Oral Health and Diabetes: An Important Connection

January 28, 2026 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

In the last year, 60% of people with diabetes had a medical visit, but did not have a dental visit (Wei L, et al. 2022). This is a significant portion of adults with diabetes do not regularly access dental care resulting in high rates of gum disease and tooth loss. Training gaps exist for both medical and dental healthcare providers regarding patient education, screening practices, interprofessional communication, and insurance coverage; factors that limit timely diagnosis, preventive care, and treatment. By increasing awareness for professionals, people with diabetes can see improved medical and oral health outcomes.

References

  1. Wei L, Griffin SO, Parker M, Thornton-Evans G. Dental health status, use, and insurance coverage among adults with chronic conditions: implications for medical-dental integration in the United States. J Am Dent Assoc. 2022;153(6):563–571. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.12.012

Target Audience: The public health and health and dental care workforce.
 

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Speakers
Speakers

Shelly Taylor, DMD, MPH 
Institute Dental Director
The Institute for Family Health 

Eric Gayle, MD, FAAFP
CEO, The Institute for Family Health 
President, Health Care Services

Learning Outcome and Objectives
Learning Outcome and Objectives

As a result of this educational activity, the learner will have increased and enhanced their knowledge and competence on the medical and dental connection between gum disease and diabetes, resulting in practices that improve oral health outcomes.


By the end of the activity, learners will be able to:

  • Describe the impact of diabetes on oral health, specifically gum disease.
  • Explain the bidirectional referral process between medical and dental providers.
  • Identify reasons why people with diabetes are experiencing worse oral health outcomes.
  • Discuss the importance of maintaining good oral health for the best overall health outcomes for people with diabetes.  
Activity Materials
Activity Materials

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Continuing Education Credits
Continuing Education Credits

To Obtain Continuing Education Credits

Each participant interested in CE credits must watch the activity, complete an evaluation and post-test, which is available above under "Evaluation, Post-test for CE Credits". A score of 80% and above on the post-test will generate a certificate indicating the requested credits.

Criteria for Successful Completion: 
Learners must attend 100% of this activity to be awarded full continuing education credits /contact hours.

 

Disclosure Statements

None of the planners, moderator, and presenters have any financial arrangements or affiliations with any ineligible companies whose products, research or services may be discussed in this activity.

No commercial funding has been accepted for this activity.

 

Continuing Medical Education Credits

The College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany is accredited by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Medical Education Credits are offered until January 27, 2029.

 

Continuing Nurse Education Contact Hours

The College of Integrated Health Sciences is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Northeast Multistate Division Education Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

This offering is approved for 1.0 nursing contact hour(s).
Nursing Contact Hours are offered until March 31, 2028.


Certified Health Education Specialist Contact Hours

Sponsored by the College of Integrated Health Sciences,, University at Albany, SUNY, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available are 0. Continuing Competency credits available are 1.0. Provider ID# 99086.

Continuing Education Contact Hours are offered until January 27, 2029. 


Certified in Public Health

This event is sponsored by the College of Integrated Health Sciences,, University at Albany, an approved provider of CPH Renewal Credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
This offering is approved for 1.0 Certified in Public Health Renewal Credits.

CPH Renewal Credits are offered until January 27, 2029.

Evaluation, Post Test and Certificate
Evaluation, Post Test and Certificate

Check back for more information.