A qualitative study on the present conditions and problems of oral health care in senile dementia patients

Abstract Background People with substance use disorders often have poor oral health, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Since 2005, patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in Norway have been eligible for free oral health care services offered through public oral health clinics. Despite a large need for oral health services amongst patients in OMT, figures suggest that the use of these services is low amongst this patient group. It has been unclear which barriers that contribute to this. This qualitative study explores the underlying barriers to the use of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT, from the perspective of the patients as well as dental health care workers (DHW). Methods Through a combination of focus group interviews and individual interviews, data were collected from 63 participants; 30 patients in OMT and 33 DHW. Thematic analysis identified key themes for the use (or not) of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT. Results Both individual and structural barriers prevent OMT patients from using the free oral health care services offered to them. These barriers include struggling to attend appointments, anxiety and fear of dentists, discrepancies between patients’ expectations and the services offered and perceived stigma. OMT patients’ lack of information regarding their rights and access to oral health services was also a barrier, as was DHWs’ lack of knowledge and information of the OMT system and what they can offer patients. Conclusions OMT patients face several barriers in accessing and using oral health care services. However, through a number of relatively simple measures, it is possible that the use of oral health services amongst OMT patients can be increased.

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Perceptions and Practices of Diabetes Educators in Providing Oral Health Care: A Qualitative Study

The Diabetes Educator ◽

10.1177/0145721718796055 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 454-464 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Prakash Poudel ◽

Rhonda Griffiths ◽

Vincent W. Wong ◽

Amit Arora ◽

Jeff R. Flack ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Oral Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Diabetes Care ◽

Oral Health Care ◽

Team Approach ◽

Care Providers ◽

Suggested Model ◽

Diabetes Educators

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the current perceptions and practices of diabetes educators (DEs) in providing oral health care to people with diabetes. Methods A qualitative study design involving focus groups was used to gather data. Purposive sampling was used to recruit DEs working across 3 metropolitan hospitals in South Western Sydney, Australia. Results Fourteen DEs participated in 3 focus groups. Participants had a mean ± SD age of 44.4 ± 9.2 years and 5.2 ± 5.3 years of work experience in diabetes care. Four main themes were identified: perceptions about oral health care and diabetes current oral health care practices, perceptions on incorporating oral health, and suggested model of care. DEs agreed that promoting oral health in diabetes clinics is important, and they reported seeing patients frequently with oral health problems. However, the majority do not include oral health care in consultations, primarily because they have limited knowledge in this area and have not received any formal oral health education or training. Additional barriers were the lack of referral pathways and resources for patient education. DEs were receptive to incorporating oral health provided that the current barriers were addressed. DEs also suggested a multidisciplinary team care approach to promote oral health. Conclusions Current practices of DEs in oral health care are limited, but they are willing to address oral health. A suggested model of oral health care should include capacity building of diabetes care providers, appropriate dental referral pathways, and a team approach within multidisciplinary diabetes care.

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