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Ho SYE, Walsh LJ, Pradhan A, Yang J, Lopez Silva CP. Perspectives of oral health therapists on the barriers to oral care provision in nursing homes in Singapore: A qualitative analysis. Spec Care Dentist 2024; 44:157-165. [PMID: 36752197 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral health therapists (OHTs) are a valuable resource for increasing access to dental care for the frail elderly in nursing homes (NHs). However, OHTs face several barriers and their skill-set continues to be under-utilized. AIMS To evaluate the perceptions of OHTs regarding the barriers towards oral care provision for the elderly residents in NHs. METHODOLOGY Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 OHTs to discuss the factors that may hinder them from providing oral health services in NHs. An inductive thematic analysis directed by the grounded theory approach was performed. RESULTS Four major themes emerged: (i) lack of opportunity, (ii) lack of adequate education and training, (iii) limited work scope and registration status, and (iv) lack of adequate financial remuneration and adequate equipment. OHTs also raised the lack of awareness among OHTs and the various stakeholders, of how the skill-set of OHTs may be relevant for oral care provision in NHs. CONCLUSION Findings revealed underlying educational and regulatory barriers which need to be addressed in tandem. Addressing these barriers can be impactful in informing future strategies for the greater utilization of the skill-set of OHTs in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenna Yu-En Ho
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Oral Health Centre, Herston, Australia
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, National Dental Centre, Republic of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laurence James Walsh
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Oral Health Centre, Herston, Australia
| | - Archana Pradhan
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Oral Health Centre, Herston, Australia
| | - Jingrong Yang
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, National Dental Centre, Republic of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ahmad MS, Asban MA, Mohd Salleh NSA, Mohd Sarmin N'I, Abd Rahman ANA. Perceptions of interprofessional education among Malaysian clinical healthcare students. Spec Care Dentist 2023; 43:815-823. [PMID: 36018716 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interprofessional education (IPE), which is aimed at improving the quality of patient care and overall health outcome, has been advocated to prepare future healthcare professionals for collaborative practice OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of IPE among clinical healthcare students at a Malaysian institution METHODS: A validated questionnaire, developed from previous studies, was distributed online to selected final year students of 10 clinical programs from medical, dental, pharmacy and health sciences faculties (n = 501). Quantitative data was analyzed via chi-square test (significance value p < .05) using social sciences software (SPSS). RESULTS The overall response rate was 76.4% (n = 383). About 63.2% of respondents reported having experienced IPE. This experience took place in lectures (32.1%) and online courses/webinars (36.2%). The majority of respondents provided positive feedback on various aspects of IPE. There was an insignificant difference among respondents across all programs in terms of their perception of its importance and effectiveness as well as their own preference for multidisciplinary lectures as a mode to conduct IPE. Most students agreed that challenges in conducting IPE include time constraints (83%), communication difficulties (70.8%), and lack of skills (57.4%), with no significant difference across programs. Students opined that IPE was beneficial in providing exposure to other disciplines, encouraging peer interactions, developing new skills, and improving overall learning experience. However, some reported challenges in integrating with other students, while others cited compromised experience due to problems with crowd control CONCLUSION: Students' support for IPE has positive implications for future implementation and highlights areas for improvement and further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mas Suryalis Ahmad
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Asyrani Asban
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | | | - Nurul 'Izzah Mohd Sarmin
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Aida Nur Ashikin Abd Rahman
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
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Cheng AL, Eberhard J, Gordon J, Balasubramanian M, Willink A, Sohn W, Dai J, Harrison C. Encounters and management of oral conditions at general medical practices in Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1013. [PMID: 35941685 PMCID: PMC9361532 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor oral health has been widely recognised as an ongoing public health issue. Patients with oral conditions may visit either a general practitioner (GP) or a dental practitioner for management. The aims of this study are to report (i) the GP management rate of oral health conditions by patient and GP demographics, (ii) what specific oral conditions were managed, and (iii) how GPs managed oral conditions. Methods Data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health study (2006 to 2016 inclusive) were analysed. Descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals around point estimates were used to summarise data. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the independent effect of patient and GP characteristics. Results A total of 972,100 GP encounters were included in the dataset, with oral condition-related encounters managed at a rate of 1.19 oral conditions per 100 GP encounters. Patients who were aged 54 years or younger, resided in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area, came from a non-English speaking background or Indigenous background were more likely to have oral conditions managed by GPs. The most commonly reported oral conditions were dental and oral mucosa-related. Over 60% of oral conditions were managed by GPs through prescribed medications. Conclusions This study provided an overview of management of oral conditions by GPs in Australia. Patients from certain vulnerable demographic groups were more likely to attend a GP for management of oral conditions. Common oral conditions and management approaches were identified. The findings of this study contribute to public health and health policy discussions around optimising primary care provision in oral health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08299-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Lun Cheng
- School of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Joerg Eberhard
- School of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Julie Gordon
- School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Madhan Balasubramanian
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Health Care Management, College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amber Willink
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Woosung Sohn
- School of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Jennifer Dai
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Christopher Harrison
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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Rojo J, George A, Smith BW, Ramjan LM, Hunt L, Hartnett E, Salamonson Y. Integration of oral healthcare into undergraduate health professional educational programs: A scoping review. Collegian 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Nordin NN, Vaithilingam RD, Saub R, Nasir NH, Mohd Asari AS, Bashah B, Mahmud M, Mohammad NM. Awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practices on the management of diabetes mellitus patients with periodontitis amongst Malaysian primary care practitioners. Malays Fam Physician 2021; 16:44-55. [PMID: 34938392 PMCID: PMC8680934 DOI: 10.51866/oa1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The bi-directional relationship between periodontitis (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) has been confirmed. Medical practitioners (MPs) serve an important role in relaying this information to patients. This study aimed to investigate the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in the management of DM patients with PD in primary care clinics under the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire on KAP in the management of DM patients with PD was posted to 725 medical officers (MOs) and family medicine specialists (FMSs) in MOH clinics in Kedah, Terengganu, Johor and Negeri Sembilan. Collected data were tabulated and analysed using descriptive and regression analyses (simple and multiple). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 549 MPs responded. The majority of MPs were MOs (92.6%) and female (75.8%). FMSs had a greater awareness of PD when compared to MOs (p = 0.002). All MPs had good knowledge, except for the incorrect notion that excessive sugar causes PD (94.3%). Overall, FMSs had better knowledge when compared to MOs (p=0.026). The majority of MPs agreed that 'they should update their knowledge on the association between systemic disease and PD' (89.6%) and claimed that 'it was not their responsibility to examine DM patients for PD' (83.1%). Most MPs did not enquire or examine for PD in their DM patients. More FMSs (67.5%) referred patients to dentists compared to MOs (31.6%). CONCLUSION Most MPs have sufficient knowledge on PD, but a negative attitude in the management of PD in DM patients. The reasons for not referring included workload and patients refusing referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norul Nurdiyana Nordin
- DDS (UKM), Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rathna Devi Vaithilingam
- BDS (Malaya), MClinDent (Malaya), Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
| | - Roslan Saub
- BDS (Malaya), MDSc (Melb), PhD (Toronto), Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nazrila Hairizan Nasir
- MD (UKM), M Med (Fam Med) (Malaya), Msc Child Mental Health (University of Leceister, UK), Bahagian Pembangunan Kesihatan Keluarga, Cawangan Kesihatan, Primer, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Sharifuddin Mohd Asari
- BDS (Egypt), M.Sc (Peridontology) (London), FDSRCPS (Glasgow), Faculty of Dentistry, UiTM Kampus Sungai Buloh, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Baizury Bashah
- MBBS (Malaya), M Med (Fam Med) (Malaya), Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur Wilayah, Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maimunah Mahmud
- MBBS (Malaya), M Med (Fam Med) (Malaya), Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Buloh, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nik Mazlina Mohammad
- MBBS (Malaya), M Med (Fam Med) (Malaya), Klinik Kesihatan Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Ahmad MS, Abuzar MA, Razak IA, Rahman SA, Borromeo GL. Oral health education in the undergraduate nursing curriculum of Australian and Malaysian institutions. Eur J Dent Educ 2021; 25:350-359. [PMID: 33021010 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A high degree of training is necessary to prepare student nurses for their roles as oral healthcare partners that can promote a holistic approach to health in the community. This study aims to determine the extent of oral health education in Australian and Malaysian nursing institutions, as well as investigate educators' perceptions of education and practice in this area of care. METHODOLOGY An audio-recorded, semi-structured qualitative phone interview was conducted with the heads of 42 nursing schools across Australia (n = 35) and Malaysia (n = 7) during the 2015 academic year. Qualitative data were analysed via thematic analysis. Quantitative data, wherever appropriate, were measured for frequencies. RESULTS The response rate was 34.2% (n = 12) and 71.4% (n = 5) for the Australian and Malaysian subjects, respectively. Findings revealed that although all the nursing schools measured provided didactic and clinical training in oral health, curriculum content, expected learning outcomes, amount of clinical exposure and assessment approach lacked consistency. Most nursing educators across both countries perceived an overloaded curriculum as a barrier to providing oral health education. Whilst educators demonstrated their support for training in this area of care, they expressed the need for an established national guideline that highlights the educational requirement for future nurses in oral health maintenance and their scope of practice. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable information for further developing oral health education for nurses, to improve their competency and ultimately the health of the communities that they will serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mas S Ahmad
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Sabariah A Rahman
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
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Lim MAWT, Liberali SAC, Calache H, Parashos P, Borromeo GL. Perceived barriers encountered by oral health professionals in the Australian public dental system providing dental treatment to individuals with special needs. Spec Care Dentist 2021; 41:381-390. [PMID: 33621394 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate barriers experienced by clinicians treating individuals with special needs in the Australian public dental system. METHODS AND RESULTS Oral health professionals working at primary care clinics in the public dental system were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews or focus groups to discuss the challenges they faced in managing patients with special needs. Qualitative methods, employing inductive thematic analysis, revealed two primary barriers: 1. clinicians lacked confidence in their ability to treat patients with special needs because of insufficient training and experience, and difficulties obtaining information about their patients, and 2. barriers within the public dental system, including inadequate funding, equipment and facilities, and productivity pressures prevented clinicians from being able to provide the care patients required. The priority and understanding of the oral health for these individuals within the public dental system and wider disability sector was also raised. CONCLUSION A perceived lack of training and experience in managing individuals with special needs was a barrier to treating patients with special needs. Other significant barriers were under-resourcing of the public dental system and a lack of priority and understanding regarding oral health among carers of individuals with special needs and other health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Albert Wei Ting Lim
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Dental Services, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Andrea Corinne Liberali
- Special Needs Unit, Adelaide Dental Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hanny Calache
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Parashos
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ahmad MS, Abuzar MA, Razak IA, Rahman SA, Borromeo GL. Perceptions of oral health education and practice among nursing students in Malaysia and Australia. Int J Dent Hyg 2021; 19:215-222. [PMID: 33513278 DOI: 10.1111/idh.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Representing the largest proportion of healthcare workers, nurses play a significant role in oral health (OH) maintenance as part of a larger effort to promote holistic patient care. The study aims to determine nursing students' perceptions of OH education and practice in Malaysian and Australian nursing schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire (content- and face-validated) survey was undertaken, classroom style, amongst final-year nursing students from selected Malaysian (n = 122, Response rate=97.6%) and Australian (n = 299, Response rate=54.7%) institutions. Quantitative data were analysed via Statistical Package for Social Science software (Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, p ≤ 0.01). RESULTS Significantly more Malaysian nursing students, compared to those in Australia, reported having encountered patients with OH issues (98.4% vs. 82.9%), namely halitosis (87.7% vs. 62.2%), oral ulcers (63.1% vs. 41.1%), oral/dental trauma (36.9% vs. 21.1%) and caries in children (28.7% vs. 7.7%). Less than half of Malaysian and Australian nursing students reported that they received adequate OH training (48.4% vs. 36.6%, p ≤ 0.01), especially in detecting oral cancer (18.0.0% vs. 22.6%, p ≤ 0.01) and preventing oral diseases (46.7% vs. 41.7%, p ≤ 0.01). Students in both countries demonstrated positive attitudes and believed in their role in OH care. Most students agreed that they should receive training in OH, especially in smoking cessation and providing OH care for patients with special needs. They also opined that a standardized evidence-based oral hygiene protocol is needed. CONCLUSION Support for education and practice in this area of patient care suggested positive implications for further development of nurses' roles in OH promotion and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mas S Ahmad
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | | | - Ishak A Razak
- MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom, Malaysia
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Poudel P, Griffiths R, Wong VW, Arora A, Flack JR, Khoo CL, George A. Perceptions and practices of general practitioners on providing oral health care to people with diabetes - a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract 2020; 21:34. [PMID: 32054440 PMCID: PMC7020546 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-1102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Poorly controlled diabetes leads to multiple complications including oral health problems. General practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront of management of chronic diseases in primary health care. Diabetes guidelines encourage a proactive role for GPs in oral health complications management in people with diabetes, yet little is known about this area of care. This study aimed to explore current practices, perceptions and barriers of GPs towards oral health care for people with diabetes. Methods We employed a qualitative research method utilising telephone interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 12 GPs from Greater Sydney region. A thematic analysis involving an inductive approach was used to identify and analyse contextual patterns and themes. Results A majority of participants were males (n = 10), working in group practices (n = 11) with a mean ± SD age of 55 ± 11.4 years and 25 ± 13.6 years work experience. Three major themes emerged: oral health care practices in general practice settings; barriers and enablers to oral health care; and role of diabetes care providers in promoting oral health. Most GPs acknowledged the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes, identifying their compromised immune capacity and greater risks of infections as risk factors. GPs reported 20–30% of their patients having oral health problems, however their current oral health care practices relating to education, risk assessment and referrals were reported as very limited. GPs identified several barriers including time constraints, absence of referral pathways, and limited knowledge and training in promoting oral health care. They also reported patient barriers including oral health care costs and lower oral health awareness. GPs perceived that resources such as education/training, a standardised assessment tool and patient education materials could support them in promoting oral health care. GPs also perceived that other diabetes care providers such as diabetes educators could play an important role in promoting oral health. Conclusions Despite current recommendations, GPs’ current oral health care practices among people with diabetes are limited. Further strategies including capacity building GPs by developing appropriate oral health training programs and simple risk assessment tools along with accessible referral pathways are needed to address the current barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Poudel
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), Liverpool, New South Wales (NSW), 2170, Australia. .,School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia. .,South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia. .,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.
| | - Rhonda Griffiths
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Vincent W Wong
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Amit Arora
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Jeff R Flack
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Diabetes Centre Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, Bankstown, NSW, 2200, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Chee L Khoo
- Health focus Family Practice, Ingleburn, NSW, 2565, Australia
| | - Ajesh George
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), Liverpool, New South Wales (NSW), 2170, Australia.,School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
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Koirala A, O'Connor E, Widmer R, Kilpatrick N, Goldfeld S. Oral health care: The experience of Australian paediatricians. J Paediatr Child Health 2019; 55:1374-1380. [PMID: 30868700 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Many Australian children have dental decay in their deciduous teeth. Poor oral health can negatively impact a child's ability to eat, speak, sleep and socialise, with adverse impacts later in life. Paediatricians are well placed to examine children's teeth and to provide advice and education about oral health. Using a sample of Australian paediatricians, we aimed to determine: (i) self-reported oral health knowledge and skills, (ii) frequency of office-based oral health-related discussions, (iii) perceived role of paediatricians and (iv) barriers to oral health-related discussions. METHODS Members of a national network of paediatricians - the Australian Paediatric Research Network - completed a multi-topic survey, which included questions designed to assess oral health knowledge, current practice and barriers to oral health-related discussions. RESULTS Of 430 active members, 178 (41%) completed the survey. Few paediatricians reported very good/excellent ability to assess plaque build-up (8%) and dental caries (17%). Only 10% reported broaching the issue of oral health with all patients. Significant barriers included lack of professional training (52%) and other more pressing issues needing to be addressed (67%). CONCLUSIONS The increasing (and inequitable) rates of dental decay in Australian children mean that paediatricians should play a key role in the management of children's oral health. Many paediatricians reported a lack of specific training in oral health and limited ability to assess children and educate families. Despite the traditional divide between medicine and oral health, this study highlights the opportunity for Australian paediatricians to improve oral health through early intervention in the consultation room and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Koirala
- National Centre of Immunisation Research and Surveillance, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Women and Children, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elodie O'Connor
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard Widmer
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicky Kilpatrick
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Plastic Surgery Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Goldfeld
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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