Integrating care for the good of the patient

Medical staff iconsA multidisciplinary approach to health care has long been a topic of conversation. Unfortunately, most of us have yet to see it materialize. We spoke with Dr. Kenneth Kornman, DDS, PhD, president and Chief Science Officer of Interleukin Genetics, about the importance of medical and dental integration. Interleukin Genetics is developing genetic tests for several systemic diseases using markers for chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked with several systemic diseases, which lead to earlier morbidity and mortality. As a periodontist, Dr. Kornman is especially interested in the link between periodontal disease and systemic disease such as type 2 diabetes. A great way to address chronic systemic disease is to open the lines of communication between the medical and dental care systems.

Interleukin Genetics is developing genetic tests for several systemic diseases using markers for chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked with several systemic diseases, which lead to earlier morbidity and mortality.

Right now very few schools offer courses with combined medical and dental students.