Sir, in May 2008 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) produced a revision of the guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes. In the guidelines there are detailed protocols for the management of the complications of diabetes, including treatment options and review intervals. There is, however, no mention of oral disease anywhere and despite the wealth of quality scientific evidence and expert opinion on the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, there is no recommendation in the guidelines for patients with diabetes to see a dentist!

This is not a surprise, considering that there was not a dentist on the Guidelines Development Group or on the panel of experts consulted. I don't know if anyone was asked to present a dental perspective, or were we, as a profession, ignored by our medical colleagues once again? If anyone knows, please let me know.

If readers believe that guidelines for the management of people with diabetes should include advice on the management of oral diseases and to visit a dentist then please contact: Mr Andrew Dillon, National Institute Health and Clinical Excellence, MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6NA. Email nice@nice.org.uk