Taylor, Greig Daniel 
ORCID: 0000-0001-9369-917X, Gallichan, Nathalie ORCID: 0000-0001-8722-889X, Haq, Tauseef, Sumner, Oliver, Albadri, Sondos ORCID: 0000-0001-6516-9497, Holmes, Richard D and Waterhouse, Paula Jane
(2024)
Specialists' management of permanent dentition traumatic dental injuries in 7-16-year-olds: A qualitative study.
Dental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology, 40 (5).
pp. 557-566.
ISSN 1600-4469, 1600-9657
Abstract
<h4>Background/aim</h4>Specialist paediatric dentists are integral to dental trauma care pathways. General dentists rely on specialist input, more so in complex cases. Little is known about specialists' role in these pathways or the perceived barriers they face. The aim is to explore specialists' role in managing traumatic dental injuries in the permanent dentition in children.<h4>Material/methods</h4>Face-to-face (remote video) online semi-structured interviews were undertaken. All UK specialists were invited by email. Purposeful sampling aimed to investigate representation from the devolved nations, presence/absence of working within a managed-clinical network and level of care provision. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were thematically analysed.<h4>Results</h4>Data saturation was reached after nine interviews. Three main themes established were: inconsistent access to care; the need to formalise traumatic dental injuries care pathways; educationally upskilling general dentists. Geographical variation in provision of specialist and out-of-hours/emergency department care meant patients risked not receiving care by the most appropriate individual. Formalizing care pathways by clearly defining the role of each stakeholder (specialist, dentist, medical professionals and parents) and developing a method to assess complexity was perceived to be essential to improving treatment outcomes. Upskilling general dentists in trauma management appeared essential. A potential lack of engagement was raised, with a suggestion that trauma management education should become core continuing-professional development.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Specialist input should be available in the management of traumatic dental injuries. Current access to specialist care is inequitable across the UK. Formalizing care pathways and upskilling general dentists could ease inconsistencies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Dentition, Permanent, Humans, Tooth Injuries, Dental Care for Children, Qualitative Research, Adolescent, Child, Health Services Accessibility, Female, Male, Interviews as Topic, United Kingdom |
| 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: | 17 Mar 2025 08:40 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Mar 2025 09:15 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/edt.12960 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12960 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3190828 |
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