Integrated Diabetes and Oral Health Care in Oman

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontal (gum) disease are closely related conditions that may negatively affect each other. However, oral health is not routinely integrated into diabetes self-management education. This study will evaluate whether a structured diabetes-oral health educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model can improve glycaemic control, periodontal health, self-management behaviours, and quality of life among adults with T2DM in Oman. This multicentre randomized controlled trial will include 290 adults with T2DM. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive six individual, structured diabetes-oral health education sessions over 12 weeks in addition to usual care. The control group will continue to receive standard diabetes care and education. Participants will be followed for 12 months. The primary outcome is change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes include periodontal health, diabetes and oral-health self-care behaviours, Health Belief Model constructs, quality of life, psychological well-being, diabetes distress, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs. The study will also assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Exploratory components will assess previously undiagnosed periodontal disease and examine associations between periodontal changes and the oral microbiome.