Abstract: SA-PO0918
Oral Health Referral Practices and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in CKD Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Nephrology Professionals
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Lerma, Isabella, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Gudsoorkar, Prakash Shashikant, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Chau, Chun Wang (Reinhard), The University of Hong Kong Faculty of Dentistry, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Bencharit, Sompop, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Hugo, Fernando N., New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, United States
- Kshirsagar, Abhijit V., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Lee, Ryan S., New York Center for Dental Oncology, New York, New York, United States
- Croley, Daniel, Delta Dental of California, Rancho Cordova, California, United States
- Mehta, Sujay A. J., McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Karam, Sabine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Department of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Gudsoorkar, Priyanka, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Group or Team Name
- OK-CARE (Oral-Kidney Collaborative for Advancing Research and Evidence)
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10 –13% of the global adult population and is associated with a high prevalence of oral diseases, including periodontitis, which is linked to systemic inflammation and adverse outcomes. Despite these connections, oral health services are often siloed from renal care, resulting in fragmented interdisciplinary communication and inconsistent referral pathways.
Methods
An international, cross-sectional, anonymous web-based survey was conducted from October 2025 to January 2026 to evaluate nephrologists' referral behaviors and perceptions. The survey assessed referral frequency, barriers to care, and readiness for collaboration using Likert-type and multiple-choice items, alongside qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses. Data from n=205 valid respondents, primarily nephrologists (86.8%) from Asia, North America, and Europe, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
Findings indicated that 80.0% of respondents do not routinely refer patients with CKD or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) for dental evaluation. Referrals were largely reactive, primarily triggered by clearance for kidney transplantation (78.5%) or patient-reported dental complaints (67.8%). Key barriers included financial constraints/lack of insurance (62.4%) and a lack of dentists familiar with CKD management (47.3%). Furthermore, 68.8% reported minimal communication with dental professionals, and 74.6% rated current collaboration as 'poor' or 'very poor'. Despite these gaps, 68.3% expressed interest in a pilot program to improve interdisciplinary integration. Qualitative themes highlighted the need for clinician education (35.4%) and for a formalized referral infrastructure (27.8%).
Conclusion
Current oral health referral practices in nephrology are suboptimal and reactive, hindered by systemic barriers and a lack of standardized communication. However, the high level of clinician interest provides a significant opportunity to develop integrated, patient-centered care models and formalized referral pathways to improve oral-renal health outcomes.