High blood pressure detection: a new public health measure for the dental profession.

Detection of high blood pressure can be a major public health service contribution by the dental profession. The pioneer program at Fairleigh Dickinson University, in conjunction with the Bergen County Health Department and the Bergen County Dental Society, is encouraging dentists to participate in the National High Blood Pressure Program. Participants are urged to measure the blood pressures of all their adolescent and adult patients and to refer those with sustained elevated readings to their physicians, preferably by the arrangements of appointments.