Abstracts from Poster Presentations at the Scottish Dental Practice-Based Research Network's Symposium held in Edinburgh in November 2001

Symposium Reports

Abstract of poster presentations

The role of primary care dentistry in the management of patients with eating disorders

Dr Maura Edwards

Anorexia and bulimia nervosa with associated self-induced vomiting are aetological factors in toothwear. It is significant that dentists are involved in the early diagnosis of eating disorders, as prompt intervention can prevent the development of a more serious illness. Specialist referral centres, with associated referral pathways, are considered the gold standard for treatment of eating disordered patients. It is, therefore, important for primary care dentistry to feed into such a pathway. The aims of this study were to gain information on current awareness of eating disorders amongst primary care dentists and to establish current practice. A questionnaire was sent to all general dental practitioners and community dental officers in Greater Glasgow Primary Care Trust. The pro-forma included questions on awareness of eating disorders and management of these patients, as well as the relevance of a recognised referral pathway.

The questionnaire response rate was 67%. Only 16% of dentists described their level of awareness of eating disorders as high. Half (51%) of the respondents had diagnosed patients with eating disorders in the last year, but the numbers diagnosed by each dentist were small (under 5). Many dentists (59%) had suspected an eating disorder in a patient but had been unable to elicit any information with many patients either denying or refusing to discuss their problem. Only 6% of dentists had contacted a patient's doctor concerning an eating disorder. Eighty-four per cent thought a recognised pathway of referral would be useful and reported they would feel more inclined to question patients about eating disorders if they knew of such referral pathways. Clinical governance and effectiveness issues demands high quality care, integrated between medical and dental disciplines, to improve outcomes for patients. Dentists should be given support to aid the management and referral of eating disordered patients through the production of guidelines and patient information leaflets.

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