Can dental students increase oral health knowledge of the homeless population?

Abstract

Introduction The number of homeless individuals in the UK is rising. Their oral health is poorer than that of the general population, and they have a low level of knowledge about accessing dental services and how to maintain their oral health. The aim of this study was to determine whether a dental student-led oral health intervention is feasible and acceptable, and whether it produces oral health knowledge gain in those experiencing homelessness. Methods Participants were recruited from St George’s Crypt Care Centre in Leeds and took part in a one-to-one evidence-based oral health promotion intervention. The participants completed questionnaires both before and after the intervention. Acceptability feedback forms were used to assess participants’ motivation regarding the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Data from 30 participants showed a mean knowledge gain of 37 percentage points (p<0.001). The feedback forms demonstrated that all participants found the session useful, with 29 participants (97%) planning to change their oral routine. Similarly, 26 participants (87%) were more motivated to find an NHS dentist. Conclusions This study demonstrates that an oral health promotion intervention led by dental students is feasible and increases the (short-term) knowledge of homeless people. It was also reported to be a motivator to find an NHS dentist. It would be useful to repeat the study on a larger scale using a variety of homeless shelters, increasing reliability and validity. Further research is required to assess longer-term intervention by dental students and the potential impact on the oral health of people experiencing homelessness as well as their health seeking behaviours.