Oral Health & Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia, and as such is a national health priority. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has found periodontal disease to be independently associated with CHD. In view of current evidence, general consensus internationally is that cardiac care providers should provide oral health promotion, assessments and dental referrals for a comprehensive periodontal therapy. However, in Australia, cardiac clinicians do not provide oral health education, assessments and referrals to consumers during rehabilitation.

The aim of the study is to develop a Cardiovascular Oral Health (CARDIOH) program for a cardiac setting in the Sydney. This program will incorporate oral health guidelines into cardiac care practice and will involve educating and training cardiac clinicians (medical, nursing and allied health staff) to provide oral health education, assessment and referrals to their patients.

Phase 1: Scoping review and development of the CARDIOH program framework

Phase 2: Perceptions of the program from consumers & cardiac rehabilitation clinicians

Phase 3: Designing and pilot testing the CARDIOH education program with cardiac clinicians

Phase 4: Trial of the CARDIOH program

Funding is gratefully acknowledged from:

• The Commonwealth Government of Australia (Australian Postgraduate Award)

Project team:

• Paula Sanchez – Western Sydney University, SWSLHD, Ingham Institute

• Assoc Prof. Ajesh George – Western Sydney University, SWSLHD, University of Sydney, Ingham Institute

• Assoc Prof. Bronwyn Everett – Western Sydney University, SWSLHD, University of Sydney, Ingham Institute

• Prof Yenna Salamonson – Western Sydney University, Ingham Institute

• Adjunct Assoc Prof Ravi Srinivas – SWSLHD Oral Health Services, Western Sydney University

• Dr Shilpi Ajwani – SLHD Oral health services, Sydney Dental Hospital, University of Sydney

• Clinical Associate Prof Sameer Bhole – SLHD Oral health services, Sydney Dental Hospital, University of Sydney

• Assoc Prof. Rohan Rajaratnam – Western Sydney University

• Assoc Prof. Julie Redfern – George Institute, University of Sydney