Psychological support for orthognathic patients: Who is doing what?

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Psychology
• Healthcare Services Research

Background:

• Orthognathic surgery requires psychological assessment for optimal patient outcomes.
• Orthodontists play a key role in identifying patients who may benefit from psychological support.
• Understanding current training and support availability is crucial for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess orthodontists' training in psychological assessment of orthognathic patients.
• To evaluate the availability and impact of psychological support services for these patients.
• To identify factors, including adverse incidents, that prompt psychological referrals.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted.
• A 25-item questionnaire was developed and pilot-tested.
• The questionnaire was distributed to members of the Consultant Orthodontist Group, British Orthodontic Society.

Main Results:

• 76.5% of orthodontists reported prior training, with 90.2% desiring further training.
• Limited access to psychological support was a major barrier to referrals (66.7%).
• Referrals to dentofacial deformity specialists were common (68.9%), with 36.4% of referrals influencing treatment plans. Adverse incidents, including suicides, prompted referrals in 35.1% of cases.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant demand for enhanced training in psychological assessment among orthodontists.
• The availability of specialized psychological support is critical for effective patient management.
• Addressing adverse incidents and improving access to psychological services are essential for supporting orthognathic patients and clinical teams.