Description

This mixed methods pre post implementation study aims to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of integrating basic oral health care into routine diabetes management. Diabetes related xerostomia is a common but under addressed condition that increases the risk of dental caries periodontal disease oral infections and reduced quality of life. In low and middle income settings access to dental care is limited and endocrinologists often serve as the primary point of contact for diabetes patients.

In this study endocrinologists at Khyber Medical University affiliated hospitals will receive structured training on oral health screening counseling prescription of saliva substitutes and referral pathways to dental services. Adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who report symptoms of dry mouth will be enrolled through consecutive sampling during outpatient clinic visits.

The intervention includes four core components screening counseling prescribing topical saliva substitutes and referral to dental care. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and follow up using validated tools including the Xerostomia Inventory and the Oral Health Impact Profile 14. Oral health status will also be assessed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool. Implementation outcomes such as reach adoption fidelity and acceptability will be evaluated using the RE AIM framework while contextual barriers and facilitators will be explored through interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

The findings will provide evidence on the clinical effectiveness and implementation feasibility of endocrinologist delivered oral care interventions and will inform policy recommendations for integrating oral health into non communicable disease services in Pakistan.