Blood pressure and tobacco use screening: Overview of a pilot training program in Iowa dental practices

Purpose: To recruit and train dental practices for screening and referring patients regarding blood pressure (BP) and tobacco use. Methods: A convenience sample of five Eastern Iowa dental practices was chosen and training was provided from September 2009 to January 2010. All the members in the dental practices participated in the education program. The participants completed a pre-test form concerning their behaviors regarding blood pressure and tobacco use screening. Blood pressure monitors and extra-large cuffs per operatory, a procedure document to conduct screenings, brochures, quitline fax referral forms and baseline patient forms were also provided. Results: The response rate for the pre-test form was 97% (34/35). Eighty-eight percent reported that they had blood pressure monitors in the office. However, only 18% reported routinely measuring blood pressure. Likewise, only 12% reported routinely referring to quitlines. About 1,644 patients aged 18 years or older were screened at the end of 6 months from the education program. The mean age of the patients was 44 years (SD14.31) and 56% were females. About 38% were pre-hypertensives (high systolic BP only: 121-139) and 16% were hypertensives (high systolic BP only: 140 or more). Eleven percent were current tobacco users. Conclusions: The education and tools provided to the practices allowed for many patients to be screened for blood pressure and tobacco use. Research was funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health Chronic Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Division [5880HD02].