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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Blood pressure assessment practices of dental hygienists
Cynthia T Hughes1, Ana L Thompson, Marie A Collins
1Medical College of Georgia, USA. chughes@coastdental.com
Abstract:
An estimated 50 million Americans have high blood pressure (HBP), with 30% of them unaware of their condition. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) have advocated including recording blood pressure during the dental appointment. Recording blood pressure is also a standard procedure in patient care. This study surveyed 236 dental hygienists attending a continuing education program to document their blood pressure assessment practices. The majority (55%) of participants indicated they rarely or never record blood pressure. The primary reason cited by 51% of the participants was a lack of time in the appointment. Based on these findings, a recommendation was made for dental offices to modify their patient check-in procedures to include recording blood pressure.
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Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
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Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Preparation:
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
