Ann Arbor, MI - December 9, 2008 - A new study by University of Michigan School of Dentistry researchers who analyzed data provided by the Blue Care Network revealed what may be the strongest link yet between periodontal treatment for patients with diabetes and the cost of their medical care.

Dr. George Taylor, associate professor of dentistry, was the principal investigator of this study.

Led by Dr. George Taylor, an associate professor of dentistry, the U-M researchers analyzed claims from 2,674 individuals with diabetes ages 18 to 64. The individuals were enrolled in the Blue Care Network between 2001 and 2005 and had at least 12 consecutive months of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical coverage. The Michigan Blues insurance network has one of the largest health care claims databases in the U.S.

"We found insured adults with diabetes in Michigan who received routine periodontal treatment, such as dental cleanings and scaling, have significantly lower medical care costs than those who do not," Taylor said. "These results could be meaningful to individuals, employers, health care providers, and insurers."

Savings Outlined

The study revealed that medical care costs decreased by an average of 11 percent per month for BCN members who received one or two periodontal treatment procedures annually compared to those who received no treatments. For patients receiving three or four annual treatments, their costs decreased nearly 12 percent.

The study also showed that combined medical and pharmaceutical monthly costs were 10 percent lower for BCN members who received one or two periodontal procedures annually.

"The results of our analyses provide additional evidence supporting a beneficial role for periodontal treatment in improving overall health for people with diabetes," Taylor said. He added that study results could provide momentum to develop a pilot program with expanded periodontal treatment benefits that might determine if there would be further reductions in health care costs and improved systemic health and oral health for people with diabetes. If a pilot program is conducted and results are favorable, that could be the basis for considering changes in policies and practices affecting patients and their insurers.

According to Taylor, diabetes and periodontal disease are biologically linked. He noted evidence suggesting a bi-directional relationship - that is, diabetes is a risk factor in periodontal disease while periodontal infection may be a risk factor in insulin resistance and subsequent poorer glycemic control which results in an increased risk for other serious health complications including stroke and coronary heart disease.

A grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation allowed Taylor and his team of researchers to examine the claims that were removed of personal information prior to analysis. Taylor's team included Drs. Tammie Nahara, Michael Manz, and Wenche Borgnakke. All are members of the School's Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit us on the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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