The need for further oral health research surrounding the provision of dental treatment for people with drug dependency

Bowes, Charlotte; Page, Geoffrey William; Wassall, Rebecca; Lloyd, Charlie

doi:10.1038/s41415-019-0469-2

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 24 publications

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“…People with SUD have been found to have poor oral health in comparison with the general population or comparable groups [11,21,22]. For example, prostheses are more common in people with SUD than the general population; 34 % vs. 8 % respectively [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-financial barriers in oral health care: a qualitative study of patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment and professionals’ experiences

Carlsen

Isaksen

Lygren

et al. 2021

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy

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Background People with substance use disorders often have poor oral health, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Since 2005, patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in Norway have been eligible for free oral health care services offered through public oral health clinics. Despite a large need for oral health services amongst patients in OMT, figures suggest that the use of these services is low amongst this patient group. It has been unclear which barriers that contribute to this. This qualitative study explores the underlying barriers to the use of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT, from the perspective of the patients as well as dental health care workers (DHW). Methods Through a combination of focus group interviews and individual interviews, data were collected from 63 participants; 30 patients in OMT and 33 DHW. Thematic analysis identified key themes for the use (or not) of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT. Results Both individual and structural barriers prevent OMT patients from using the free oral health care services offered to them. These barriers include struggling to attend appointments, anxiety and fear of dentists, discrepancies between patients’ expectations and the services offered and perceived stigma. OMT patients’ lack of information regarding their rights and access to oral health services was also a barrier, as was DHWs’ lack of knowledge and information of the OMT system and what they can offer patients. Conclusions OMT patients face several barriers in accessing and using oral health care services. However, through a number of relatively simple measures, it is possible that the use of oral health services amongst OMT patients can be increased.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%