Eating disorders: screening in the dental office

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that often are not detected by health care professionals. The author presents techniques that the oral health care professional (OHCP) can use to screen at-risk patients for eating disorders during routine preventive care appointments.

OHCPs often are the first health care professionals to encounter patients with undiagnosed eating disorders. Because early detection of eating disorders is challenging, screening tools can be helpful. Early detection of eating disorders, with appropriate referral, is associated with fewer dental and systemic adverse effects and a more favorable prognosis.

OHCPs are in an ideal position to screen patients for eating disorders. They can accomplish this via a valid, reliable, brief questionnaire and careful patient assessment.