OralDNA Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics Inc. (NYSE: DGX) focused on bringing advanced laboratory testing to the dental community, recently announced the availability of two revolutionary molecular tests to help dental professionals identify patients with and at risk for periodontal disease. MyPerioPath detects the presence and quantity of specific bacteria associated with periodontal disease, while MyPerioID PST, which the company licenses from Interleukin Genetics, provides a means of quickly and accurately(1) assessing an individual's genetic risk for periodontal disease.
Used together, the new salivary DNA diagnostic tests can help dental professionals reduce patient incidence of periodontal disease. MyPerioPath provides early and accurate(1) diagnosis of existing periodontal disease by identifying and measuring specific types of bacteria, while MyPerioID PST assesses a patient's genetic predisposition to developing periodontal disease well before physical symptoms occur. The company has launched a national dental industry awareness and training program to support the profession's understanding and effective use of the new tools.
According to OralDNA Inc. senior vice president and general manager Robert Walker, the company has been introducing the tests to leading dental industry practitioners during the past year. "Leading periodontists and general dentists are already relying on the MyPerioPath and MyPerioID PST salivary diagnostic tests to provide valuable insights for enhanced patient care, and as important tools in the fight against periodontal disease. We believe these tests will not only help put dental professionals at the forefront of oral medicine, but also enable them to provide more comprehensive and accurate treatment plans for their patients."
According to the American Dental Association, an estimated 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease(2) and research conducted during the past 10 years has provided insight into the Perio / Systemic Connection and the link between chronic periodontal infections and heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some forms of cancer.(3,4)
Within the next year, OralDNA expects to add the clinician-administered oral DNA HPV test, OraRisksm HPV, for use in assessing the risks associated with certain types of oral cancer, and intends to continue to broaden its menu of salivary diagnostic tests for use in oral medicine.
For more information, education, and training related to OralDNA's salivary DNA diagnostic tests, dental professionals, including periodontists, general dentists, and dental hygienists, should visit www.OralDNAtraining.com or call (877) 577-9055.
References
1. Data on file, OralDNA Labs Inc.
2. Genco R, Offenbacher S, Beck J. Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease: epidemiology and possible mechanisms. JADA 2002;133(Suppl.):14S-22S.
3. Friedewald VE, Kornman KS, Beck JD, et al. The American Journal of Cardiology and Journal of Periodontology editors' consensus: periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. J Periodontol 2009;80:1021-1032.
4. Van Dyke TE. The management of inflammation in periodontal disease. J Periodontol 2008;79:1601-1608.
