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Specialists' management of permanent dentition traumatic dental injuries in 7–16-year-olds: A qualitative study

Lookup NU author(s): Greig Taylor, Oliver Sumner, Dr Richard HolmesORCiD, Professor Paula WaterhouseORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

© 2024 The Authors. Dental Traumatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Background/Aim: Specialist paediatric dentists are integral to dental trauma care pathways. General dentists rely on specialist input, more so in complex cases. Little is known about specialists' role in these pathways or the perceived barriers they face. The aim is to explore specialists' role in managing traumatic dental injuries in the permanent dentition in children. Material/Methods: Face-to-face (remote video) online semi-structured interviews were undertaken. All UK specialists were invited by email. Purposeful sampling aimed to investigate representation from the devolved nations, presence/absence of working within a managed-clinical network and level of care provision. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: Data saturation was reached after nine interviews. Three main themes established were: inconsistent access to care; the need to formalise traumatic dental injuries care pathways; educationally upskilling general dentists. Geographical variation in provision of specialist and out-of-hours/emergency department care meant patients risked not receiving care by the most appropriate individual. Formalizing care pathways by clearly defining the role of each stakeholder (specialist, dentist, medical professionals and parents) and developing a method to assess complexity was perceived to be essential to improving treatment outcomes. Upskilling general dentists in trauma management appeared essential. A potential lack of engagement was raised, with a suggestion that trauma management education should become core continuing-professional development. Conclusions: Specialist input should be available in the management of traumatic dental injuries. Current access to specialist care is inequitable across the UK. Formalizing care pathways and upskilling general dentists could ease inconsistencies.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Taylor GD, Gallichan N, Haq T, Sumner O, Albadri S, Holmes RD, Waterhouse PJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Dental Traumatology

Year: 2024

Pages: ePub ahead of Print

Online publication date: 21/05/2024

Acceptance date: 02/04/2024

Date deposited: 03/06/2024

ISSN (print): 1600-4469

ISSN (electronic): 1600-9657

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12960

DOI: 10.1111/edt.12960

Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
National Institute for Health and Care Research

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