At PDS Health, our clinicians understand that their impact goes beyond dental care. We are supporting patients’ overall well-being, and for our team at Park West Dental Group in Stockton, Calif., a recent patient success story serves is a powerful reminder of that.
A Life-Saving Visit
In August 2024, a patient visited Park West Dental Group's office for a routine dental cleaning. During his visit, the registered dental hygienist, Amanda Gowin, followed her standard protocol and took his blood pressure before starting the cleaning. For this patient, it was a surprising step, he mentioned that no dental practice had ever done this before. While he found it unusual, he didn't think much of it at the time.
The first blood pressure reading showed elevated levels. Concerned, Amanda took a second reading, which also indicated high blood pressure. Although she proceeded with his dental cleaning, Amanda strongly advised the patient to follow up with his primary care provider as soon as possible.
Early Detection Saves Lives
The next day, the patient began feeling slightly off, not unwell, but different. Remembering Amanda's advice, he scheduled an appointment with his physician. That visit set off a series of critical events that ultimately saved his life.
His doctor performed tests that revealed a rare heart condition that, while manageable if caught early, could have been life-threatening if left undiagnosed. But the revelations didn’t stop there. Additional lab work showed elevated PSA levels (PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland in men. A PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood), prompting a referral to a specialist. After a prostate biopsy, two out of 14 samples tested positive for cancer.
While the diagnosis was undoubtedly frightening, early detection meant the patient had multiple treatment options available and a much greater chance of recovery. The patient later returned to the practice to share his powerful story:
“All of that, just because Amanda was doing her job and took my blood pressure. She really saved my life,” he said.
A Commitment to Whole-Body Health
This moving experience underscores the importance of PDS Health’s focus on educating others on the Mouth-Body Connection®, or the critical link between oral health and overall wellness. By integrating medical screenings such as blood pressure checks into our dental care routine, we are serving as true preventive health care clinicians, and in cases like this, saving patient’s lives.
Amanda’s diligence and dedication to patient care made a life-changing impact, and her story is a testament to how essential our work is.
