Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of dietitians in Australia: A national survey

Abstract

AimDietitians are a well‐placed profession to be providing pre‐emptive oral health promotion. Despite recommendations that oral health promotion should be routinely part of dietetic practice, there is limited data informing the current practices of clinical dietitians in this area across Australia. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of Australian dietitians and oral health promotion.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was undertaken involving registered clinical dietitians in Australia using purposive and snowballing sampling (social media/dietetic organisations/public databases). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsA total of 149 dietitians participated in the national survey. Overall, dietitians were knowledgeable about oral health risk factors and preventative measures across general health domains. Majority of dietitians agreed that oral health can affect nutrition interventions (95.5%) and dietitians should be discussing oral health (88.0%). However, nearly half were not confident in providing counselling or education and felt that undergraduate training for oral health promotion was inadequate (78.2%). A small proportion (6.0%) of dietitians were already providing oral health promotion regularly. Key barriers included a lack of clear guidelines for practice, limited training opportunities and indistinct referral pathways.ConclusionDietitians have acknowledged that oral health promotion should be incorporated into their practice. However, they are challenged by a lack of resources and training to support this in clinical practice.So What?Capacity building dietitians to promote oral health allows opportunity for improvement in the oral health, nutritional status and quality of life of priority population groups.

Oral Health Education in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review

“…In general, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet seem to result in good oral and general health. However, more research is needed to examine dietary needs in specific groups and vulnerable populations, such as patients with DM and other chronic diseases, in relation to screening and referral for treatment, in consultation with nutritionists and dentists to promote oral and general health [23,24]. In addition, concerted efforts by professional dentists are required for oral health treatment and preventive interventions in children with special needs, since the prevalence of caries in these groups is 37%, periodontal health is at a low level, and we encounter teeth with mobility, poor gum health, high rates of plaque, and bad breath.…”