Eating Disorders in the Oral Health Curriculum

Abstract

Due to the oral/systemic nature of eating disorders, this serious health issue requires comprehensive patient assessment and coordinated health treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the breadth and depth of eating disorder and comprehensive care within the dental and dental hygiene curriculum. Survey data were collected from deans of U.S. dental programs (n=24) and dental hygiene program directors (n=94). Statistically significant differences were observed between dental programs (DP) and dental hygiene programs (DHP) as more DHP reported including anorexia nervosa (p<.001), bulimia nervosa (p<.001), and oral manifestations of eating disorders (p=.003) within their curricula. Clock hours dedicated to these topics ranged from seventeen to thirty-five minutes, with no statistically significant differences observed between DP and DHP. Only 58 percent of DP and 56 percent of DHP included patient communication skills specific to eating disorders. Moreover, DHP were observed dedicating more instruction time for this skill (p=.011). As greater emphasis is placed on oral/systemic health and the provision of comprehensive care, many oral health professionals may not be adequately trained to identify, provide education, and communicate with patients regarding the oral/systemic nature of eating disorders. The findings from this study indicate that there is a need for appropriate training to better prepare oral health professionals for comprehensive patient care.Dr. DeBate is Associate Professor,

Eating disorders - knowledge, attitudes, management and clinical experience of Norwegian dentists

“…Therefore, it was not an unexpected finding that the majority reported that they needed more training in the dental management of ED patients. This supports conclusions from previous studies and suggestions to implement more training in the management of ED patients in undergraduate, postgraduate as well as in continuing dental education [ 19 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Building a Foundation for Interprofessional-Education (IPE) between Dietetic Students and Dental Hygiene Students at East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

“…The Institute of Medicine has stated that oral health is an integral part of systemic health, and accrediting institutions have recommended that dental schools take on new roles incorporating prevention, detection, and early recognition of oral and systemic disease. 40 However, despite the recommendations for interprofesssional collaboration and comprehensive care (referral to other professionals, examinations, assessments, in-home treatment), optimal care remains idealistic because of training limitations and current dental curricula. 40 The potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and building rapport with a registered dietitian would potentially benefit the dental community as well as the health of the patient.…”

“…40 However, despite the recommendations for interprofesssional collaboration and comprehensive care (referral to other professionals, examinations, assessments, in-home treatment), optimal care remains idealistic because of training limitations and current dental curricula. 40 The potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and building rapport with a registered dietitian would potentially benefit the dental community as well as the health of the patient. The interns also attend classes taught by physicians, dietitians, department managers, and guest speakers throughout the year to augment the intern's current knowledge and prepare the intern for hands-on experiences.…”

Adults with dental erosion: Could this be a clinical sign of anorexia or bulimia nervosa? How is a patient with eating disorders approached?

“…A dentist may be the first to suspect or diagnose an eating disorder. However, even proper training is required for the treatment of people with eating disorders 4 and studies have shown that hygienists know better than dentists about the clinical signs of anorexia and bulimia nervosa 5 . The purpose of this review is to highlight the main and secondary signs and symptoms of these diseases, giving each clinical general dentist a more global view and a motivation to include eating disorders in everyday clinical practice.…”