FDI releases consensus paper on integration of oral health into Electronic Health Records
FDI launched a Consensus Statement on Integrated Electronic Health Records (EHRs) on 24th March, calling for the incorporation of oral health indicators into broader health records.
The Consensus Statement is developed by global experts from the Integrated EHR in Dentistry Task Team and supported by project partner Henry Schein. It highlights eight key oral health indicators, including periodontal disease, caries, oral cancer screenings, oral health status, implant/device data, prescription data, allergies, and radiographic imaging.
Given the strong link between oral health and general health, integrating these oral health indicators into medical records facilitates for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient care. By effectively detecting and managing oral health conditions such as periodontal diseases, this would also support early detection and prevention of other health conditions like diabetes.
FDI President Dr Greg Chadwick, in the press release accompanying the launch, emphasized the necessity of incorporating oral health indicators into EHRs. He noted that this would not only improve patients outcomes, but also strengthen interprofessional collaboration across the dental and medical fields.
By breaking the silo between dental and medical records, and integrating oral health into EHRs, diagnoses, medication management, and clinical outcome can be improved, while ensuring a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. This integration would significantly benefit both dental and medical practices.
However, integrating oral health into EHRs presents challenges, including the need for standardization, interoperability, and data security. The Consensus Statement addresses these challenges and provides strategic solutions to overcome them.
Through the release of this consensus paper, FDI has taken a significant step towards effectively integrating oral health within broader health, improving patient outcomes, and fostering greater interprofessional collaboration.
The Integrated EHRs in Dentistry project is supported by Henry Schein.