2007 HSP proves beneficial for two participants

Last fall, Drs. Craig West and Jacob Lippert learned firsthand just how beneficial the ADA Foundation Health Screening Program can be.

While in San Francisco, Dr. West was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after a routine HSP screening he underwent showed an abnormal electrocardiogram. That prompted a trip to the emergency room.

“I was in disbelief,” said Dr. West, a general dentist in Snowflake, Ariz. “I never would have discovered it without the EKG. I’m glad I found out.”

Dr. Jacob Lippert, 72, executive director of the Missouri Dental Association, was also grateful for the program.

“It could turn out to be serious or it could be nothing, but for me it happened at a fortuitous time and I’m glad I could get it checked out,” said Dr. Lippert, who like Dr. West was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in a San Francisco emergency room.

Prior to his EKG, Dr. Lippert said there was no indication that anything was wrong 鈥攈e had “absolutely no symptoms.”

Upon returning home to Jefferson City, Mo., he visited a cardiologist and was hooked up to a portable monitor.

Dr. West, 55, feels fortunate to have caught the condition鈥攚hich he says is not usually life-threatening鈥攅arly.

“I really want to see the ADA keep the HSP,” he said. “It’s highly valuable. Dentists are the worst about taking care of their health and this is really a good program.”