New app connects dentists to patients' medical histories

Most dental offices are independent practices and often don't have access to a patient's medical history. For providing dental care, it is critical that dentists have up-to-date medical and medication histories of their patients to reduce risk during procedures and ensure the success of the treatment.

Thankam Thyvalikakath, DMD, MDS, PhD, professor and associate dean of dental informatics and digital health at the IU Indianapolis School of Dentistry and research scientist at the Regenstrief Institute, and Shuning Li, PhD, M.S., M.S., an assistant research scientist at the IU Indianapolis School of Dentistry, have developed an app, in collaboration with the technical staff at the Regenstrief Institute, that connects dentists and medical providers to health information exchanges to access a patient's medical history in a timely manner.

Typically, for each dental visit, the patient must fill out a form to update dentists regarding their latest medical history. However, it can be difficult and time-consuming for patients to recall their medical information when starting from a blank page.

There are outside factors that can negatively impact dental care, whether that's allergies, respiratory problems, or medications. Our app provides this relevant medical history, so patients don't have to remember their history each visit and so dentists don't have to comb through the patient's extensive medical records for pertinent information."

Dr. Thankam Thyvalikakath, DMD, MDS, PhD, professor and associate dean of dental informatics and digital health, IU Indianapolis School of Dentistry and research scientist, Regenstrief Institute

"The app is intended for anyone to use, whether it's the patient, a small dental practice, or other medical providers," Dr. Li said. "In providing real-time information access, the app facilitates direct communication between dental clinicians and patients, enhancing care coordination and patient outcomes."

Dr. Thyvalikakath and Dr. Li received a National Institutes of Health grant to develop the app further and have partnered with the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office to disclose the technology and are currently exploring the best way to pilot the app in dental practices.