Texas Tech Expanded Diabetes Screenings in Dental Offices
A new grant allows El Paso dental clinics to continue screening patients for diabetes risk during routine visits.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Diabetes
Live Poll
Should local dental offices offer general health screenings to better serve community health needs?
Since February 2026, the Diabetes and the Dentist program has screened 281 patients at two El Paso dental offices to address the region's 14% adult diabetes prevalence. The program uses risk assessments and HbA1c tests to identify at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Dental offices provide critical access to health resources for El Paso residents who face transportation or cost barriers to traditional primary care. Addressing diabetes in this setting is vital because gum disease and blood sugar control are closely linked.
Of the 281 patients screened via the American Diabetes Association Risk Test and finger-prick HbA1c tests, 40% were identified as at risk for diabetes. To date, 71 of these individuals have been successfully referred to primary care providers.
The players
Texas Tech Health El Paso
This health sciences university operates the Hunt School of Dental Medicine and oversees the diabetes outreach initiative.
Paso del Norte Health Foundation
This foundation supports regional health initiatives and provided the $124,933 grant to sustain the screening program.
Hunt School of Dental Medicine
This educational institution administers the Diabetes and the Dentist program and coordinates health worker activities.
The details
Administered by the Hunt School of Dental Medicine, the program deploys community health workers to conduct one-on-one consultations in waiting rooms. Workers provide educational resources and direct coordination with medical clinics for patients whose results suggest a need for follow-up care.
Timeline
The program relaunched in February 2026.
The project received funding to continue through the next two years.
The Big Picture
The program directly combats the Borderplex region's 14% adult diabetes prevalence, which serves as the primary benchmark for the initiative's success. It represents a shift toward integrating preventative screenings into non-traditional medical settings to bridge gaps in local health access.
Patients visiting partner dental offices in El Paso can receive free, same-day diabetes risk screenings without needing a separate appointment. Those identified as at risk receive immediate coordination to connect them with a primary care physician for further treatment.
The takeaway
Integrating health screenings into routine dental appointments helps catch chronic conditions earlier for patients who might otherwise avoid the doctor. Residents should inquire if their dental provider participates in preventative screening programs to maximize their regular visits.
Further reading
For additional context on managing blood sugar, visit the Diabetes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
Live Poll
Should local dental offices offer general health screenings to better serve community health needs?
