Ina Nitschke1, Claudia Ramm, Annett Schrock. 1. Klinik für Alters- und Behindertenzahnmedizin, Universität Zürich, Plattenstr. 15, 8032, Zürich, Schweiz, ina.nitschke@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The complexity of dental care and oral hygiene for people with dementia increases with increasing numbers of residual teeth. AIM: This study was carried out to determine whether the offer of a telephone helpline on oral health and dementia would be utilized. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of 1 year contacts received by a telephone helpline manned by three oral healthcare staff were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: From 01 June 2012 to 31 May 2013 a total of 355 callers (180 healthcare staff and 175 relatives) presented and discussed 2535 problems. The average duration of a call was 21 min. Almost one quarter of the callers were looking for mobile dental care services and 14.4 % were looking for a dentist specialized in caring for patients with dementia. Oral disease, oral care and conflicts between stakeholders on aspects of oral health were discussed. Of the healthcare staff three quarters asked about training to improve the oral health of people with dementia. CONCLUSION: The demand on the specialists of the helpline showed a substantial knowledge deficit of healthcare staff and relatives. The study confirmed a wide range of oral health issues of people with dementia. Knowledge on oral and denture hygiene and on oral disease could be introduced into primary training and continued professional education. In addition to the lack of knowledge, deficits also exist in the oral healthcare system for people with dementia. Politicians and healthcare stakeholders are encouraged to incorporate oral healthcare for people with dementia into strategies and dementia networks.
BACKGROUND: The complexity of dental care and oral hygiene for people with dementia increases with increasing numbers of residual teeth. AIM: This study was carried out to determine whether the offer of a telephone helpline on oral health and dementia would be utilized. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of 1 year contacts received by a telephone helpline manned by three oral healthcare staff were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: From 01 June 2012 to 31 May 2013 a total of 355 callers (180 healthcare staff and 175 relatives) presented and discussed 2535 problems. The average duration of a call was 21 min. Almost one quarter of the callers were looking for mobile dental care services and 14.4 % were looking for a dentist specialized in caring for patients with dementia. Oral disease, oral care and conflicts between stakeholders on aspects of oral health were discussed. Of the healthcare staff three quarters asked about training to improve the oral health of people with dementia. CONCLUSION: The demand on the specialists of the helpline showed a substantial knowledge deficit of healthcare staff and relatives. The study confirmed a wide range of oral health issues of people with dementia. Knowledge on oral and denture hygiene and on oral disease could be introduced into primary training and continued professional education. In addition to the lack of knowledge, deficits also exist in the oral healthcare system for people with dementia. Politicians and healthcare stakeholders are encouraged to incorporate oral healthcare for people with dementia into strategies and dementia networks.
Authors: Ina Nitschke; Mahsa Majdani; Bernhard A J Sobotta; Thomas Reiber; Werner Hopfenmüller Journal: J Clin Nurs Date: 2010-04-07 Impact factor: 3.036
Authors: N Laux; H Melchinger; A Scheurich; I Schermuly; I Germann; S Hilgert; K Lieb; A Fellgiebel Journal: Dtsch Med Wochenschr Date: 2010-10-26 Impact factor: 0.628
Authors: Cleusa P Ferri; Martin Prince; Carol Brayne; Henry Brodaty; Laura Fratiglioni; Mary Ganguli; Kathleen Hall; Kazuo Hasegawa; Hugh Hendrie; Yueqin Huang; Anthony Jorm; Colin Mathers; Paulo R Menezes; Elizabeth Rimmer; Marcia Scazufca Journal: Lancet Date: 2005-12-17 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: Julia Jockusch; Siri Nitschke; Werner Hopfenmüller; Oliver Schierz; Sebastian Hahnel; Ina Nitschke Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 4.241