Abstract
BackgroundAs part of a larger study on the identification of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and prediabetes patients in dental settings, this study explored oral healthcare professionals’ (OHP) attitudes with respect to the relevance and appropriateness of screening for prediabetes/T2D in general oral healthcare settings. It also aims to gain a deeper understanding of OHPs’ concerns and perceived barriers to screening for T2D.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 OHPs: eight dentists, two dental hygienists and one oral health therapist. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThemes that emerged from the interviews were organised under three major categories: 1) Implementation: OHPs willingness to screen for prediabetes/T2D; 2) Barriers to implementation of screenings; subdivided into: a) lack of knowledge and formal training about T2D screening methodology; b) concerns about patients’ awareness and acceptance of T2D screening in oral healthcare settings; c) costs and reimbursement for the time and resources required to screen patients; and d) legal and scope of practice; and 3) Collaboration and communication between OHPs and General practitioners (GP).ConclusionsThe oral healthcare setting was considered as appropriate for medical screening, and OHPs were willing to participate in screening for prediabetes/T2D. Nonetheless, for the successful implementation of a screening programme, several barriers need to be addressed, and effective medical screening would require collaboration between oral health and medical and other health professionals, as well as clarification of legal and reimbursement issues.
Highlights
As part of a larger study on the identification of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and prediabetes patients in dental settings, this study explored oral healthcare professionals’ (OHP) attitudes with respect to the relevance and appropriateness of screening for prediabetes/T2D in general oral healthcare settings
As part of a larger study on the identification of prediabetes and T2D, this study aimed to explore OHPs’ attitudes about the relevance and appropriateness of screening for prediabetes/ T2D in oral healthcare settings It aims to gain a deeper understanding of OHPs’ concerns and perceived barriers to screening for T2D in general oral healthcare practice settings
Themes that emerged from the responses to the interviews were organised under three major categories: 1) Implementation: OHPs were willing to implement screenings for prediabetes/T2D; 2) Barriers to the implementation of screening; and 3) Collaboration and communication between OHPs and General Practitioner (GP)
Summary
As part of a larger study on the identification of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and prediabetes patients in dental settings, this study explored oral healthcare professionals’ (OHP) attitudes with respect to the relevance and appropriateness of screening for prediabetes/T2D in general oral healthcare settings. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common form of diabetes, occurring in about 90% of people with diabetes [1]. T2D occurs when the body becomes resistant to the insulin being produced by the pancreas and the amount produced is inadequate to meet the body’s needs. It is is associated with a myriad of complications which affect the feet, eyes, mouth, kidneys, and cardiovascular health. In Australia, there were over 1.2 million people (4.4% of the total population) registered with T2D in the National Diabetes Services Scheme in 2020 [1, 3]. By the year 2025, it has been estimated that up to 3 million Australians over the age of 25 years will have the condition [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
