Special Needs Dentistry: Interdisciplinary Management of Medically-Complex Patients at Hospital-Based Dental Units in Tasmania, Australia
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences (IJMRHS) - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: Increasing awareness of the interactions between oral and general health has led to the establishment of Special Needs Dentistry as a dental specialty in many countries. This specialty assists with the interdisciplinary management of patients between the medical and dental professions particularly those with complex medical problems, intellectual and physical impairments, and psychiatric conditions that may affect their oral health or the manner in which they receive treatment. However, little is known about the utilisation of specialised services provided to facilitate individuals with these needs. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand current utilisation of hospital-based dental services established to provide medically-necessary dental care. Methods: A retrospective review of the demographics and medical status of patients treated at referral hospital-based dental clinics in the state of Tasmania was completed for the month of August 2015. Results: Patients treated at these units had a variety of medical backgrounds. Most (46.4%) were referred from medical professionals within the hospital. On average, patients treated at these units had 2.56 medical conditions and were taking 3.59 medications each. Many of these were chronic medical conditions known to have an interaction with oral health. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the growing recognition of dynamic interactions between oral and general health and the importance of these hospitalbased units and interprofessional relationships in providing timely and holistic health care to these patients.
Authors and Affiliations
Lim| Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Australia, Mathew AWT| Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Australia, Corresponding e-mail: m.lim18@student.unimelb.edu.au, Borromeo Gelsomina L| Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Australia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP12391
- DOI -
- Views 314
- Downloads 14
Giant Odontogenic Myxoma of the Upper Jaw: A Case Report
Odontogenic myxoma is rare benign neoplasm of jaw bones which is locally aggressive and non-metastasizing. Ð 23-year-old male sought medical attention with complaint of progressively increasing of asymptomatic swelling...
PATTERN OF FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, NORTH EAST KARNATAKA
Background: Trauma including accidents are today’s world concern forming a major non-communicable epidemic accounting for mortality and morbidity. The aim of the study was to determine and account the types of fractu...
THE DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY OF CELL BLOCK AS AN ADJUNCT TO CYTOLOGICAL SMEARS
Objectives: Cytological examination of serous fluids is of paramount importance in detecting cancer cells. Distinguishing malignant cells from benign reactive mesothelial cells in fluid cytology is an everyday diagnosti...
The comparison of the impact of lavender and Valerian aromatherapy on reduction of the active phase among Nulliparous women: A double blind randomized controlled trial
One of the important points in health care of nulliparous women is reduced pain, anxiety coping and reduced delivery time. Aromatherapy is one of the effective non-pharmacological methods. The present study is aimed to...
A STUDY OF PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST IN WORKERS OF SUGAR FACTORY, PRAVARANAGAR, MAHARASHTRA
Context: Repeated exposure to dusty environment in an industry causes airway diseases which may affect pulmonary function over a period of time. Aims: 1) To study the pulmonary function test parameters in workers of su...