Ontario dentists' ease to discuss sensitive health issues with their patients: A cross-sectional study

With consistent calls for a more integrated approach to improve the healthcare system's effectiveness, the scope of practice for dentists has expanded; dentists are now seen to positively intervene to address several sensitive health issues among their patients. However, it is not clear how comfortable dentists feel in doing so. This study endeavored to assess self-perceived ease of dentists to discuss various sensitive health issues and if their socio-demographics influence their ease.

A self-administered online survey was sent to Ontario dentists (n = 9975) to assess their self-perceived ease in discussing five sensitive health issues with their patients: eating disorders, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual behaviors, and physical abuse. Ordinal logistic regressions were performed along with descriptive analyses.

The response rate was 9.3%. Over 50% of participants indicated difficulty discussing STIs, sexual behaviors and physical abuse. Younger dentists, female practitioners, dentists practicing in private settings, and those practicing in rural areas perceived more difficulty to discuss all five health issues. Place of training was also a significant predictor: internationally trained dentists perceived it easier to discuss eating disorders, substance abuse, and physical abuse while Canadian trained were more at ease to discuss STIs and sexual behaviors.

This exploratory study identified that a large proportion of dentists are not comfortable discussing sensitive health issue with their patients. There are numerous opportunities for intervention in Canadian dental curriculums, continuing education programs, and communication practices to support dentists' discussions with patients about these important health concerns.