Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions in many countries. In the United States, more than 8 million cases remain undiagnosed. Current research demonstrates that the addition of blood glucose testing in the dental office has the ability to detect a clinically significant number of undiagnosed cases of diabetes. Studies have also shown that patients are generally accepting of the practice and may be willing to pay nominal out-of-pocket fees to have the screening performed within a dental setting. Since dental practitioners may have access to patients who do not seek out regular medical care, incorporating blood glucose screenings into dental practice may assist in earlier detection of diabetes. Earlier detection may help improve patients' overall health, reduce morbidity and mortality rates, and reduce health care costs associated with diabetes and comorbid conditions.

Keywords: diabetes, blood glucose testing, medical testing in dental practice