Practicing Dental Medicine: The Partnership with a Clinical Laboratory

If you are reading this article, you were likely born in a country and era where medical testing is a routine part of healthcare. From birth, data collection begins with tracking weight and height, followed by simple blood tests to screen for potential concerns. As we progress through life, additional tests are conducted based on signs and symptoms, reflecting a reactive approach essential for treating existing conditions. On the other hand, some tests are used proactively to intercept diseases before they fully develop, allowing for early intervention and ultimately preventing disease.

Partnering with a clinical laboratory in the medical field is the result of a long and deliberate process. It began with the development of the technology, followed by its integration into educational institutions, and eventually, the adoption of testing as a standard of care. This evolution has spanned decades, if not a century. While some tests have been seamlessly integrated, others are gradually gaining acceptance in emerging areas like functional medicine and dentistry.

The dental clinician’s familiarity with saliva has made the collection of salivary specimens more straightforward. However, much like in the medical field, challenges remain. The adoption of this practice as a standard of care will take time. The good news is that as mounting evidence links oral health to overall health, partnering with a clinical laboratory will propel dentistry toward proactive, evidence-based care rather than reactive treatment. This collaboration will also foster more effective communication with other healthcare professionals.

The drive to deepen our understanding has been the catalyst for the evolution of modern periodontology. Universities and leading researchers began with culture testing, and through their efforts and advancements in molecular analysis, dental salivary diagnostics have become commercially viable. This progress not only transformed dentistry but also provided medical professionals with insights into oral health conditions. While it’s remarkable how far we’ve come, this is just a glimpse of where we are headed.

If this article has sparked your interest in how salivary diagnostics is transforming patient care, click HERE to continue reading about the impact on collaboration between dental and medical professionals, advancements in testing technologies, and compelling real-world case studies.

Diane Larson RDH, BSDH