Hypertension
Screening Guidance
for Michigan Oral
Health Professionals
2020
ORAL HEALTH UNIT
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PREPARED BY | MDHHS Oral Health Unit with assistance from an Oral Health and Chronic Disease Advisory Group
and the Center for Child and Family Health, Michigan Public Health Institute
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 1
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4
Hypertension ................................................................................................................................... 5
Oral Health and Hypertension ........................................................................................................ 6
Why Michigan Oral Health Professionals Should Routinely Measure Blood Pressure .................. 6
Screening for Hypertension in the Dental Setting .......................................................................... 7
Equipment and Methods for Taking Blood Pressures .................................................................... 8
Checklist for Accurate Measurement of Blood Pressure…………………………………………………………….……8
Hypertensive Patients and Dental Procedures ............................................................................. 11
Referral/Follow-up ........................................................................................................................ 12
Policy/Protocol for Hypertension Screening in the Dental Setting .............................................. 12
Appendix A: Seven Simple Steps to Get an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading ............................ 13
Appendix B: Sample Referral Form ............................................................................................... 14
Appendix C: Sample Policy/Procedures ........................................................................................ 15
References .................................................................................................................................... 17
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 2
Acknowledgements
**Special thanks to the Advisory Group for input and guidance on this document!
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) staff:
Christine Farrell, RDH, BSDH, MPA
Susan Deming, RDH, BS
Sandy Sutton, RDH, BS
Beth Anderson, MPH
Kaylynn Miesen, BS
Krystal Quartermus, MS, RD
Michele Kawabe, MPH, RD, CDE
Kristina Dawkins, MPH
Suzanne O’Brien, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, CEN, ANVP
Adrian Zeh, MPA, MA
Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) staff:
Katie Hubbard, MA, Senior Project Coordinator
Vanessa Burnett, MPH, Community Health Associate
Statewide Experts:
Jeff Johnston, DDS, Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer, Delta Dental Plan of
Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana
Sanjay Chand, MD, Director of Infection Control and Safety, School of Dentistry, University of
Detroit Mercy
Lisa Knowles, DDS, Associate Dental Consultant & Dental Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan
April Stopczynski, Manager of Access and Prevention, Michigan Dental Association
Phillip Levy, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAHA, FACC, Professor and Associate Chair for Research,
Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University
Kathie Thomas, Quality & Systems Improvement Director, American Heart Association
Andrea Boucher, MHSA, Quality Program Manager, MPRO
Lindsay Sailor, Integrated Health Program Manager, Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA)
Faiyaz Syed, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA)
Wenche Borgnakke, DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 3
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 4
Introduction
Oral health providers play a central role in integrating healthcare due to the growing body of
research linking oral health to several systemic diseases. According to Healthy People 2020, oral
health is integral to a person’s general health. Research has shown an association with oral
health to several chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Hypertension
continues to be a concerning health condition in the United States and in Michigan. Oral health
providers have an enormous opportunity to become involved with screening for hypertension
and monitoring blood pressure, which would benefit the patients they see.
In 2016, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oral Health Unit,
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit, and Diabetes Prevention and Control Program along
with Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana worked in collaboration to conduct a
survey of oral health professionals in Michigan to assess hypertension and diabetes screening
practices. Results from the study indicated the need to increase oral health provider knowledge
of proper hypertension screening methods and to provide guidance in referring for care. Sixty-
two percent (62%) of respondents indicated that they do not measure patient blood pressure,
only measure it for patients with a history of hypertension, measure it for new patients only, or
only measure it for patients that requested a measurement be taken. Only 22 percent (22%) of
respondents indicated they contact the patient’s primary care provider as follow up to an
elevated blood pressure reading. A recommendation from the survey was to develop screening
guidelines for oral health professionals that are specific to dental settings which will aid these
providers in identifying patients at high risk for disease, interpreting test results, and deciding
the appropriateness of follow-up care and patient referral.
With guidance from the Michigan Public Health Institute, the Oral Health and Chronic Disease
Advisory Group was formed in February 2017. This group consisted of MDHHS professionals
specializing in oral health, cardiovascular health, and diabetes control. The goal of the advisory
group was to adopt hypertension and diabetes screening guidelines that were specific to oral
health providers and to develop practical tools to guide oral health professionals in Michigan.
In October 2017, a multi-disciplinary group of stakeholders throughout the state collaborated
to provide knowledge and expertise and assist the advisory group with completing its mission
of developing defined screening guidelines for hypertension and diabetes for oral health
professionals and developing related tools that are clear, concise, and useful. In October of
2019, an additional advisory group was brought together to collaboratively work on a guidance
document. This document is the result of that work and specifically concentrates on
recommendations for screening for hypertension by an oral health professional.
This guidance, recommended by the advisory group, is offered for oral health professionals to
use when assessing for hypertension in a dental setting. This guidance is meant to assist oral
health providers in taking accurate blood pressure measurements, determining when to
continue dental procedures if a patient has an elevated blood pressure reading, assessing for
oral health conditions associated with hypertension and hypertensive medications, and
identifying possible target organ damage associated with elevated blood pressure readings. In
addition, there is guidance for follow up care by the oral health provider and referring to a
patient’s primary care provider for possible needed care.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 5
Hypertension
Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently high. Hypertension usually has
no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. The only way to
know if a person has hypertension is to measure their blood pressure. Steps can be taken to
control it if it is too high.
1
Blood pressure is the numerical representation of the force of blood pushing against the walls
of arteries. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but if it stays high for an
extended period of time it can damage the heart and lead to health problems. Hypertension
raises the risk for heart disease, and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United
States. Hypertension also increases the risk for vision loss, kidney disease, and sexual
dysfunction.
In November of 2017 the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association
published new high blood pressure guidelines which lowered the threshold for hypertension
(Image 1).
2
This new threshold accounts for complications that can occur at lower numbers and
allows for earlier intervention. Because the diagnostic threshold for hypertension has been
lowered, more people will be classified as having hypertension. Under these new hypertension
guidelines, approximately 46 percent of adults in the United States, or more than 103 million
adults, are currently considered to have hypertension compared with an estimated 72 million
adults under the previous 2003 guidelines.
3
Image 1. Blood Pressure Categories
The new guidelines eliminate the category of prehypertension, categorizing patients as having
either Elevated (120-129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic) or Stage I
hypertension (130-139 mm Hg systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic). While previous guidelines
classified 140/90 mm Hg as Stage 1 hypertension, this level is classified as Stage 2 hypertension
under the new guidelines.
2
The main non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension are age, race/ethnicity, family history of
hypertension, genetic predisposition, and sex. Hypertension affects about one-third of U.S.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 6
adults. It is more common in non-Hispanic Blacks (42.1%) than in non-Hispanic Whites (28.7%),
non-Hispanic Asians (27.2%), or Hispanic (29.4%) adults aged 20 years and over.
4
Compared
with other racial or ethnic groups, non-Hispanic Blacks tend to have higher average blood
pressure numbers and develop hypertension earlier in life.
5
Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels,
lack of physical activity, stress, unhealthful diet, high sodium intake, high added sugar intake
(e.g. sugar-sweetened beverages), alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, including vaping.
6
Oral Health and Hypertension
Several studies report associations between oral health, mostly periodontitis and tooth loss,
and cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke. Results from a nationally representative U.S.
study using the gold standardfull-mouth periodontal probing protocol from 2009 to 2014
determined there is an association between periodontitis and systolic blood pressure levels,
even in a dose-response manner. That is, the more severe the periodontitis level, the greater
the mean systolic blood pressure. In people undergoing hypertension treatment, the mean
systolic blood pressure was 2.3 mm Hg to 3 mm Hg higher in those with periodontitis compared
to those without periodontitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that
periodontitis, especially severe disease, was associated with significantly higher risk of
hypertension.
7
Some people with hypertension may also exhibit signs of increased gingival
bleeding, periodontitis, hyposalivation, lichen planus lesions, or gingival enlargement.
8
All major groups of pharmaceuticals, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers,
can produce oral side effects including, but not limited to, xerostomia, taste changes, gingival
hyperplasia, gingival bleeding, lichenoid reactions, and increased risk of oral infections.
Therefore, people who take medications for hypertension may be at increased risk for poor oral
health consequences. Additionally, having periodontal disease may interfere with the
effectiveness of hypertension therapy.
Oral health providers can reference the Prescribers’ Digital Reference (PDR;
https://www.pdr.net/) for current information on any medication a patient may be taking for
hypertension. In general, patients should be instructed to continue taking their hypertensive
medication prior to any dental procedures. If there are any questions, patients and their oral
health providers should consult with the patient’s primary care provider for further guidance.
Why Michigan Oral Health Professionals Should Routinely Measure
Blood Pressure
A dental visit may be the only routine care visit that a patient receives. Dental visits provide the
perfect opportunity to screen for hypertension and refer patients to their primary care provider
for further evaluation. Many patients trust their oral health providers and welcome their
interest in their overall health, not only their oral health.
9
Measuring a patient’s blood pressure can assist with detecting, treating, and managing
hypertension in its early stages. Checking blood pressure readings also provides the oral health
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 7
provider with information needed to make informed treatment decisions. Blood pressure
readings are important to consider before selecting an appropriate anesthetic for dental
procedures.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all dental care providers become
involved in the detection and management of hypertension. The ADA recommendation is for
oral health professionals to measure blood pressure of all new patients, all patients at least
annually, and patients with diagnosed hypertension at each visit.
10
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association standards for clinical practice outline taking and
recording blood pressure as part of a general health history assessment and risk assessment,
which would necessitate that registered dental hygienists record this at every initial visit and
every recall/recare visit.
11
Screening for Hypertension in the Dental Setting
Screening for hypertension in a dental setting should start when a patient reaches 18 years of
age or prior to age 18 if they have a history of hypertension. Separate guidelines for children
under 18 years old can be found at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/professional-resources/quality-
improvement/Project-RedDE/Pages/Blood-Pressure.aspx.
All pregnant patients, regardless of age, should be screened for hypertension. Hypertensive
disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia/eclampsia and gestational hypertension,
complicate 6 to 8 percent (6-8%) of pregnancies and can cause significant maternal and fetal
morbidity and mortality.
12
White coat hypertension: Blood pressure readings in an office setting may be higher than
readings taken at home or in another type of setting. White coat hypertension occurs when the
blood pressure readings in clinical settings are higher than they are in other settings, such as
the home.
12
It was once thought that white coat hypertension was caused by the stress that doctor's
appointments can create. Once the patient left the doctor's office, if their blood pressure
normalized, the thought was that there was not a problem. The current thinking is that white
coat hypertension might signal that a person is at risk of developing hypertension as a long-
term condition. Patients who experience white coat hypertension may also be at higher risk of
developing certain cardiovascular problems compared with people who have normal blood
pressure at other times. It is thought that even these temporary increases in blood pressure
could develop into a long-term condition. White-coat hypertension is estimated to place the
patient at much greater risk for dying from cardiovascular events.
12
Regardless of the suspected
etiology of the high blood pressure reading, the patient should be referred to a primary care
provider for follow up.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 8
Equipment and Methods for Taking Blood Pressures
There are various methods for measuring blood pressure in the dental setting. Make sure any
equipment used is properly calibrated. The United States Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) recommends using a manual or automated sphygmomanometer to measure a
patient’s blood pressure. Devices with an upper arm cuff are recommended. Accuracy of wrist
cuffs may be inconsistent; however, in some cases they may be used as an alternative for
patients who have difficulty using an upper arm cuff or when an upper arm cuff is not large
enough. Finger cuffs should not be used. The dabl® Educational Trust provides a list of currently
available devices at: www.dableducational.org/sphygmomanometers/devices_2_sbpm.html.
Examples of recommended equipment types are shown in the images below.
Sphygmomanometer and
Stethoscope
Auto Arm Monitor Wall Mounted Monitor
To determine the recommended cuff size, measure the patient’s arm circumference (typically
reported in centimeters) by wrapping a tape measure around the patient’s bicep at mid-arm.
Select an appropriate cuff size based on the patient’s arm circumference using the table below.
The ideal cuff bladder length is greater than or equal to 80 percent of the patient’s arm
circumference. The ideal cuff bladder width is greater than or equal to 40 percent of the
patient’s arm circumference. A thigh cuff might be indicated for a person with an arm
circumference of 50 centimeters or greater.
Table 1. Selection Criteria for Blood Pressure Cuff Size for Measurement of Blood Pressure in
Adults
Arm Circumference
Recommended Cuff Size
(width x length in centimeters)
22-26 8.7-10.2 12 x 22 (small adult)
27-34 10.6-13.4 16 x 30 (adult)
35-44 13.8-17.3 16 x 36 (large adult)
45-52 17.7-20.5 16 x 42 (extra-large adult)
Many devices are sold with variable size cuffs that will fit a majority of arm circumferences from
the small adult to large adult range. Check device specifications for the range of arm
circumferences covered. For example, if a patient has a 40 centimeter arm circumference, 80
percent of the arm circumference is 32 centimeters (0.8 x 40 cm). The minimum cuff length that
can be used for this person is 32 centimeters, which is a large adult cuff.
13
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 9
While the 2017 hypertension guidelines recommend taking, on average, two to three blood
pressure readings on at least two different occasions to provide baseline data for each patient,
oral health professionals should refer patients for primary care follow up for any high blood
pressure reading. Table 2 on the following page provides a detailed checklist for the accurate
measurement of blood pressure.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 10
Table 2. Adapted Checklist for Accurate Measurement of Blood Pressure (Guidelines, 2017)
Key Steps for Proper Blood
Pressure Measurements
Specific Instructions
Step 1: Properly prepare the
patient.
1. Have the patient relax, sitting in a chair (feet on floor, back
supported) for at least five minutes.
2. The patient should avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for at
least 30 minutes before measurement.
3. Ensure patient has emptied his/her bladder.
4. Neither the patient nor the observer should talk during the rest
period or during the measurement.
5. Remove all clothing covering the location of cuff placement.
6. Measurements made while the patient is sitting or lying on an
examining table do not fulfill these criteria.
Step 2: Use proper
technique for blood
pressure measurements.
1. Use a blood pressure measurement device that has been
validated, and ensure that the device is calibrated periodically.
2. Support the patient’s arm (e.g., resting on the arm of a chair).
3. Position the middle of the cuff on the patient’s upper arm at the
level of the right atrium (the midpoint of the sternum).
4. Use the correct cuff size, such that the bladder encircles 80% of
the arm, and note if a larger or smaller than recommended cuff
size is used.
5. Either the stethoscope diaphragm or bell may be used for
auscultatory readings.
Step 3: Take the proper
measurements needed for
diagnosis and treatment of
elevated blood
pressure/hypertension.
1. At the first visit, record blood pressure in both arms. Use the arm
that gives the higher reading for subsequent readings.
2. Separate repeated measurements by 1 to 2 minutes.
3. For auscultatory determinations, use a palpated estimate of
radial pulse obliteration pressure to estimate systolic blood
pressure. Inflate the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg above this level for an
auscultatory determination of the blood pressure level.
4. For auscultatory readings, deflate the cuff pressure 2 mm Hg per
second, and listen for Korotkoff sounds.*
Step 4: Properly document
accurate blood pressure
readings.
1. Record systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. If
using the auscultatory technique, record systolic blood pressure
and diastolic blood pressure
as onset of the first Korotkoff sound
and disappearance of all Korotkoff sounds, respectively, using
the nearest even number.
2. Note the time of most recent blood pressure medication taken
before measurements, if applicable.
Step 5: Provide blood
pressure readings to patient.
1. Provide patients the blood pressure readings both verbally and in
writing.
*Korotkoff sounds are blood flow sounds that are observed while taking blood pressure with a
sphygmomanometer over the brachial artery in the antecubital fossa. These sounds appear and
disappear as the blood pressure cuff is inflated and deflated.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 11
Although measurement of blood pressure in office settings is relatively easy, errors are
common and can result in a misleading estimation of an individual’s blood pressure (Appendix
A). Accurate measurement and recording of blood pressure readings are essential to ascertain
high blood pressure-related risk of cardiovascular disease and help guide management of
hypertension.
Hypertensive Patients and Dental Procedures
Oral health providers need to know when to consider a medical consultation for a hypertensive
patient, how to refer a patient, and when and how to follow up on a patient’s health (Image 2).
Hypertensive patients should normally maintain their antihypertensive medications during the
course of any dental care/treatment unless otherwise directed by the patient’s primary care
provider.
Image 2. Blood Pressure Screening Algorithm
Blood Pressure Screened by Oral Health Provider
Systolic Blood Pressure > 180 mm Hg
or
Diastolic Blood Pressure > 110mm Hg?
Yes
No
*Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include:
Chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Numbness or weakness
Confusion
Lethargy
Difficulty with vision or speech
Systolic Blood Pressure > 130 mm Hg
or
Diastolic Blood Pressure > 80 mm Hg?
Are signs or symptoms*
of a hypertensive emergency present?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Proceed with
dental
treatment; no
further follow-
up is needed.
Proceed with
dental treatment
and refer to
primary care for
follow-up
evaluation.
Discontinue
dental
treatment and
call 911.
Discontinue
dental treatment
and refer to
primary care for
follow-up
evaluation.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 12
According to the ADA guidance, the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart
Association guidelines do not change the approach to the question “What level of blood
pressure is treatment unsafe for the patient? As most dental procedures are elective, the
general recommendation remains intact to defer care on patients with blood pressure readings
that exceed 180 mm Hg systolic or 110 mm Hg diastolic.
10
The advisory group’s recommendation is to follow the ADA guidance on postponing dental
procedures. If the blood pressure reading is 180/110 mm Hg or greater and the person is
experiencing any other associated symptoms of target organ damage such as chest pain,
shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking, do
not wait to see if their blood pressure comes down on its own -- call 911.
Referral/Follow-up
If the patient’s blood pressure readings are high, the oral health professional should inform the
patient about their blood pressure readings, provide a referral to the patient’s primary care
provider, and follow up with the patient to ensure needed care was obtained to prevent long-
term consequences of hypertension. Having a referral form to fax or e-mail to the patient’s
primary care provider will greatly enhance efforts to follow up with the hypertensive patient. If
the patient does not have a primary care provider, then guidance can be provided as to where
the patient should go for a check-up. See Appendix B for a sample referral form that can be
adapted for your use.
Policy/Protocol for Hypertension Screening in the Dental Setting
It is recommended that each dental practice/agency have a written policy and/or procedures
document regarding hypertension screening for the staff to utilize. This may be included in the
policies and procedures manual. The policy should state which staff members are responsible
for taking blood pressures, how to ensure an accurate blood pressure reading is obtained, at
which type(s) of appointments blood pressure measurement is required, how often the
measurement is required, and at what age blood pressure screenings should begin.
It also should include recommendations as to when dental procedures should be delayed and
when and how referrals to the patient’s primary care provider should occur. This should include
procedures to follow if the patient does not have a primary care provider. Follow up protocols
should be included as well as emergency protocols for someone with an elevated blood
pressure reading who is experiencing symptoms of target organ damage. See Appendix C for a
sample of a written hypertension screening policy/procedures document.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 13
Appendix A: Seven Simple Steps to Get an Accurate Blood Pressure
Reading
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 14
Appendix B: Sample Referral Form
Medical Consultation/Referral for Hypertension
To: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Address: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Dear ____________________,
Your patient, listed below, has presented to us for oral health care. To ensure appropriate
management of the health of this person, we are asking you to follow up with an assessment
for hypertension.
Patient’s Name: _______________________________________________
Patient’s Address: _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
The patient presented today with blood pressure readings as follows:
1st reading: ___/___mm Hg 2nd reading: ___/___mm Hg mm Hg 3rd reading: ___/___mm Hg
Comments: ____________________________________________________________________
Please evaluate the patient and inform us of your findings, treatment, and recommendations.
We normally do not provide any dental treatment on patients with a blood pressure reading of
>180 mm Hg systolic or >110 mm Hg diastolic.
Dental Provider notes: ___________________________________________________________
Dentist’s Signature: _______________________________________Date: __________________
Please fax reply to: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Physician’s reply: _______________________________________________________________
Physician’s Signature: _____________________________________Date: __________________
Dental Provider/Patient follow-up:
Date:__________ Note:__________________________________________________________
Date:__________ Note:__________________________________________________________
Date:__________ Note:__________________________________________________________
Dental Provider Logo
Dental Provider
Contact Information
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 15
Appendix C: Sample Policy/Procedures
MI Department of Health and Human Services- Oral Health Unit
Policy/Protocols for Dental Screening for Hypertension
Effective dates: October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021
Purpose: To provide standard of care in screening for hypertension, management
of treatment, and referral recommendations by all staff.
Hypertension screening guidelines and treatment protocol:
1. Blood pressure will be checked on every patient over 18 years of age at
every visit as well as on any children with a medical history of hypertension.
Blood pressure will be taken for all pregnant patients, regardless of age.
2. The initial blood pressure must be taken after the patient has been seated
quietly for at least 5 minutes, using an appropriate size cuff, according to
the proper protocol for taking blood pressure, and documented in the
patient’s record.
3. If the initial reading is above normal (greater than 120/80 mm Hg), retake it
in 1 to 2 minutes.
4. If the second reading is above normal, refer to the algorithm on the next
page for guidance and notify the supervising dentist.
5. Inform the patient of all readings both verbally and in writing. Use the
office referral form to communicate elevated blood pressure readings to
the patient’s primary care provider.
6. Schedule a follow up visit or phone contact with the patient at 1 week, 3
weeks, and 6 weeks after elevated blood pressure readings.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 16
Blood Pressure Screening Algorithm
Blood Pressure Screened by Oral Health Provider
Systolic Blood Pressure > 180 mm Hg
or
Diastolic Blood Pressure > 110 mm Hg?
Yes
No
*Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include:
Chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Numbness or weakness
Confusion
Lethargy
Difficulty with vision or speech
Systolic Blood Pressure > 130 mm Hg
or
Diastolic Blood Pressure > 80 mm Hg?
Are signs or symptoms*
of a hypertensive emergency present?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Proceed with
dental
treatment; no
further follow-
up is needed.
Proceed with
dental treatment
and refer to
primary care for
follow-up
evaluation.
Discontinue
dental
treatment and
call 911.
Discontinue
dental treatment
and refer to
primary care for
follow-up
evaluation.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 17
References
1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High Blood Pressure. Last reviewed: January
28, 2020. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm. Accessed March 11, 2020.
2
Whelton, P.K., Carey, R.M., Aronow, W.S., et al. 2017
ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention,
Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the
American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice
Guidelines. Hypertension. 2018;71(6):e13-e115. doi: 10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065.
Available: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065.
3
Beasley, D. New blood pressure range means half of Americans have hypertension; HEALTH
NEWS; Reuters; Nov 13, 2017; https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-hypertension/new-
blood-pressure-range-means-half-of-americans-have-hypertension-idUSKBN1DD2Q2
4
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Health, United States Spotlight: racial and ethnic
disparities in heart disease, April 2019. 2-page infographic. Available:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/spotlight/HeartDiseaseSpotlight_2019_0404.pdf. Accessed
March 11, 2020.
5
NIH; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; High Blood Pressure-Risk Factors-Race or
Ethnicity https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure. Accessed March 11,
2020
6
American Heart Association. Know your risk factors for high blood pressure. Last reviewed
December 31, 2017. Available: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-
pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-
pressure. Accessed March 11, 2020.
7
Martin-Cabezas R, Seelam N, Petit C, et al. Association between periodontitis and arterial
hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Heart Journal 2016; 180:98-
112. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2016.07.018.
8
Kumar, P., Mastan, K., Chowdhary, R., and Shanmugam, K. Oral manifestations in hypertensive
patients: a clinical study. Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology 2012; 16(2):215-221.
Available: http://www.jomfp.in/article.asp?issn=0973-
029X;year=2012;volume=16;issue=2;spage=215;epage=221;aulast=Kumar. Accessed March 11,
2020.
9
Barbara L. Greenberg, MSc, PhDa, Providing Health Screenings in a Dental Setting to Enhance
Overall Health Outcomes; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.11.006 Accessed March 11,
2020
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 18
10
Craig S. Miller, DMD, MS; Michael Glick, DMD; Nelson L. Rhodus, DMD, MPH; 2017
Hypertension Guidelines. New opportunities and challenges; Journal of the American Dental
Association; April 2018, pg 229-231 https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(18)30090-4/pdf
11
American Dental Hygienists Association, Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice; 2016;
Access: Journal of American Dental Hygienists Association; Supplement June 2016; pgs 1-16
https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/2016-Revised-Standards-for-Clinical-Dental-Hygiene-
Practice.pdf
12
Virani SS, Alonso A, Benjamin EJ, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A
Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2020;141(TBD):e1-e4. In press. doi:
10.1161/CIR.0000000000000757.
13
Selecting a cuff size; American Heart Association & American Medical Association; Target BP
https://targetbp.org/patient-measured-bp/implementing/smbp-selecting-the-right-cuff-size/
Accessed March 11, 2020
*For more information or questions on this guidance please write oralhealth@michigan.gov