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Dietitians’ Experiences of Providing Oral Health Promotion to Clients with an Eating Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Tiffany Patterson-Norrie

    (Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
    Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia)

  • Lucie Ramjan

    (Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
    Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia)

  • Mariana S. Sousa

    (Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
    Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
    IMPACCT—Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Ajesh George

    (Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
    Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
    School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia)

Abstract

(1) Background: Eating disorders (EDs) can seriously impact oral health, leading to irreversible dental damage. Dietitians play a key role in the care of people with an ED and are well-placed to promote oral health. However, there is currently little understanding of how dietitians perceive their role in this space. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and role of dietitians in providing oral health promotion to their clients in an ED clinical setting. (2) Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the perceptions of 14 registered dietitians practicing across seven states in Australia. Participants were recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was undertaken to identify and describe the key themes generated from the data. (3) Results: Generally, dietitians were insightful and knowledgeable of the oral health issues that clients with an ED may be experiencing. However, dietitians’ practices across education, screening, and referrals were inconsistent. Challenges such as inadequate training, unknown referral pathways, and clear guidelines were cited as significant barriers to practice. (4) Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for education and the development of targeted strategies that address challenges to oral health promotion in dietetic practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiffany Patterson-Norrie & Lucie Ramjan & Mariana S. Sousa & Ajesh George, 2022. "Dietitians’ Experiences of Providing Oral Health Promotion to Clients with an Eating Disorder: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14193-:d:958135
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Biordi, D.L. & Heitzer, M. & Mundy, E. & DiMarco, M. & Thacker, S. & Taylor, E. & Huff, M. & Marino, D. & Fitzgerald, K., 2015. "Improving access and provision of preventive oral health care for very young, poor, and low-income children through a new interdisciplinary partnership," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105, pages 26-29.
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