Educating Dental Students About Eating Disorders: Perceptions and Practice of Interprofessional Care (original) (raw)
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Knowledge and Practice of Eating Disorders among a Group of Adolescent Dental Patients
Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 2013
Objectives: The objectives are to ascertain how much is known about the eating disorders of bulimia and anorexia nervosa in a group of female adolescents, to determine if they had practiced behaviors consistent with these eating disorders, and to determine if there was a disconnect with actual and perceived healthy weight status. Study Design: 126 research subjects completed a survey instrument. Embedded in the eighteen question survey were the five “SCOFF” questions, to determine if an eating disorder may exist. The BMI percentile was obtained for all participants. Results: 18.3% of the research sample may have an eating disorder as predicted by the SCOFF questions. Of those with a suspected eating disorder, only 38% could correctly identify the best description of bulimia nervosa and 50% for anorexia nervosa. The BMI percentiles were higher in the group suspected of having an eating disorder. Conclusions: Young adolescent females are at risk for eating disorders. Educational inter...
Dentists and eating disorders--knowledge, attitudes, management and experience
Swedish dental journal, 2009
The aims of the present study were to explore the level of knowledge and attitudes among dentists in relation to patients with eating disorders (ED) and evaluate the extent to which patients with ED are identified and/or treated in the dental setting. A postal questionnaire was constructed and sent to all dentists (n = 367) in two Swedish counties during November 2005. The questionnaire comprised 29 questions or statements in the following categories: demographics, general knowledge of ED and its oral consequences, experience of and attitudes towards patients with ED and interaction within the health care system, for example, referrals and treatment options regarding this patient group. The response rate was 70% (n = 258). Perceived knowledge about ED was most commonly obtained from media sources, namely newspapers, television, etc. Few dentists knew that there existed specialized referral units for ED patients in their county. The majority of dentists stated that they had seen only...
Eating Disorders: Assessment of Knowledge on a Dentist's Sample
International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition, 2015
Aim: To analyze the knowledge and experience of dentists with private practices in the Sassari district with regard to eating disorders and clinical stomatology manifestations. Methods: A questionnaire to investigate dentists' knowledge and experience was created and submitted to a random sample of dentists. Data were collected and analysed using the Stata SE 10 software. Results: In total, 150 dentists were enrolled (a representative sample). After questionnaire evaluation, the following results were obtained: 80.7% (121) of the participants had a degree in dentistry and 19.3% (29) had degrees in medicine with a dentistry master of science diploma, 46% (69) were males and 54% (81) were females, their age range was 25-62 (mean, 36.1) years, and the average work experience was 11.5 (range, 1-36) years. More than 90% of the participants defined eating disorders only as bulimia and anorexia. Of the dentists, 77.3% (116) correctly identified Western populations as the most affected, whereas 52.7% identified only whites as the most affected people. In total, 80% of the dentists recognised dental erosion and abrasion as typical oral manifestations. Only 62% stated that salivary pH decreases in these conditions, and 63% did not recognise parotid gland tumefaction as a clinical sign. Regarding operator experience, 60.7% (91 dentists) had clinical experience of patients with eating disorders: 43.9% of them had made diagnoses from oral manifestations, 51.3% (77) were not able to treat these patients, and 69.3% (104) would refer patients to specialized centres for treatment. Moreover, 119 (79.3%) considered that a dental hygienist was a valid collaborator for the treatment of oral cavity manifestations. Regarding prophylaxis, 16.7% (25) suggested fluoride prophylaxis and 21.3% (32) oral hygiene education. Only 1.3% indicated the use of bicarbonate to change salivary pH values, suggested conservative or prosthetic restorations, suggested the use of saliva substitutes, or the sealing of permanent teeth. Difficulties in clinically treating these patients were related to a lack of knowledge for 72% (108) of participants. Of them, 36.7% (55) had studied the clinical aspects of this pathology while attending dental school and 24.7% (37) after their degree. In total, 94.7% (142) expressed the need for further information and only 2% (3) considered they had sufficient clinical knowledge. Conclusions: It is evident that there is a lack of knowledge regarding the problem and there would seem to be an urgent need to provide more training programs and to establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders among dentists. In our opinion, the acquisition of such knowledge will change the approach to related pathology, improving clinical skills, and subsequently diagnosis and treatment.
Sanjeev B. Khanagar, Razan Aldhibi, Sara Alkattab, Lama Alosail, Huda Alaqail, Afrah Almotairi, Rahaf Almikhem
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, management, and clinical experience of dentists regarding patients with eating disorder in Saudi Arabia. Method and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to assess and evaluate the knowledge, attitude, management, and clinical experience of dentists regarding patients with eating disorders in Saudi Arabia. Participants for this study were male and female dental practitioners working in governmental or private sector and willing to participate (n= 485). Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, which consisted of 25 items related to socio-demographics of the participating dentists, their knowledge of ED, clinical experience, attitudes and perceived management preferences. Results: The majority of participants were Saudi female. About 85% (422) of the participants, were aware of eating disorders (ED). More than 45% (230) of the participants rated themselves as average with regards to overall knowledge about ED. 40% (195) were not sure if they could diagnose patients with bulimia nervosa but anticipated that they could. More than half of the participants 54.8% (276) stated that they are qualified enough to provide dental care for eating disorder patients. More than 60% (323) stated that they have never treated patients with eating disorders. About 60% (288) of the professions informed patient and/or parent and referred them for consultation when they were suspected to have ED. Conclusion: According to these findings, dentists in Saudi Arabia reported average knowledge regarding ED and insufficient clinical experience. Therefore, there is a need to increase both undergraduate and continuing education in this field to improve the management that a dentist can provide for ED patients.
Journal of Eating Disorders, 2019
Background: It is recognized that eating disorders are serious psychosocial illnesses that affect many adolescents and adults. A pre and post survey study was developed to assess demographics, oral health knowledge and selfimage of patients with eating disorders participating in a hospital-based eating disorder clinic using an original oral health education program. The program's aim is to change the self-image and oral health practices of patients with anorexia-binge eating/purging (AN-BP) and bulimia nervosa (BN) disorders. Methods: A pre-survey was completed by each study participant prior to attending the three educational sessions over a six-week period. A post survey questionnaire was completed after participation in all the educational presentations. Forty-six patients attended all three educational sessions and completed the pre and postquestionnaires. Results: Most patients knew in advance that AN-BP and BN behavior can cause erosion of the teeth but only 30% knew the most likely location for the erosion to occur. But, following completion of the educational interventions, 73% answered the location correctly. Patients who reported going to the dentist regularly were significantly more likely to respond that their teeth/mouth had a positive effect on how they looked to themselves and to others, their general health, and their general happiness. Positive responses to the effect of the teeth/mouth on kissing and romantic relationships were also significantly higher for those who go to the dentist regularly compared to those who do not. Conclusions: There is a need to further understand AN-BP and BP patients' oral health knowledge and self-image perceptions as it relates to their smile (teeth, mouth) to assist in developing a standardized oral health program for eating disorder centers to implement into their daily curricula. A dental team member in an interdisciplinary eating disorder treatment team is important. Including an oral health education program improves patients' oral hygiene and oral health knowledge, as well as provides a supportive environment to empower the patients to take control of their overall oral health. Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered on April 18, 2019 in ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03921632.
Eating disorders: Condition of interest to a restoring dentist: A narrative review
IP innovative publication pvt. ltd, 2019
Abstract Eating disorders (EDs) are psychosocial conditions having a significant impact on the patient’s general and oral health status. Since dentists are usually the first health professionals to encounter patients with EDs, it is important to be aware of the characteristic presentations of these disorders. This narrative review aims to provide a knowledge base for restoring dentists about three main eating disorders –Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders, their systemic and oral manifestations, protocol for preventive care and comprehensive treatment plan. Literature search was conducted in electronic databases and 60 articles were selected for the review. Considerable emphasis is placed on diagnosis and management of such disorders. These patients pose a challenging situation to the dental fraternity, since most restoring dentists are unaware of the fundamental importance of their role in the multidisciplinary treatment and due to lack of training regarding strategies involved in their dental treatment. Keywords: Eating disorders, Oral manifestations, Diagnosis, Prosthodontic management.
Communicating effectively with patients suspected of having bulimia nervosa
Journal of the American Dental Association, 2005
Background. The dental team often is confronted with the clinical appearance of erosion affecting the hard and soft oral tissues. An investigative process often is needed to determine the cause of such erosion, because factors other than eating disorders may be involved. The authors present a protocol that should be considered in the assessment of dental erosion. Guidelines provide direction for the clinician toward opening a dialogue with a patient when the suspected cause of erosion is an eating disorder. Types of Studies Reviewed. The authors review publications related to the causes of dental erosion and the patterns that are involved with both chemical and mechanical destruction of oral tissues. They also discuss the oral-tissue effects related to eating disorders. The authors stress the importance of assisting parents in obtaining adequate treatment for pediatric patients. Results. Cases of eating disorders among female college students, athletes, preadolescent children and men are welldocumented. However, dental staff members often do not feel comfortable beginning a dialogue with patients who are suspected of having an eating disorder. This article focuses on the proper protocol for approaching such patients and beginning a dialogue. In addition, the authors provide suggestions for limiting further erosive damage to the tissues. They also discuss other causes of erosion that should be considered when assessing any type of oral erosion. Clinical Implications. The dental team is in a prime position to assist patients who have eating disorders. Timely treatment by mental health and other medical professionals is crucial. The authors suggest a dialogue for approaching these patients and offer educational material to reduce further tissue destruction.
Eating disorders and oral health: a scoping review on the role of dietitians
Journal of eating disorders, 2020
Background: Compromised nutritional intake due to eating disorder related behaviors, such as binge eating and purging, can lead to multi-system medical complications, including an irreversible impact on oral health. However, dental anxiety, fear or embarrassment may hinder individuals with an eating disorder from seeking assistance for their oral health concerns. As key health professionals in eating disorder treatment, dietitians are well positioned to provide basic dental screening, however, their capacity to perform this role in practice has not been established. The aim of this review was to identify current evidence on the role of dietitians in promoting oral health among individuals with eating disorders. Methods: A comprehensive search of eight electronic databases and the grey literature was conducted to address the following three focus areas: 1) guidelines and recommendations on the role of dietitians in oral health 2) knowledge, attitudes and practices of dietitians regarding oral health promotion and; 3) current models of oral health care and resources for dietitians. Results: Twelve articles were included. The review indicated that current national and international position statements encourage dietitians to conduct basic oral health screening and promote oral health in high risk populations, such as those with an eating disorder. However, no evidence was found to indicate dietitians performed oral health screening or education in populations with an eating disorder. In other population settings, dietitians were found to play a role in oral health promotion, however, were noted to have mixed knowledge on oral health risk factors, prevention and treatment and generally were not providing referrals. Some oral health promotion resources existed for dietitians working in pediatric, HIV and geriatric clinical areas however no resources were identified for dietitians working in eating disorder settings. Conclusion: Despite current evidence showing that dietitians can play a role in oral health care, no models of care exist where dietitians promote oral health among individuals with an eating disorder. There are also no training resources and screening tools for dietitians in this area. Further research is required to develop this model of care and assess its feasibility and acceptability.
Eating disorders and oral health
IP innovative publication pvt. ltd, 2019
Eating disorders are somatic symptom disorders i.e. person feels extreme, exaggerated anxiety about physical symptoms. The people suffering from eating disorders have such intense thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms, that they feel they cannot do some of the activities of daily life. So their study is both necessary and difficult. Eating disorders have become very prevalent in today’s society; despite this people treat EDs and people suffering from EDs with a certain stigma. Early detection and intervention play a huge role in treatment for eating disorders. Dentists and dental hygienists can play a pivotal role in diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders by providing a timely diagnosis. Also as dental practitioners, it is our duty to to raise awareness about EDs. In this article, we discuss eating disorders, their classification, symptoms, epidemiology, etiology, manifestation and management. Keywords: Eating disorder, Classification, Anorexia nrvosa, Bulimia nervosa, Epidemiology, Etiology, Systemic manifestations, Oral manifestations, Dental management.