Learning Objectives: 

• Explain the physiology of blood pressure regulation and its clinical relevance in dentistry
• Identify the systemic and oral–systemic risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension
• Apply evidence-based guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement in the dental setting
• Recognize the relationship between airway disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea) and elevated blood pressure
• Integrate blood pressure screening into dental risk assessment and interprofessional referral pathways

Uncontrolled hypertension is the silent suspect in the world's most critical health crisis, a single risk factor responsible for more heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure than any other. According to the WHO, it's the number one global cause of preventable death. It's not just a standalone threat but a dangerous multiplier that, when combined with other conditions like diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dementia, and even complications during pregnancy, exponentially increases a patient's risk.  In the dental chair, this condition poses a critical threat to patient safety and treatment outcomes. This presentation serves as a deep dive into the evidence, acting as both detective and prosecutor in the case against high blood pressure. We will analyze the science behind its vital signs and the systemic evidence it leaves behind, from which we will establish best-practice protocols for accurate measurement—our primary forensic tool. The investigation will also uncover the two-way street between hypertension and oral health, examining how the body's vascular network impacts everything from periodontal status to wound healing.  Special attention will be given to a key accomplice: airway disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, and its role in blood pressure dysregulation. As dental professionals, you are uniquely positioned to be the first responders on this case—detecting early warnings, flagging critical risks, and facilitating timely referrals. This presentation will equip you with the skills to read the body's vital clues, build an air-tight risk assessment, and ultimately deliver a verdict that protects your patients and enhances the health of the entire community.