BSPD Welcomes New Book, ‘Oral Health Psychology’
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- Published: Tuesday, 21 March 2023 07:37
- Written by Peter Ingle
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The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has welcomed the insights and recommendations outlined in a new book, ‘Oral Health Psychology’. The book is an international collaboration between dentists and psychologists who draw on scientific research as well as their personal experiences in clinical practice.
Described as both academic and practical the book has been written by a team from Norway and The Netherlands and includes contributions from Paediatric Dentists and Psychologists from the University of Sheffield.
According to the BSPD, sections of particular interest to paediatric dentists include, Positive Encounters for Children to Prevent Dental Anxiety, The Psychosocial Impacts of Orofacial Features, and Family Violence and Child Maltreatment.
Sarah Baker, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry, University of Sheffield said “We look at the importance of psychology to the maintenance and promotion of good oral health – as well as the role oral health plays in overall health using a biopsychosocial approach. It has been inspiring to work with the teams from Oslo and Amsterdam who brought their multi-disciplinary approach to bear. There is consensus that a person-centred focus on oral health can impact positively on quality of life. Our research explored the psychosocial impacts of conditions affecting oro-facial appearance, and the role psychologists can play in patient care.”
Zoe Marshman, Professor in Dental Public Health, University of Sheffield said: “Together with our colleagues from Norway, Professor Helen Rodd, who provided clinical insights as a Consultant Paediatric Dentist, and I explored the significance of making a child’s visit to the dentist a positive experience. Anxiety is a key barrier to children attending the dentist. Dental anxiety (DA) is extremely common in children, with a 2020 systematic review reporting a global pooled prevalence of around 24%. This is a phenomenon that many practicing Paediatric Dentists will recognise. So, we are glad that our contribution can provide insights and tips to make dentist appointments for children a positive experience.”
Dr Jenny Harris, President, BSPD and Consultant Community Paediatric Dentist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Dental teams have a duty of care to provide a safe place for children to feel that they can ask questions and speak up when they need help or feel scared. Our chapter focuses on recognising and responding to maltreatment or family violence so we can give our patients, both children and adults, adequate help and support. We provide tools to support students of dentistry as well as experienced dental professionals. BSPD believes that Oral Health Psychology is an excellent educational resource and will help readers to solve challenges in their own clinical settings.”
Not restricted to Paediatric Dentistry, the book describes a patient-cantered approach to communication, preventive dentistry, dental anxiety and dental care in a range of patient groups. The book also considers how dental teams can work in partnership with psychologists, in delivering oral health care.
Oral Health Psychology: Psychological Aspects Related to Dentistry | SpringerLink
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