, DMD, MMSc
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Rudolph L. Leibel, MD
Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 | 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WHERE: The New York Academy of Sciences
7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich St., 40th floor, NYC