Treatment of Diabetic Patients Highlighted During Grand Rounds

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) fourth-year DMD student Michael Major presented a unique Grand Rounds presentation on May 7 to complete the 2008-2009 series. His presentation was titled, "Partial Denture Treatment for a Diabetic Patient," and was based on his externship experience at Blackfeet Indian Health Service Dental Clinic, located on an American Indian reservation in Browning, Montana. Major’s preceptor at Blackfeet was Dr. Gary Pannabecker.

Major’s presentation differed from other Grand Rounds presentations because it combined the typical case study with additional information about treating the diabetic patient, including dental clinic considerations and the role of the dental team in treatment of the diabetic patient. His academic background includes prior study of the disease and his externship site provided an opportunity for him to treat a large population of American Indians with type 2 diabetes.

Major’s case study focused on a 57 year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes, whose chief complaint was her lack of posterior teeth. Over the years, the patient had opted to have teeth extracted instead of undergoing endodontic treatment due to the cost of treatment and the distance she would have to travel to visit an endodontist. Major pointed out that like many people with missing teeth, this patient had evolved her diet to include mainly soft, sugary foods which are not ideal, especially considering her diabetic condition. After reviewing several treatment options Major provided her with partial dentures.

"This Grand Rounds presentation is a little different because in addition to a case study it includes really good, relevant information about dental care for patients that have diabetes," said Professor and moderator Dr. Carl McManama. "I thought this would provide us with an opportunity to learn a lot from Michael."