Oral health-related interdisciplinary practices among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia: Does integrated care exist?

Abstract

Background There is a bidirectional relation between oral and general health, therefore collaboration between healthcare providers is needed. This study investigated current interdisciplinary practices (IDP) and the associated factors among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Saudi Arabia recruiting four groups of health professionals (nurses, physicians, pediatricians and Ear-Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists). A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed online and shared through social media platforms. The questionnaire explored predisposing factors (demographics) and facilitating factors (knowledge, attitudes, attendance of oral health training and source of knowledge) associated with IDP. Results A total of 1398 health professionals were recruited. Participants showed fair oral health knowledge (7.1 ± 2.1) and attitudes (22.2 ± 3). Three-fourths (74.6%) reported always providing oral health education (OHE) to their patients, more than half (59.6%) reported always conducting an oral health screening (OHS), two-thirds (66.7%) reported responding to patients’ questions about oral health or conditions and 58.7% reported referring patients to dentists. Pediatricians and physicians had greater odds of IDP compared to other health professionals. Source of oral health knowledge (Ministry of Health (MOH) and formal education) was significantly associated with increased odds of IDP. Participants with good oral health knowledge had greater odds of responding to patients’ oral health question as well as have more referral practices. Conclusion The results reveal a discrepancy between participants' IDP, knowledge, and attitudes. Incorporating dental component to medical curricula, continuous education and training programs targeting health professionals through Ministry of Health should be considered.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards ECC Prevention in Thai Medical Personnel

“… 16 A study in Saudi Arabia documented a fair level of oral health knowledge related to periodontal diseases and caries amongst health professionals, whilst more than half reported always conducting an oral health screening. 17 A recent scoping review indicated that barriers for paediatricians include inadequate education and training, time constraints, and lack of referral pathways. 18 However, structural or setting-specific barriers may also exist, depending on the situation and context.…”

Oral Health and Older Adults: A Narrative Review

“…Given the inseparable linkages between oral and systemic health, it is not surprising the American Dental Association recommends a multi-disciplinary approach to oral health. However, gaps in knowledge and awareness of the importance of oral health among health professionals may present barriers to optimizing oral health [8][9][10][11].…”

Exploring factors influencing nurses’ attitudes towards their role in dental care

“…Good oral health knowledge among nurses is essential to provide patients with proper dental care; however sound knowledge may not lead to sound practices unless nurses exhibit positive attitudes towards their role in dental care. A previous study from Eastern Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported that nurses had the most negative attitudes among health professionals [ 19 ] and reported e.g. heavy workloads, lack of skills, and knowledge of oral care as barriers that hindered their involvement in dental care [ 10 , 19 ].…”

“…A previous study from Eastern Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported that nurses had the most negative attitudes among health professionals [ 19 ] and reported e.g. heavy workloads, lack of skills, and knowledge of oral care as barriers that hindered their involvement in dental care [ 10 , 19 ]. On the other hand, Al-Jobair and colleagues concluded that pediatric nurses in Riyadh had positive attitudes to provide dental care to hospitalized children despite their limited oral health knowledge [ 20 ].…”