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

Tiffany Patterson-Norrie (), Lucie Ramjan, Mariana S. Sousa and Ajesh George
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Tiffany Patterson-Norrie: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
Lucie Ramjan: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
Mariana S. Sousa: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia
Ajesh George: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 1871, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-18

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.

Keywords: feeding and eating disorders; dietetics; dietitian; oral health promotion; early intervention; non-dental health professionals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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