Evaluation of medical and dental visits in New York City: Opportunities to identify persons with and at risk for diabetes mellitus in dental settings

Objective The identification of persons with or at risk for chronic diseases is a new practice paradigm for oral healthcare. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease of particular importance to oral health providers. This study sought to understand healthcare utilization patterns that would support the introduction of this new practice paradigm. Methods The primary and oral healthcare utilization patterns of New York City (NYC) adults were assessed using data collected from the 2013 NYC Community Health Survey. We stratified healthcare utilization patterns by type of provider, insurance, DM diagnosis and DM modifiable risk factors. Results Of 6.4 million NYC adults, an estimated 676 000 (10.5%) reported a previous diagnosis of DM, and 3.9 million (69.5%) were identified with one or more modifiable risk factor for DM. Of these at risk individuals, 2.2 million (58.9%) received dental services in the past 12 months, and 545 000 (14.3%) did not see a primary care provider during the same period. Of the approximately 1.16 million adults without health insurance, an estimated 338 000 (26.2%) had a dental visit only. Conclusion Healthcare utilization patterns in this urban setting suggest that oral healthcare providers can support the identification of patients with and at risk for DM who may otherwise not have the opportunity for screening.