Aetna and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine conducted a study that found a relationship between periodontal treatment and the overall cost of care for three chronic diseases. The results of the study indicate that periodontal care appears to have a positive effect on the cost of medical care, with earlier treatment resulting in lower medical costs for members with diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or stroke.
"The results of this study are encouraging because they show the
connection between good oral health and overall well-being, as well as illustrating that the early treatment of periodontal disease can help reduce medical costs for these conditions," said Pat Farrell, head of Aetna Specialty Products. "We believe that in addition to lowering medical costs, we are helping to improve members' quality of life. We will continue to work with Columbia to demonstrate ways that dental care can improve the overall health of our members."
"Systemic health is often associated with the condition of the
oral cavity in that many systemic diseases manifest in the mouth;
however, less is known about the connection between a diseased
periodontium and the impact it may have on systemic health," said
David A. Albert, DDS, MPH, Associate Professor of Dentistry at
Columbia University. "The association between periodontal infection
and systemic health has important implications for the treatment and
management of patients."
The retrospective study of claims data included an examination of
approximately 145,000 members participating in Aetna PPO plans with
continuous dental and medical coverage over two years. Periodontal
care appeared to have a positive effect on the cost of medical care in
this two-year study (2001-2002), with earlier treatment resulting in
lower medical costs for diabetes, CVD, and CAD. In addition, the actual
cost of medical care for patients with diabetes and CAD was found to
be lower if they received periodontal care in the first year of the
study.
