Perceptions and practices of general practitioners on providing oral health care to people with diabetes - a qualitative study

Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of dietitians in Australia: A national survey

AIM

Dietitians are a well-placed profession to be providing pre-emptive oral health promotion. Despite recommendations that oral health promotion should be routinely part of dietetic practice, there is limited data informing the current practices of clinical dietitians in this area across Australia. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of Australian dietitians and oral health promotion.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken involving registered clinical dietitians in Australia using purposive and snowballing sampling (social media/dietetic organisations/public databases). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 149 dietitians participated in the national survey. Overall, dietitians were knowledgeable about oral health risk factors and preventative measures across general health domains. Majority of dietitians agreed that oral health can affect nutrition interventions (95.5%) and dietitians should be discussing oral health (88.0%). However, nearly half were not confident in providing counselling or education and felt that undergraduate training for oral health promotion was inadequate (78.2%). A small proportion (6.0%) of dietitians were already providing oral health promotion regularly. Key barriers included a lack of clear guidelines for practice, limited training opportunities and indistinct referral pathways.

CONCLUSION

Dietitians have acknowledged that oral health promotion should be incorporated into their practice. However, they are challenged by a lack of resources and training to support this in clinical practice. SO WHAT?: Capacity building dietitians to promote oral health allows opportunity for improvement in the oral health, nutritional status and quality of life of priority population groups.

Dental referrals for patients with diabetes: survey of barriers and enablers for medical and health professionals

BACKGROUND

Oral health care improves diabetes management; however, medical and other health practitioners do not commonly refer their patients with diabetes for oral health care. This study aimed to understand barriers to and enablers of dental referrals for patients with diabetes.

METHODS

Quantitative data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of health care providers attending a virtual Grand Rounds on the relationship between oral health and diabetes. Attendees were invited to complete and share a Forms survey. Barriers to and enablers of dental referrals were compared for 18 health professionals working in inpatient/ward settings to 23 working in community/primary care settings using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Across both work settings, only 12% of respondents often or always discussed the importance of oral health and only 8% often or always referred their patients with diabetes for dental care. Time barriers, awareness and knowledge of how/where to send dental referrals were significant barriers, while online referral pathways, more education and availability of brochures for the patient to take home were identified as key enablers for dental referrals.

CONCLUSIONS

Online referral pathways, targeted oral health education and resources for medical and health professionals caring for patients with diabetes may increase the number of patients being referred for dental care as part of their diabetes managements. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Qualitative Methodology in Translational Health Research: Current Practices and Future Directions

Translational health research is an interdisciplinary field aimed at bridging the gap between basic science studies, preventative studies, and clinical practice to improve health-related outcomes. Qualitative research methods provide a unique perspective on the emotional, social, cultural, and contextual factors that influence health and healthcare and thus are recognized as valuable tools for translational health research. This approach can be embedded within a mixed method design which complements the quantitative findings. This methodological paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and methodologies used in qualitative research, emphasizing their utilization and significance in translational health research. Several approaches to qualitative research methodology are discussed in this review, including ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, case study, and action research. Theoretical frameworks such as the social-ecological model, intersectionality, and participatory action research are also examined to provide a structure for understanding and interpreting complex health issues. This methodological paper also reviews commonly used sampling techniques such as purposive, snowball, convenience, theoretical, and maximum variation sampling, along with data collection methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, observation, document analysis, and participatory methods. Moreover, data analysis techniques such as thematic analysis, grounded theory, content analysis, narrative analysis, and reflexive analysis, are discussed in the context of translational health. Overall, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities of using qualitative methods in current practice, while also discussing future directions and providing valuable guidance and insights to researchers interested in conducting qualitative research in translational health.

Oral health and individuals with a lived experience of an eating disorder: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists describing the impact to oral health when living with an eating disorder and the availability of information or access to oral health services. This study investigated the perceptions of individuals with a lived experience of an eating disorder specifically to understand their needs and recommendations for improving access to early intervention and oral health promotion.

METHODS

Using purposive sampling a total of 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants across Australia who had a lived experience of an eating disorder. A hybrid inductive and deductive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct salient themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

Most participants had experienced some oral health manifestation as part of their eating disorder hence, many felt quite knowledgeable on the topic. Following their eating disorder many participants felt confident in engaging with dental services, although, barriers including embarrassment, shame, and cost compromised access at times. Participants felt strongly that greater emphasis on oral health promotion during an eating disorder was important and this may be achieved by increasing the availability of resources and using trusted non-dental health professionals like dietitians.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for oral health promotion while experiencing an eating disorder was evident, however, dentists can often be a costly option. Non-dental health professionals like dietitians working with clients with an eating disorder may be an acceptable alternative for closing this gap.

Strategies to integrate oral health into primary care: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Integration of oral health into primary care has been proposed as a primary healthcare approach for efficient and sustainable delivery of oral health services, and the effective management of oral diseases. This paper aimed to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of strategies to integrate oral health into primary care.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched without date limits until the third week of June 2022. Reference lists of eligible studies were also searched. Experts in the field and existing professional networks were consulted.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Only studies that evaluated integration strategies were included in the review. Eligibility was restricted to English language studies published in academic peer-reviewed journals.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data and performed the risk of bias assessments. A narrative synthesis approach was used to report review findings. Heterogeneity among included studies precluded a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The search identified 8731 unique articles, of which 49 were included in the review. Majority of the studies explored provision of oral healthcare by primary care professionals in primary care settings, where integration was primarily via training/education and/or policy changes. Most studies reported results favouring the integration strategy, such as improvements in referral pathways, documentation processes, operating efficiencies, number of available health staff, number of visits to non-dental primary care professionals for oral health issues, proportion of children receiving fluoride varnish applications/other preventive treatment, proportion of visits to an oral health professional and dental caries estimates.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this review demonstrate that the majority of identified strategies were associated with improved outcomes and can be used to inform decision-making on strategy selection. However, more research and evaluation are required to identify best practice models of service integration.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020203111.

Interaction of Systemic Morbidity and Oral Health in Ambulatory Patients in Need of Home Care (InSEMaP): an observational study at the sector boundary between dental and general practice care in Germany

INTRODUCTION

Older people in need of home care are at risk of declining oral health as their visits to dentists are becoming less frequent due to restricted mobility. There is increasing evidence that poor oral health and systemic diseases are closely associated, for example, in cardiological, metabolic or neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, Interaction of Systemic Morbidity and Oral Health in Ambulatory Patients in Need of Home Care (InSEMaP) is investigating the need, provision and utilisation of oral healthcare, systemic morbidity and clinical status of the oral cavity in older people.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

InSEMaP consists of four subprojects (SP), all involving the target population of older people in need of home care. In SP1 part a, a sample is surveyed using a self-report questionnaire. In SP1 part b, stakeholders (general practitioners, dentists, medical assistants, family and professional caregivers) are interviewed regarding barriers and facilitators using focus groups and personal interviews. In SP2, a retrospective cohort study, health insurance claims data are examined to investigate the utilisation of oral healthcare, its association with systemic morbidity and healthcare costs. In SP3, a clinical observational study will assess the oral health of participants by a dentist's visit at home. SP4 synthesises the results of SP1, SP2 and SP3 to develop integrated clinical pathways, identifying strategies to uphold oral healthcare in older people. In assessing and evaluating the process of oral healthcare, and its associated systemic morbidity, InSEMaP aims to improve general healthcare across the sector boundary of dental and general practitioner care.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Hamburg Medical Chamber (approval number: 2021-100715-BO-ff). The results of this study will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals. An expert advisory board to support the InSEMaP study group will be established.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00027020.

Oral health-care needs among clients receiving alcohol and other drugs treatment-A scoping review

ISSUES

Poor oral health is a significant problem among people who access alcohol and other drugs (AOD) health services, yet little is known about their oral health-care needs and whether any interventions and guidelines are implemented within AOD treatment services.

APPROACH

A scoping review was conducted to identify scientific literature in three focus areas: oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of clients and clinicians at AOD-related services; oral health guidelines for AOD clinicians; and interventions that describe clinicians promoting oral health among clients.

KEY FINDINGS

Thirty-two reports were identified. Twenty-three studies focused on the oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of AOD clients, but none of the studies explored perspectives of clinicians. Seven clinical practice guidelines were identified but recommendations varied. Only two interventions in which an AOD clinician promoted oral health were identified.

IMPLICATIONS

Most reports provided insight into the perspectives of clients accessing AOD treatment services. Little evidence demonstrated that clinical practice guidelines were being implemented into practice, or that oral health promotion was part of the tasks of AOD clinicians.

CONCLUSION

This review identified oral health knowledge gaps and perceived poor attitudes that appeared to be reflected in certain oral health practices among clients. This finding indicates a need to educate clients about oral health while receiving AOD treatment. There was an absence of research about the needs for AOD clinicians to advocate for good oral health, and little evidence exists about effective interventions that could enhance integrating oral health care into AOD treatment services.

Effectiveness of oral health promotion interventions for people with type 2 diabetes delivered by non-dental health care professionals: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Oral health problems among people with diabetes mellitus are an emerging public health problem. Despite the rising concerns of oral health and diabetes mellitus comorbidity, there is a lack of dental health care professionals such as dentists, to address this problem, especially at the primary care level in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

This review systematically synthesizes the current evidence in terms of the involvement of non-dental health care professionals in promoting oral health among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and assessed the effectiveness of such programs.

METHODS

Six electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus) and Google Scholar were systematically searched. The inclusion criteria were: 1) had an intervention promoting oral health; 2) targeted but not limited to people with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 3) intervention led but not limited to by non-dental health care professionals; 4) published in English language between January 2000 and July 2021. This review was registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42021248213).

RESULTS

A total of five studies from four countries (Finland, Thailand, Iran, and the Netherlands) met the inclusion criteria. The interventions included oral health education, a dental care reminder system, and the implementation of oral health care protocols in general practices, all of which were mainly implemented by nurses. All interventions improved clinical outcomes, including decreased probing depth, attachment loss, and plaque index scores, and non-clinical outcomes such as enhanced knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Three studies also reported an improvement in diabetes mellitus outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests that non-dental health care professionals play a promising role in promoting oral health among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our findings support the potential for integrating oral health promotion programs in primary health care, as such programs could bring better oral health and diabetes mellitus outcomes.

Dietitians' Experiences of Providing Oral Health Promotion to Clients with an Eating Disorder: A Qualitative Study

(1) Background: Eating disorders (EDs) can seriously impact oral health, leading to irreversible dental damage. Dietitians play a key role in the care of people with an ED and are well-placed to promote oral health. However, there is currently little understanding of how dietitians perceive their role in this space. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and role of dietitians in providing oral health promotion to their clients in an ED clinical setting. (2) Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the perceptions of 14 registered dietitians practicing across seven states in Australia. Participants were recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was undertaken to identify and describe the key themes generated from the data. (3) Results: Generally, dietitians were insightful and knowledgeable of the oral health issues that clients with an ED may be experiencing. However, dietitians' practices across education, screening, and referrals were inconsistent. Challenges such as inadequate training, unknown referral pathways, and clear guidelines were cited as significant barriers to practice. (4) Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for education and the development of targeted strategies that address challenges to oral health promotion in dietetic practice.

Developing and pilot testing an oral health screening tool for diabetes care providers

Background

People with poorly managed diabetes are at greater risk of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease that is not effectively managed can affect glycaemic levels. Diabetes care providers, including general practitioners and diabetes educators, are encouraged to promote oral health of their clients. However, valid and reliable oral health screening tools that assess the risk of poor oral health, that are easy to administer among non-dental professionals, currently do not exist. Existing screening tools are difficult to incorporate into routine diabetes consultations due to their length. Thus, this study aimed to develop and pilot a short oral health screening tool that would identify risk of existing oral diseases and encourage appropriate referrals to the dental service.

Methods

A three-item screening tool was developed after a comprehensive review of the literature and consensus from an expert panel. The tool was then piloted as part of a larger cross-sectional survey of 260 adults with diabetes who were accessing public diabetes clinics at two locations in Sydney, Australia. As part of the survey, participants completed the three-item screening tool and a 14-item validated tool, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), which has been used previously in the preliminary validation of screening tools. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were then undertaken comparing the results of the two tools.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was found between the shorter screening tool and the OHIP-14 (rho = 0.453, p < 0.001), indicating adequate validity. The three-item tool had high sensitivity (90.5%, 95% CI 84.9%, 94.7%), with a specificity of 46.3% (95% CI 37.7%, 55.2%). The negative predictive value was 81.4% (95% CI 71.3, 89.3). No single item performed as well regarding sensitivity and negative predictive value when compared to the three items collectively.

Conclusions

The three-item screening tool developed was found to be valid and sensitive in identifying risk of poor oral health, requiring oral health referrals, among people with diabetes in this pilot. This is a simple, accessible tool that diabetes care providers could incorporate into their routine consultations. Further validation against comprehensive dental assessments is needed to reassess the tool’s specificity and sensitivity in diverse settings.

Encounters and management of oral conditions at general medical practices in Australia

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.

Supporting family carers in Ireland: the role of the general practitioner

BACKGROUND

Ireland has over half a million family carers who provide care to a family member or loved one. Internationally, it is recognised that general practitioners (GPs) have a critical role to play in the identification and support of family carers, but, to date, no guidelines exist in Ireland to support GPs in this role.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine how carers are currently supported (or not) by healthcare professionals in Ireland, with a particular focus on the role of the GP.

METHODS

A mixed method design was used, involving a national online survey (N = 132) of family carers in Ireland and one-to-one interviews with 10 stakeholders (4 GPs; 6 carers). The quantitative data were analysed using a series of descriptive and inferential statistics; the interview data were analysed using framework analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-one per cent of the carer sample reported experiencing psychological distress, more than two-thirds of whom (69%) reported 'rarely' or 'never' being asked about their own health and wellbeing. Sixty-one per cent also felt misunderstood in terms of the challenges they face in their caring role. Three key themes were identified from the interview data including (1) GP role ambiguity; (2) navigating informal processes and (3) changing needs along the care trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest important gaps in terms of the role of GPs vis-à-vis their support of family carers. GPs themselves indicated that they need both greater clarity regarding their role with family carers and more training and resources in this regard. A requirement for more streamlined communication and information provision was also highlighted by both GPs and carers. Carers reported a need for more information on the role of GPs in supporting carers as well as more support in addressing, in particular, the psychological complexities of carer identity and help seeking.

Perceptions and Practices of Oral Health Care Professionals in Preventing and Managing Childhood Obesity

In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions of oral health care professionals (OHCPs) on childhood overweight and obesity screening and management in oral health settings in the Greater Sydney region in New South Wales, Australia. OHCPs involved in the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids (HSHK) birth cohort study were purposively selected for this nested qualitative study. A sample of 15 OHCPs completed the face-to-face interviews, and thematic analysis was undertaken to identify and analyse the contextual patterns and themes. Three major themes emerged: (1) obesity prevention and management in dental practice; (2) barriers and enablers to obesity prevention and management in dental settings; and (3) the role of oral health professionals in promoting healthy weight status. This study found that OHCPs are well-positioned and supportive in undertaking obesity screening and management in their routine clinical practice. However, their practices are limited due to barriers such as time constraints, limited knowledge, and limited referral pathways. Strategies including capacity building of OHCPs, development of appropriate training programs and resources, and identification of a clear specialist referral pathway are needed to address the current barriers. This study provides an insight into opportunities for the oral health workforce in promoting healthy weight status among children.

Oral health-related interdisciplinary practices among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia: Does integrated care exist?

Background

There is a bidirectional relation between oral and general health, therefore collaboration between healthcare providers is needed. This study investigated current interdisciplinary practices (IDP) and the associated factors among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Saudi Arabia recruiting four groups of health professionals (nurses, physicians, pediatricians and Ear-Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists). A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed online and shared through social media platforms. The questionnaire explored predisposing factors (demographics) and facilitating factors (knowledge, attitudes, attendance of oral health training and source of knowledge) associated with IDP.

Results

A total of 1398 health professionals were recruited. Participants showed fair oral health knowledge (7.1 ± 2.1) and attitudes (22.2 ± 3). Three-fourths (74.6%) reported always providing oral health education (OHE) to their patients, more than half (59.6%) reported always conducting an oral health screening (OHS), two-thirds (66.7%) reported responding to patients’ questions about oral health or conditions and 58.7% reported referring patients to dentists. Pediatricians and physicians had greater odds of IDP compared to other health professionals. Source of oral health knowledge (Ministry of Health (MOH) and formal education) was significantly associated with increased odds of IDP. Participants with good oral health knowledge had greater odds of responding to patients’ oral health question as well as have more referral practices.

Conclusion

The results reveal a discrepancy between participants' IDP, knowledge, and attitudes. Incorporating dental component to medical curricula, continuous education and training programs targeting health professionals through Ministry of Health should be considered.

Differences in Dental Care Referral for Diabetic Patients Between General Practitioners and Diabetes Specialists in Japan, Analyzed from NSAID-Study 3

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease is a common inflammation worldwide and is not only the foremost cause of tooth loss but also a cause of deterioration of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition, effective glycemic management improves the control of periodontitis infection. The aim of this study was to clarify whether awareness of the need to refer their patients with diabetes to dentists differs between general practitioners and diabetes specialists. This was achieved by secondary analysis of data from the 2018 Nationwide Survey on Actual Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) by Japanese Practitioners (NSAID Study).

METHODS

Data from 380 general practitioners and 79 diabetes specialists who participated in the NSAID study and responded to the question of whether they referred T2DM patients to the dentist were analyzed in this study.

RESULTS

The proportion of general practitioners who referred T2DM patients to dentists was significantly lower than that of diabetes specialists (35.4% vs. 64.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This result suggests that the general practitioners who participated in this study were less cognizant of oral hygiene in patients with diabetes than those who specialized in diabetes. It is also necessary to increase the opportunities for education of physicians who provide diabetic care to promote appropriate dental referrals.

Interprofessional diabetes and oral health management: what do primary healthcare professionals think?

Background: Diabetes and periodontitis have a bi-directional relationship. And yet, collaborations between primary healthcare practitioners in diabetes and oral health care are minimal. This study explored the views of general practice and oral health professionals on the link between diabetes and periodontitis, and interprofessional diabetes and oral health management.

Methods: A sequential mixed-methods exploratory research design was used. General practice and oral health professionals were recruited from four community health centres in Melbourne. Quantitative surveys explored participants’ experiences, attitudes and knowledge of diabetes and oral health management and interprofessional collaboration; qualitative follow-up interviews explored survey responses with selected participants.

Results: 58 participants completed the online surveys; 22 then participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants generally had strong intentions to collaborate interprofessionally in diabetes and oral health management. Most general practice and oral health professional participants were willing to perform simple screening for periodontitis or diabetes respectively. Themes from the interviews were grouped under three domains: ‘a ttitude towards diabetes and oral health management’, ‘subjective norms’ and ‘perceived behavioural control’; and an overarching domain to describe participants’ ‘current practice’. Existing siloed primary healthcare practices and lack of formal referral pathways contribute to poor interprofessional collaboration. Most participants were unsure of each other’s responsibilities and roles. Their lack of training in the relationship between general and oral health, compounded by systemic barriers including time constraint, high dental costs, long public dental waiting list and unintegrated health information systems, also impeded interprofessional care.

Conclusions: The diabetes and oral health link is not properly recognised or managed collaboratively by relevant primary healthcare professionals in Australia. There is, nonetheless, strong intentions to engage in interprofessional diabetes and oral health care to contribute to improved patient outcomes. Primary healthcare professionals need dedicated and accredited interprofessional training and competencies, formal referral systems and sustainable health policies to facilitate collaboration.

Knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health among Australians diagnosed with diabetes

Diabetes and periodontitis are two major diseases affecting the Australian population. Despite the established interrelationship between the diseases, the knowledge of people with diabetes about this interrelationship is limited. This study investigated the knowledge of individuals with diabetes towards periodontal health in Australia. Adults diagnosed with diabetes participated in a survey asking about demographics, medical history, symptoms in the oral cavity, oral hygiene, attendance at the dentist and their knowledge of the interactions between periodontal disease and diabetes. The survey was completed by 113 participants, most of whom thought their diabetes was well controlled. Over half reported bleeding on brushing and one-third reported swollen gums. More than half (53.6%) the respondents were unaware of any complications of diabetes associated with the oral cavity, especially periodontal disease. Most respondents did not talk to their dentist about diabetes (53.6%), yet most wanted to know more about the effects of diabetes on gum health (75.3%). These findings demonstrate that, in this survey, adult Australians diagnosed with diabetes have limited knowledge about how periodontal disease affects them. These individuals, who are at a higher risk of periodontal disease, need to be better informed of the established bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health by all health professionals.

Survival rate and peri-implant evaluation of immediately loaded dental implants in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

To evaluate the survival rate, success rate, and peri-implant biological changes of immediately loaded dental implants (ILs) placed in type 2 diabetic patients (DM2).

Materials and methods

The present study was registered on PROSPERO and followed the PRISMA checklist. The search was performed by the first reviewer in January 2021. The electronic databases used were MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane, BVS, Web of Science, Scopus, LIVIVO, and gray literature. The risk of bias analysis was performed using an instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

A total of 3566 titles and abstracts were obtained. The qualitative synthesis included 7 studies, while the quantitative synthesis included 5 studies. The meta-analysis of IL in individuals with DM2 compared to nondiabetic individuals showed no significant difference among the groups regarding the survival rate of dental implants (RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.96–1.04; p = 0.91; I² = 0%), even if the patient had poor glycemic control (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.87–1.33; p = 0.48; I² = 70%). Meta-analysis of marginal bone loss in IL compared to conventional loading in DM2 patients also showed no significant difference (mean difference =  − 0.08, 95% CI − 0.25–0.08; p = 0.33; I² = 83%).

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes mellitus does not seem to be a risk factor for immediately loaded implants if the glycemic level is controlled, the oral hygiene is satisfactory, and the technical steps are strictly followed.

Clinical relevance

Rehabilitation in diabetic individuals is more common due to the highest prevalence of edentulism in this population. It is essential to establish appropriate protocols for loading dental implants.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-021-04154-6.

Diabetes and Oral Health: Summary of Current Scientific Evidence for Why Transdisciplinary Collaboration Is Needed

This Perspective provides a brief summary of the scientific evidence for the often two-way links between hyperglycemia, including manifest diabetes mellitus (DM), and oral health. It delivers in a nutshell examples of current scientific evidence for the following oral manifestations of hyperglycemia, along with any available evidence for effect in the opposite direction: periodontal diseases, caries/periapical periodontitis, tooth loss, peri-implantitis, dry mouth (xerostomia/hyposalivation), dysbiosis in the oral microbiome, candidiasis, taste disturbances, burning mouth syndrome, cancer, traumatic ulcers, infections of oral wounds, delayed wound healing, melanin pigmentation, fissured tongue, benign migratory glossitis (geographic tongue), temporomandibular disorders, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Evidence for effects on quality of life will also be reported. This condensed overview delivers the rationale and sets the stage for the urgent need for delivery of oral and general health care in patient-centered transdisciplinary collaboration for early detection and management of both hyperglycemia and oral diseases to improve quality of life.

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Australian Aboriginal Women on Oral Health during Pregnancy

The aim of this study was to explore whether oral health was an important consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy, whether oral health could be promoted by Aboriginal health staff, and strategies that would be appropriate to use in a new model of care. A qualitative descriptive methodology underpinned the study. All participants in this study identified as Aboriginal, with no Torres Strait Islander participants, and were from New South Wales, Australia. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. From the data, two themes were constructed. The first theme identified that oral health was not always the first priority for participants as poor accessibility alongside other competing commitments were challenges to accessing oral health services. The second theme highlighted how relationships with personal networks and healthcare providers were essential and could be used to support maternal oral health during pregnancy. Effective strategies to promote oral health during pregnancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women should involve key stakeholders and health care providers, like Aboriginal Health Workers, to facilitate culturally safe support and tailored oral health advice.

A High Masticatory Muscle Tone Predicts the Risk of Malnutrition and Frailty in Inpatient Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of malnutrition among inpatient older adults is as high as 20∼50%. Masticatory performance is known to affect the nutritional status of individuals. However, an objective measurement to reflect the real status of masticatory muscle performance is lacking at the bedside.

METHODS

This pilot study analyzed the masticatory performance using surface electromyography (sEMG) of masticatory muscles that measures both muscle strength and muscle tone at the bedside. The nutritional status was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool. The handgrip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. The statistical data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software.

RESULTS

The data revealed that female inpatient older adults more frequently had substandard handgrip strength (p = 0.028), an at-risk and poor nutritional status (p = 0.005), and a higher masseter muscle tone (p = 0.024). Inpatient older adults with an at-risk and poor nutritional status had an older age (p = 0.016), lower handgrip strength (p = 0.001), and higher average masseter muscle tone (p = 0.01). A high masseter muscle tone predicted the risk of having an at-risk and poor nutritional status. The at-risk or poor nutritional status predicted having a substandard handgrip strength by 5-fold.

CONCLUSIONS

A high masticatory muscle tone predicts malnutrition and frailty. Medical professionals should combat masticatory dysfunction-induced malnutrition by detecting masticatory muscle performance using sEMG and referring patients to dental professionals. Additionally, encouraging inpatient older adults to perform oral motor exercise is recommended.

Implementation of an Oral Care Protocol for Primary Diabetes Care: A Pilot Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Although diabetes care guidelines recommend paying attention to oral health, the effect on daily practice has been limited, and patients with diabetes have yet to benefit. We investigated whether implementation of an oral care protocol for general practitioners (GPs [family physicians]) can improve patient-centered outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Twenty-four GP offices were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group (12 offices each). In the experimental group, GPs and nurse practitioners implemented an oral care protocol. No extra attention was given to oral health in the control group. The primary outcome parameter was oral health-related quality of life (QoL) assessed with the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile at baseline and 1 year later. Other outcomes were self-reported oral health complaints and general health-related QoL (36-item Short Form Health Survey).

RESULTS

Of 764 patients with type 2 diabetes, 543 (71.1%) completed the 1-year follow-up. More patients reported improved oral health-related QoL in the experimental group (35.2%) compared to the control group (25.9%) (P = .046; P_adj = .049). In a secondary post hoc analysis including GP offices with ≥60% patient follow-up (n = 18), improvement was 38.3% and 24.9%, respectively (P and P_adj = .011). Improvement of self-reported oral health complaints did not differ between groups. The intervention had no effect on general health-related QoL, with the exception of the concept scale score for changes in health over time (P_adj = .033).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of an oral care protocol in primary diabetes care improved oral health-related QoL in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Oral Health Status, Knowledge, and Behaviours of People with Diabetes in Sydney, Australia

This study assessed self-reported oral health status, knowledge, and behaviours of people living with diabetes along with barriers and facilitators in accessing dental care. A cross sectional survey of 260 patients from four public diabetes clinics in Sydney, Australia was undertaken using a 35-item questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive and logistic regression analyses. More than half (53.1%) of respondents reported having dental problems which negatively impacted their related quality of life. Less than half (45%) had adequate oral health knowledge. Only 10.8% reported receiving any oral health information in diabetes care settings, which had higher odds of demonstrating adequate oral health knowledge (AOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.06-6.34). Similarly, 62.7% reported seeing a dentist in the last 12 months. Having private health insurance (AOR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.85-7.40) had higher odds of seeing a dentist in the past 12 months. Dental costs were a major contributor to avoiding or delaying dental visit. Patients living with diabetes have unmet oral health needs particularly around the awareness of its importance and access to affordable dental services. Diabetes care providers can play a crucial role in this area by promoting oral health to their patients.

Knowledge of oral health among family medicine physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2020

Background

Preventive oral health care (OHC) is an important part of preventive health care and needs to be started early in life. Family physicians are in a position where they can help to initiate preventive OHC. From previous literature, oral health has an impact on the general health and quality of life of individuals with a large burden on the health care system. In addition, pediatricians and family physicians lack knowledge in oral health and can be unwilling to participate in preventive OHC. We aim to increase family physicians' knowledge of oral health.

Objectives

This study aimed to measure the level of knowledge about oral health and identify some of its determinants among family physicians working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that included 187 family physicians to measure the knowledge of family doctors about oral health using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The total mean score was 119.28 ± 11.26 out of 175, indicating a poor level of knowledge level about oral health.

Conclusion

Family physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia lack knowledge of oral health. These findings make it necessary to include oral health topics during residency and continuing medical education programs.

Eating disorders and oral health: a scoping review on the role of dietitians

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.