Food insecurity and the dental team: a pilot study to explore opinions.

Albadri, Sondos ORCID: 0000-0001-6516-9497, Allen, Lisa and Ajeigbe, Teslimat (2024) Food insecurity and the dental team: a pilot study to explore opinions. BDJ open, 10 (1). 24-.

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Abstract

<h4>Purpose</h4>In total, 17% of UK households with children experience food insecurity, with evidence to suggest a direct correlation with the prevalence of oral disease. This study explores current perceptions of the dental team, when recognising and supporting families who may experience food insecurity.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey was designed and sent to members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) in June 2023, examining confidence and understanding surrounding food insecurity and dental health. Quantitative data is presented descriptively and qualitative data using a thematic analysis.<h4>Results</h4>The response rate was 9.6% (n = 76). A significant number recognise the link between poor oral health and food insecurity, 80.3% (n = 61). Although practitioners are confident in oral health counselling, 80.3% (n = 61) a smaller proportion are not as confident when approaching food insecurity 32.9% (n = 25). Dental team members recognise the need to improve identification of affected patients and that they have a professional duty to support. Intervention strategies, such as additional training to support team development and signposting of patients are indicated.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This study suggests that whilst dental professionals understand the link between food insecurity and oral health, and their responsibilities to those affected; they lack confidence in identifying such patients and providing support. Additional conversations and training are fundamental to better understand their role, which must reflect the needs of the population that they serve.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dental/Oral and Craniofacial Disease, Clinical Research, Oral and gastrointestinal, 2 Zero Hunger
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Dentistry
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2024 16:57
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2024 03:55
DOI:	10.1038/s41405-024-00205-8
Open Access URL:	https://www.nature.com/articles/s41405-024-00205-8
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3179722