Conj Assoc Prof Deborah Cockrell

Background: There is evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies of the presence of weight stigma in the dental setting from the patient perspective. However, the perspectives of various members of the dental team and their observations and experiences of weight stigma are unknown. Given dental specialists in Special Needs Dentistry (SND) are often referred patients living with severe obesity for dental management, their perspectives are of specific importance, particularly with respect to currently employed and recommended weight stigma reduction strategies. Aims: Our qualitative study aimed to identify and explore among dental professionals and support staff in Australia, their perspectives and experiences of weight stigma. We aimed to identify any currently employed, and recommendations for, stigma reduction from SND specialists. Methods: Focus groups and semi-structured interviews (n = 34 participants) were conducted with two groups; dental professionals and support staff from regional New South Wales; and SND specialists in Australia. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic (inductive) analysis. Results: Key themes emerged related to observed experiences with weight stigma, with differing perspectives based on professional roles. The impact of weight stigma on dental management was highlighted. Stigma reduction strategies with an educational focus were also identified from SND specialist participants. Conclusion: The current study explored observations of weight stigma in various dental settings and perspectives which differed based on participant awareness and professional role. The negative impact of weight stigma on preventive dental discussions was identified. Stigma reduction strategies need to target the identified barriers and address the complex drivers of weight stigma before implementation. The findings of the current study emphasise the role for team-based education, led and guided by SND specialists through their professional advocacy roles and encourages the development of a dental team action plan to respond to observed experiences of weight stigma in the workplace.

Aim: This cross-sectional descriptive study described the oral health status and types of domiciliary dental treatment received by residents living in residential care after an oral health assessment (OHAT). Methods: Twenty-one facilities were recruited where consenting participants received OHAT followed by a referral for further domiciliary dental treatments. Data were captured and stored as Reach-OHT database where 2017¿2019 data were analyzed. Result: Overall, 88% of residents consented. 69.1% were referred for treatment after completion of OHAT. More than half had one or more caries; 40% showed sign of periodontal disease; a higher proportion of dentate participants had an unsatisfactory level of oral cleanliness. Of those received domiciliary dental treatment, diagnostic and preventive service was the combination most frequently provided. These comprised an average of 71.9% of total treatment provided across the 3-year period. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding and knowledge around the provision of domiciliary dental services in residential care. A large number of older people in residential care can be assessed and treated through a domiciliary service pathway. As the vast majority of services provided were diagnostic, preventive, and restorative care, the feasibility of utilizing the skillset of the entire dental team should be explored.