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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Dentists and eating disorders--knowledge, attitudes, management and experience
Ann-Katrin Johansson1, Eva Nohlert, Anders Johansson
1Department of Clinical Dentistry - Cariology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Ann-KatrinJohansson@iko.uib.no
Swedish Dental Journal
|June 16, 2009
Summary
Dentists possess limited knowledge and experience regarding patients with eating disorders (ED). Enhanced training is crucial for improving dental management and patient care for this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Oral health
- Psychology
- Public health
Background:
- Eating disorders (ED) present unique challenges in dental settings.
- Dentists' understanding and management of ED patients are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess dentists' knowledge and attitudes towards patients with ED.
- To evaluate the identification and treatment of ED patients in dental care.
- To identify needs for improved dental education on ED.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire was distributed to 367 dentists in two Swedish counties.
- The survey covered demographics, ED knowledge, oral consequences, attitudes, and healthcare interactions.
- A response rate of 70% (258 dentists) was achieved.
Main Results:
- Dentists' perceived knowledge of ED primarily came from media sources.
- Most dentists reported limited experience with ED patients and unawareness of referral units.
- Female dentists showed better perceived knowledge but struggled with patient communication; they referred more frequently.
- 86% of dentists desired more training in managing ED patients.
Conclusions:
- Dentists demonstrate low knowledge and clinical experience with ED patients.
- There is a significant need for improved education to enhance dentists' involvement in ED prevention and management.
- Enhanced training can empower dentists to better identify and support patients with eating disorders.
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