Assessing systemic disease risk in a dental setting: a public health perspective.

Screening and monitoring for systemic disease risk in a dental setting are valuable components for more effective disease prevention and control and health care delivery. This strategy can identify patients at increased risk of disease yet unaware of their increased risk and who may benefit from proven prevention/intervention strategies. The involvement of oral health care professionals in strategies to identify individuals at risk for coronary heart disease and diabetes will extend preventive and screening efforts necessary to slow the development of these diseases, and provide a portal for individuals who do not see a physician on a regular basis to enter into the general health care system.