Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
A preliminary communication on whether general dental practitioners have a role in identifying dental patients with
F Lloyd-Williams1, C Dowrick, D Hillon
1Department of Primary Care, Liverpool University.
Objective:
To examine whether general dental practitioners regard themselves as having a role in identifying dental patients with mental health problems.
Method:
Telephone interviews were conducted with, and postal questionnaires were sent to, a random sample (n = 94) of general dental practitioners on Health Authority lists within the Mersey Region. A total of 84 general dental practitioners responded, resulting in an 89% response rate.
Results:
The majority of general dental practitioners had encountered patients with mental health problems (78% of interviewees, 56% of questionnaire responders). However, nearly half of the interviewees (46%) do not refer patients with mental health problems. When referrals to dental specialists were made, they tended to be regarding a physical manifestation rather than a psychological one. The majority of interviewees and questionnaire responders (55% and 82% respectively) expressed a 'positive' response to the development of a referral role. Nevertheless, there were some reservations concerning the practicalities of its development and implementation.
Conclusion:
The majority of general dental practitioners consider a role in identifying patients with possible mental health problems. This role might include, being able to identify patients with undiagnosed mental health problems, and being aware of dental conditions which may be caused by mental health problems. To achieve this, inter-professional co-operation between general dental practitioners and other health professionals requires development.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Ethical Standards II
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)