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Health professionals’ knowledge, views and advice on diet and dental health: a survey of UK and Ireland dietitians and dentists
Author(s) -
Kingsnorth Joanne,
Cushen Samantha J.,
Janiszewska Katarzyna,
Avery Amanda
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1111/jhn.12842
Subject(s) - medicine , snacking , family medicine , oral health , health professionals , nursing , health care , obesity , economics , economic growth
Background Oral health is affected by dietary practices and may impact quality of life. Collaboration between dietetics and dental professionals for oral health promotion and disease prevention is recommended. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of dentists and dietitians on diet and dental health. Methods The study comprised a cross‐sectional online questionnaire, which was disseminated electronically to dentists and dietitians in the UK and Ireland, via national networks. Questions assessed participants’ knowledge of the cariogenicity of different foods, snacking behaviours, familiarity with UK dietary guidelines, dietary advice and their recommendations for cross‐professional consistency. Results In total, 418 responses were received (60% dentists, 40% dietitians). Inter‐profession knowledge differences were observed for the cariogenicity of sports drinks ( p < 0.001), chocolate/confectionary ( p < 0.001), yoghurt ( p < 0.001) and sugar‐coated breakfast cereals plus milk ( p < 0.0001). Dentists showed greater concern over the timings and frequency of food consumption than dietitians. A greater proportion of dentists felt nutrition and oral health counselling is a key component of regular patient care (58.4% versus 8.2%, p < 0.001). Only 18% of dietitians, compared to 56% of dentists, considered that they had received sufficient training about diet and dental health. Both professions indicated the need for multi‐disciplinary training. Conclusions Dietitians and dentists differ with respect to their knowledge about the effects of snacks and snacking behaviours on dental health, as well as how they prioritise this in their clinical practice. Both professions show a willingness to work collaboratively to ensure accurate and consistent advice‐giving and expertise‐sharing.