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 293
- Downloads 14
CAPILLARY HEMANGIOMA OF THE COLUMELLA OF NOSE
Capillary hemangioma is a common condition but a capillary hemangioma arising from the columella of the nose is rare. Here we report a 24 year old man who presented with a pedunculated swelling in the nasal columella. T...
BODY FRIENDLY, SAFE AND EFFECTIVE REGIMEN OF MgSO4 FOR ECLAMPSIA
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are major health problems in developing countries. MgSO4 is the standard drug in the control of convulsions in eclampsia. Our study carried out at PDVVPF’s hospital is based on the low dos...
The survey of the relationship between the learning style and academic performance in students of Medical Sciences (2016)
According to the fact that the individuals store what has been taught to them as appropriate information in their memories and make an effective use of it. They also have been indicated to have positive attitude to what...
INTRALESIONAL PLATELET RICH PLASMA vs INTRALESIONAL TRIAMCINOLONE IN THE TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic non-scarring alopecia that involves the scalp and/or body, and is characterized by patchy areas of hair loss without any signs of clinical inflammation. Various therapies ha...
Studying the Condition of Kermanshah Province Development in Healthcare and Treatment Section By Means of Scalogram In 2014
In order to be successful in planning and achieving development, the first step is to study and reach to real knowledge about the level of prosperity, ability, limitations and regional lack of balance. Present research...