By Kalvin D. Perron
Staff Reporter
BAY MILLS — The Bay Mills Dental Clinic recently received a $10,000 grant from the Indian Health Service (IHS) dental program to be used for diabetic dental patients. Because of the complications of diabetes, the risk of periodontal disease and an increase in cavities are exponentially higher in this demographic. The susceptibility of periodontal disease is the most common oral complication of diabetes.
One of the most common side effects of diabetes is dry mouth, or Xerostomia, the inadequate flow of saliva, which causes rampant tooth decay. Other complications include infection, gum disease and the loss of bone around the teeth. Diabetes accelerates these complications by impairing the body's immune system and the ability to resist the organisms responsible for periodontal disease. Mouth rinses with fluoride for the reduction of plaque, toothpaste with high concentrations of fluoride, and an assortment of antibiotics and other supplies were purchased with monies received from the grant, all which target diabetic patients.
According to Bay Mills Dentist Dr. Kamran Qureshy, the IHS grant could have been used for any dental-related purpose, but chose to target diabetic patients because of the prevalence of the disease in the community. He estimates that of the 56 diabetic patients who frequent the clinic, 33-to-35 of them have already received their services.
“Our goal is to service all of our diabetic tribal members because of the wide variety of problems they are susceptible to,” Qureshy said. “Once we service all the tribal members here, we will target diabetic patients from other memberships, provided we still have the funds and supplies available.”
Qureshy said that due to the estimated 200 diabetic patients the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians has on their register, other tribal members in the area will be open to treatment first. If it were open to Sault Tribal members first, all their resources would be exhausted immediately, he predicted.
At the end of the year, dental staff will assess the needs of the diabetic tribal members, compile a report and present their findings at the next IHS Dental Updates meeting next summer. If all goes well, the Bay Mills Dental Clinic could receive $20,000 next year, the maximum amount allowed through the grant.
“I encourage all our diabetics to come and take advantage of our services,” Qureshy said. “This is not experimental. We are not collecting data for a test case. These are tested, proven techniques used by other facilities. It is entirely free.”
