Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease: The call for interprofessional education and interprofessional collaborative care - A systematic review of the literature.

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease are among the most frequently occurring conditions that have a substantial effect on the global health economy. The literature regarding medical professionals' knowledge of the bidirectional link between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease has not been analyzed systematically. The review aimed to investigate the knowledge and understanding of physicians and specialists regarding the two-way relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease and their approach to referring their patients for a dental consultation. An electronic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted to review the studies that assessed knowledge and understanding of medical professionals regarding the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease. Data from 13 included studies involved 4,027 participants: 3,256 primary care physicians and 771 medical specialists. Just over 50% of the medical professionals had an understanding of oral health and/or periodontal disease. Over one-third of medical professionals were ignorant of the relationship between oral health and diabetes mellitus. Only 30% reported ever referring their patients for an oral health assessment. Another key finding of the investigation was the absence of interprofessional collaborative care between medical and dental professionals while managing patients with diabetes mellitus. Medical professionals with an integrated knowledge of elementary oral health education and training could play a central role in the timely diagnosis and management of periodontal disease in patients living with diabetes mellitus.

Use of fractal analysis in dental images for osteoporosis detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fractal dimension (FD) calculated on oral radiographs has been proposed as a useful tool to screen for osteoporosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis firstly aimed at assessing the reliability of FD measures in distinguishing osteoporotic patients (OP) from healthy controls (HC), and secondly, to identify a standardized procedure of FD calculation in dental radiographs for the possible use as a surrogate measure of osteoporosis. A comprehensive search was conducted up to September 2020 using PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. Meta-analysis was performed on FD values calculated for HC and OP. Overall, 293 articles were identified. After a three steps screening, 19 studies were included in the qualitative appraisal and 12 were considered for meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the retrieved studies was generally low. Most of the studies included used White and Rudolph and box counting to process the images and to calculate FD, respectively. Overall, 51% of the studies found a meaningful difference between HC and OP groups. Meta-analyses showed that to date, FD measures on dental radiographs are not able to distinguish the OP from HC group significantly. From the current evidence, the use of FD for the identification of OP is not reliable, and no clear conclusion can be drawn due to the heterogeneity of studies. The present review revealed the need for further studies and provided the fundamentals to design them in order to find a standardized procedure for FD calculation (regions for FD assessment; images processing technique; methods for FD measurement). More effort should be made to identify osteoporosis using dental images which are cheap and routinely taken during periodic dental examinations.

Photoinduced electron transfer in a molecular dyad by nanosecond pump-pump-probe spectroscopy.

The design of robust and inexpensive molecular photocatalysts for the conversion of abundant stable molecules like H2O and CO2 into an energetic carrier is one of the major fundamental questions for scientists nowadays. The outstanding challenge is to couple single photoinduced charge separation events with the sequential accumulation of redox equivalents at the catalytic unit for performing multielectronic catalytic reactions. Herein, double excitation by nanosecond pump-pump-probe experiments was used to interrogate the photoinduced charge transfer and charge accumulation on a molecular dyad composed of a porphyrin chromophore and a ruthenium-based catalyst in the presence of a reversible electron acceptor. An accumulative charge transfer state is unattainable because of rapid reverse electron transfer to the photosensitizer upon the second excitation and the low driving force of the forward photodriven electron transfer reaction. Such a method allows the fundamental understanding of the relaxation mechanism after two sequential photon absorptions, deciphering the undesired electron transfer reactions that limit the charge accumulation efficiency. This study is a step toward the improvement of synthetic strategies of molecular photocatalysts for light-induced charge accumulation and more generally, for solar energy conversion.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning dental trauma among parents of children attending primary school.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic dental injuries occur frequently in children and adolescents. The purpose of the present study is to examine the levels of knowledge and behaviors regarding dental trauma among parents of children attending primary schools in the Apulia region of Italy. METHODS: The study was carried out using an anonymous questionnaire with closed answers distributed to 2,775 parents who were enrolled based on the entire regional school population. Analyses were conducted using the PROC CORRESP (procedure to perform multiple correspondence analysis) and PROC FASTCLUS (procedure to perform cluster analysis). Statistical significance was set at p-value <0.05. RESULTS: A total 15.5% of the sample reported that their children had experienced dental trauma. Overall, 53.8% of respondents stated that they knew what to do in cases of dental injury. Regarding the time limit within which it is possible to usefully intervene for dental trauma, 56.8% of respondents indicated "within 30 minutes". Of the total sample, 56.5% knew how to preserve a displaced tooth. A total 62.9% of parents felt it was appropriate for their children to use dental guards during sports activities. The multivariate analysis showed that wrong knowledge are distributed among all kinds of subject. Parents with previous experience of dental trauma referred right behaviours, instead weak knowledge and wrong behaviours are associated with parents that easily worried for dental events. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that most parents reported no experience of dental trauma in their children, and half of them did not know what to do in case of traumatic dental injury and they would intervene within 30 minutes, suggesting that dental trauma may trigger panic. However, they did not have the information needed to best assist the affected child. Motivating parents to assume a preventive approach towards dental trauma may produce positive changes that would result an increase of long-term health benefits among both parents and children.

Mineral water or tap water? An endless debate.

The consumption of mineral water has been increasing because of the frequent and unjustified reports of the water supply contamination. However some authors have shown that bottled waters are not always better than tap water. Mineral waters are more palatable for organoleptic characteristic because, being pure at source, they do not undergo disinfection treatments and are sometimes enriched with CO2. In fact, they are characterized by their microbial facies subject to changes during the production cycle which can contribute to their contamination. It is necessary to provide people with the tools necessary to operate a critical choice of the type of water to be consumed not exclusively for their organoleptic characteristics or marketing strategies.

Factors influencing groundwater quality: towards an integrated management approach.

The safety of groundwater resources is a serious issue, particularly when these resources are the main source of water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use in coastal areas. In Italy, 85% of the water used by the public is of underground origin. The aim of this report is to analyze the main factors that make groundwater vulnerable. Soil characteristics and filtration capacity can promote or hinder the diffusion of environmental contaminants. Global climate change influences the prevalence and degree of groundwater contamination. Anthropic pressure causes considerable exploitation of water resources, leading to reduced water availability and the progressive deterioration of water quality. Management of water quality will require a multidisciplinary, dynamic and practical approach focused on identifying the measures necessary to reduce contamination and mitigate the risks associated with the use of contaminated water resources.

What do parents know about dental trauma among school-age children? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health published in November 2012 the "National guidelines for the prevention and clinical management of dental trauma in individuals during their developmental age". The aim of this study is to verify the knowledge among parents of children of primary schools to plan corrective actions. METHODS: The study was carried out filling in an anonymous questionnaire distributed to parents enrolled in three primary schools. RESULTS: Despite the publication of the National guidelines, the survey results confirm parents' lack of awareness, knowledge and skills in relation to dental trauma. CONCLUSIONS: This survey will allow to plan a training on interventions aimed at the protection of oral health.

Changes in soft tissues around immediate full-arch rehabilitations: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, aesthetic appearance is receiving more and more attention from clinicians and patients. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for the surgeon to maintain or to improve the quality and the stability of the soft tissue-implant interface. The scientific literature supports the idea that the immediate placement and provisionalization of endosseus implants and abutments can indeed offer additional clinical control over the peri-implant tissue architecture. On this basis, this prospective study aims to evaluate the changes in soft tissues around immediately loaded dental implants in full-arch rehabilitations, over a period of 3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen subjects were treated for immediate full-arch rehabilitations. Following implant placement, provisional rehabilitations made of bisphenol-A-glycidyldimethacrylate (BIS-GMA) and resin were placed. All records were made using a periodontal probe. The facial soft-tissue level was measured evaluating the distance between the soft-tissue margin and the incisal edge of the crown. Moreover, papilla levels were measured at the mesial and distal sites from a reference line connecting the occlusal edge of the crowns. RESULTS: The average value at the mesial site was -0.035 mm (±1, median 0 mm), while at the midfacial site, it was 0 mm (±0.76, median 0 mm) and at the distal site, -0.05 mm (±0.92, median 0 mm). The plaque score index showed a reduction during the follow-up period. DISCUSSION: Our data indicate that no differences at the midfacial point were detectable over the observation period. This is in agreement with several studies; it is plausible that these results are linked to a correct position of the implant in the alveolar socket. Moreover, comparing our results with what has been reported by other authors, it is surprising that while other studies highlight that papilla loss at the mesial and distal aspect is an expected consequence of immediate implant restorations, our data do not show any changes. The explanation of these results remains unclear. Further studies are needed to support our data and to clarify what mechanisms are involved in the maintenance of soft tissue.

A 6-month histological analysis on maxillary sinus augmentation with and without use of collagen membranes over the osteotomy window: randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Over the years, several modifications have been made to the sinus augmentation technique and to the materials used. However, there is still controversy about the need for using a barrier concurrently with a graft in sinus augmentation procedures. On this basis, the aim of this randomized clinical study was to investigate the effect of resorbable collagen membrane over the osteotomy window on maxillary sinus augmentation healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who required maxillary sinus augmentation were evaluated and selected to enter the study. After maxillary sinus grafting, each patient was randomly assigned to control (membrane over the osteotomy window) or test (no membrane) group. After 6 months, one bone biopsy was harvested from the lateral window and sent to the histology laboratory. The Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used for comparing the two groups. P-value was set at 5%. RESULTS: Eighteen patients entered the study and were randomly allocated in control (nine patients) or test group (nine patients). The histomorphometric measurements revealed that newly formed bone was 30.7% ± 15.5% of the total volume from the membrane group (control). The average percentage of connective tissue was 50.6% ± 18.7% and residual graft percentage was 18.4% ± 20.3%. On the other hand, data regarding the nonmembrane group (test) showed that the percentage of newly formed bone was 28.1% ± 19.4%. The mean percentage of connective tissues was 59.3% ± 15.4% and 12.6% ± 12.4% for the residual graft particles. No significant difference was detected in the histomorphometrical evaluation between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Our results showed that, compared with sites not covered, the use of the membrane did not substantially increase the amount of vital bone over a period of 6 months. On the other hand, the use of membrane seems to reduce the proliferation of the connective tissue and the graft re-absorption rate. It is plausible that blood supply of maxillary sinus can play a role in such a result. Further studies are needed to explore whether the use of membrane could really be advantageous for the sinus augmentation procedure and to evaluate what influence this method can have on the amount and quality of reconstructed bone.

Prevention of foodborne diseases and home safety.

Injuries and infectious diseases show high levels of morbidity at home. It is known that diseases associated with the consumption of contaminated or poorly preserved food, can be significantly reduced if proper hygiene practices are observed. This article analyzes the main risks associated with household food consumption and aims to highlight some of the recommendations that are still widely disregarded. In particular, we highlight the issues concerning the management of food (especially cooking and storage) and water (mineral and tap water), as well as good manufacturing practices that the consumer have to take to avoid food contamination. For this purpose, a detailed information on prevention would provide people with a greater awareness of risk and, therefore, a improved perception to the real dangers.

Raman microspectroscopy investigation of Ag ion-exchanged glass layers.

The ion-exchange process is widely used to dope silicate glass layers with silver, aimed at controlling the Ag state in view of possible applications, ranging from light waveguide fabrication to nanostructured composite glass synthesis. The silver doped glass structure as well as its prescribed properties depend on both the preparation parameters and the subsequent treatments. Several structural aspects are still open with regard either to the modification of the glass incorporating the dopant, or to clustering phenomena silver undergoes as a function of its local concentration and state, which are in turn strongly dependent on the preparation route. Systematic characterizations of these systems are mandatory to address the role of the various synthesis parameters in giving rise to the observed features, thus pointing out the effective methodologies for the fabrication of silicate glass layers with the desired properties. In this work, the results of micro-Raman, optical absorption and photoluminescence characterizations are presented for soda-lime glass slides doped with silver by Ag(+)-Na+ exchange and subsequent thermal treatments in air. In particular, a cross-section profiling analysis by Raman micro-spectroscopy was performed on Ag ion-exchanged samples after treatment at some different temperatures. The experimental findings allow to elucidate the role of the treatment temperature in the clustering process related to the local Ag concentration inside the exchanged glass layer.

Body art practices and health risks: young adults' knowledge in two regions of southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: In the past several decades the number of individuals, particularly young adults, acquiring body art has increased very seriously in occidental society. In order to verify young adults' practices and knowledge of the risks related to body art, an investigation was conducted among university freshmen in Bari (Apulia Region) and Naples (Campania Region), both in Southern Italy. METHODS: The study was carried out during the period 2008-2010 through an anonymous questionnaire distributed to 3,868 people selected among 26 Degree Courses of the University of Bari and Naples Parthenope. The two regional samples were matched for age and sex. RESULTS: On the whole, 84.4% declare to know the infectious risks associated with body art practices, but only 4.1% of them correctly identified the infectious diseases which can be transmitted through these procedures; while 59.2% of the sample declared that non-infectious diseases can occur after a tattoo or a piercing, but only 5.4% of them correctly identified allergies, cysts, bleeding and scars. The possible occurrence of infectious and non-infectious diseases has been acknowledged by most students in Apulia region (89.7 versus 79.1% and 64.8 versus 53.6% respectively). In this Region, of the 1,001 (32.4%) pierced and 597 (19.8%) tattooed youths 23.4% reported complications. Campania region youths reported a greater number of complications than Apulia did (30.3 versus 13.1%) and they also purchased more frequently their tattoos or piercings in unauthorized facilities (35.3% versus 15.9%). CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the knowledge of health risks associated to body art, it has been registered a higher awareness of infectious than non-infectious diseases. Information about freshmen's knowledge and practices could help in effective planning of health promotion strategies.

Effect of Flap Design for Enamel Matrix Derivative Application in Intraosseous Defects.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature addressing the focused question: What is the effectiveness of different surgical and nonsurgical procedures combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on clinical, radiographic, and patient-centered outcomes in intraosseous defects? METHODS: Electronic (Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases) and hand literature searches were performed for studies including at least 1 treatment arm where EMD had been applied according to 1 of the following procedures: modified Widman flap; papilla preservation variants (PPVs), including papilla preservation technique, modified papilla preservation technique, and simplified papilla preservation technique; minimally invasive variants, including minimally invasive surgical approach and minimally invasive surgical technique; single-flap variants (SFVs), including single-flap approach and modified minimally invasive surgical technique; or nonsurgical application (flapless approach). Data from 42 selected articles were used to perform a network meta-analysis, and a hierarchy of surgical and nonsurgical applications of EMD was built separately for EMD and EMD + graft based on 6- to 12-mo clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: Among surgical approaches, EMD was associated with best regenerative outcomes when applied through SFVs, with a mean clinical attachment level gain of 3.93 mm and a reduction in the intrabony component of the defect of 3.35 mm. For EMD + graft, limited differences in regenerative outcomes were observed among surgical procedures. PPVs were associated with the highest residual probing depth for EMD (4.08 mm) and EMD + graft (4.32 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects, 1) SFVs appear to optimize the regenerative outcomes of EMD; 2) substantial regenerative outcomes can be obtained with SFVs and conservative double flaps (i.e., PPVs and minimally invasive variants) when EMD is combined with a graft; and 3) residual probing depth was higher following PPVs for EMD and EMD + graft. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of the present systematic review and meta-analysis can be used by clinicians to identify the most effective surgical or nonsurgical procedure to treat an intraosseous defect with EMD or EMD + graft. The main findings indicate that when EMD application is indicated, surgical access based on a single flap seems the most appropriate to optimize clinical outcomes. The application of EMD + graft can be effectively combined with single flaps and conservative double flaps.

Electrochemical behaviour of titanium in ammine and stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine 0.2 percent mouthwashes.

Titanium (Ti) is widely used in dentistry. Fluorides at acid pH could destabilize Ti oxide and make it susceptible to corrosion. The behaviour of IV grade machined Ti disks in 5 electrolytic solutions: Fusayama artificial saliva (Fas), ammine fluoride-stannous fluoride (Am-SnF2), 0.2 percent Chlorexidine (CHX) 0.20 percent, Fas with 20 percent Am-SnF2, and Fas with 20 percent CHX, was evaluated. Open circuit potential Ecorr was determined by immersing Ti disks for 24 hours in an electrochemical cell containing the solutions, potential changes were measured until a stable value was obtained. Examination by Scanning Electronic Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis were then performed. One way ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference of Ecorr values regarding the 5 solutions (p less than 0.001). The highest values were observed for Fas (-37.6 mV), intermediate for Am-SnF2 (-81mV) and lowest for CHX (-87.6mV). SEM analysis of disks after polarization curve in CHX showed a marked localized corrosion, while the other solutions showed no considerable corrosive action on Ti surface. When considering corrosive potential range in oral cavity, Ti had an excellent behaviour on both antiseptics evaluated. The results obtained in this study will enable us to recommend the use of Am-SnF2 mouthwash for patients with dental implants.

The importance of immediately loaded immediate post-extractive implants in esthetical rehabilitation: case series.

The aim of this paper was to estimate, in a retrospective way, integration of hard and soft tissues in immediately loaded immediate postextractive implants. Benefits of this technique could be: single stage surgery, biological saving of tissues, aesthetic management of edentulism, good integration of both hard and soft tissues. Immediate loading of a postextractive implant seems also to produce a positive effect on the quality of perimplant soft tissues. The implants used in the present study have some advantages such as high auto-threading and auto-tapping ability, progressive increase of the thickness of the threads, at the apical and coronal level. All these features have helped to obtain a high primary stability.

Biomechanical evaluation of dental implants in D1 and D4 bone by Finite Element Analysis.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to analyze stress and strain distribution in dental implants with different abutment's inclination inserted in D1 and D4 bone. METHODS: The biomechanical behavior of 5 mm x 16 mm dental implants with straight, 15 degrees and 25 degrees angulated abutments subjected to static loads, in contact with D1 and D4 bone, was evaluated by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). RESULTS: The lowest stress and strain values were found in the system composed by implants with straight abutments loaded with a 200-N vertical strength, while the highest stress and strain values were found in implants with 15 degrees angulated abutment loaded with a tilted strength (FY=200 N and FZ=140 N). Stress value increased from D1 to D4 bone, while strain value decreased due to the effect of normal elasticity mode of biological tissues. CONCLUSION: The different stress and strain distribution in D1 and D4 bone tissue surrounding dental implants with a tapered neck could favor prosthetic load and play a role in implant long-term success.

Expression patterns of two serine protease HtrA1 forms in human placentas complicated by preeclampsia with and without intrauterine growth restriction.

Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are pregnancy-specific disorders that have in common abnormal placental implantation, a marked proliferation of villous cytotrophoblastic cells and focal necrosis of the syncytiotrophoblast. Several studies show an ischemic placenta with a high-resistance vasculature, which cannot deliver an adequate blood supply to the feto-placental unit. The cause of PE is a matter of debate, but recently studies in mice suggest that the primary feto-placental lesions are sufficient to initiate the disease. HtrA1, a member of the family of HtrA proteins, is a secreted multidomain protein with serine protease activity. It is expressed in first and third trimester of gestation. In specimens from the first trimester of gestation, immunostaining for HtrA1 is generally found in both layers of villous trophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast. Cytoplasm of extravillous trophoblast and extracellular matrix of cell islands and cell columns are labeled for HtrA1. Specimens from third trimester of gestation show a more intense positivity for HtrA1 in the syncytiotrophoblast than in cytotrophoblast. The extravillous trophoblast and the decidual cells, is positive for HtrA1. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression pattern of HtrA1 in placentas from PE without IUGR (maternal PE) and with IUGR (fetal PE) by quantitative western blotting and immunohistochemistry. By quantitative western blotting analysis we observed a significant upregulation of approximately 30 kDa HtrA1 form in PE. Differently, we detected a significant total HtrA1 down-regulation in PE-IUGR. Moreover, immunostaining for HtrA1 was positive in the villous trophoblast, in the syncytial knots and irregularly in the fetal vessel walls in PE placentas while immunostaining for HtrA1was present particularly in the syncytial knots in PE-IUGR placentas. In conclusion, we suggest that the approximately 30 kDa HtrA1 form can be correlated to maternal PE while that the significant down-regulation of total HtrA1 can be correlated to placental PE. These HtrA1 alterations could be considered as possible markers to discriminate placental PE from maternal PE.

Computer-guided flapless surgery: immediately loaded implant-prosthetic rehabilitation.

The aim of this study was to show the operative procedure and the advantages coming from computer guided flapless surgery. This case report describes the use of stereolithographic surgiguides in order to insert 6 mandibular and 6 maxillary implants by a computer guided flapless surgery. These implants have been immediately loaded with cross arch screwed temporary prostheses. The definitive rehabilitation was realized with 2 fixed cross arch metal-ceramic prostheses that were cemented by AGC caps. The computer science technology allows to execute complex implant-prosthetic treatments in a shorter time, at low risk, with high esthetical and functional predictability and patient' satisfaction.

Er:Yag Laser application on titanium implant surfaces contaminated by Porphyromonas gingivalis: an histomorphometric evaluation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro application of Erbium Yag Laser (ERL) on implant surfaces contaminated by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg.). Moreover, this study evaluated the surface characteristics of irradiated implants. METHODS: A total of 60 implants was evaluated (20 for each surface group). Each group was divided in two subgroups composed of 10 implants (test and a control). Implants were contaminated by Pg. reference strains. After proper incubation, test implants were irradiated with ERL. Laser parameters were the following: 2 940 nm wavelength, 20 mus pulse duration, 10 Hz frequency and 30 MJ pulse energy. A periodontal fiber was used to irradiate the implant threads on the axial surface with a 45 degrees angle of incidence and performing apex-crown motions for 16 s. Histomorphometric evaluation of implant surfaces (test and control) was made at different magnifications (1 000x, 6 000x,11 000x). Pg. counts were calculated on a 4 800-mm2 surface utilizing a 10-mm grid. Statistical evaluation was made with Fisher and Student's t test (P<0.05). RESULTS: No surface alterations on test implants were observed. Counting results showed the following decontamination values: 76.2% for machined test implants, 90.9% for titanium plasma spray implants and 98.3% for sandblasted and etched implants. A minimal residual bacterial presence was observed in all groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the following study showed that ERL application has decontamination effectiveness on different implant surfaces. The modification of laser time application and working parameters could easily determine complete bacterial removal from all the implant surfaces analyzed.

Diabetic patients' knowledge of the bidirectional link: are dental health care professionals effectively conveying the message?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a global public health concern with significant upshots due to its high prevalence, severity and associated complications. The present review aims to evaluate the literature that has investigated the awareness and attitude of diabetic patients about their oral/periodontal health to identify gaps in the dissemination of this critical information. Literature addressing diabetic patient's awareness/knowledge, response to their periodontal health needs, and the source of oral health education was investigated using a computer search of electronic databases. Twenty-six papers were included in the systematic review for analysis. The studies reported data from 13 different countries involving 10 550 participants, 9843 patients with DM and 974 healthy controls. The overall analysis of the studies showed that approximately 73% of the diabetic patients were unaware of the link between their systemic condition (DM) and periodontal health. The results of the study show that a large number of diabetic patients are unaware of the link between oral/periodontal health and DM. There is a strong need to implement the recent guidelines established by the IDF/EFP concerning mutual care of diabetic patients by the medical and dental health care professionals. This will result in improved general and oral health of our diabetic patients.