Dr. Thomas Oates (DMD, Ph.D), interim associate dean for research and assistant dean for clinical research in the School of Dentistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He also is a professor and vice chair of the Department of Periodontics.

Dr. Oates published a study in December 2014 in the Journal of the American Dental Association that shows that, despite recent thinking in the dental profession, patients with diabetes can be successfully fitted with dental implants. They were not thought to be good candidates in the past because of the difficulty many diabetics have with healing from injury.   
 
The study offers hope for caregivers of diabetic patients who also have dental issues that their loved one may be able to return to eating a proper diet ― one of the central issues in controlling the disease.

In addition, Dr. Oates is continuing this research, so others could participate in his studies.
 
Joining Dr. Oates in the studio is Devjit Tripathy, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Diabetes and a diabetes researcher at the UTHSC-SA. He is collaborating with Dr. Oates on the diabetes-implant studies.

Originally aired on Caregiver SOS: On Air presented by the WellMed Charitable Foundation Feb. 1, 2015 in San Antonio, TX on 930 AM KLUP “The Answer.” With co-hosts Carol Zernial and Ron Aaron.


A Crunchy Hope? Fitting Diabetics With Dental Implants Feb 1, 2015

This hour-long weekly radio show airs 6 p.m. Sundays on 930(AM) The Answer KLUP in the Greater San Antonio region. Hosted by nationally recognized gerontologist Carol Zernial and veteran broadcaster Ron Aaron, and featuring author/psychologist Dr. James Huysman PsyD, LCSW, Caregiver SOS On Air explores issues important to you.