Delivering oral healthcare for people with cystic fibrosis: A survey of dental practitioners in Ireland

• Published in: Public health challenges 2023-06, Vol.2 (2), p.n/a
• Main Authors: O'Leary, Fiona, Coffey, Niamh, Burke, Francis M., Roberts, Anthony, Hayes, Martina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cystic fibrosis; Dental care; Dental insurance; Dentists; Education; Ireland; Knowledge; oral healthcare; Oral hygiene; Orthodontics; Patients; Pediatrics; Polls & surveys; professional education; Professional ethics; Professionals; Questionnaires; Risk factors; Surgeons
• ISSN: 2769-2450; 2769-2450
• DOI: 10.1002/puh2.74

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive condition in Caucasian populations globally. To date, there has been very little research conducted into the oral health of adults with CF possibly due to historic premature mortality. The purpose of this survey was to ascertain knowledge, attitude and practices among dental professionals regarding the oral health of people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) as part of a larger study being conducted in Ireland. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of dental practitioners in Ireland was conducted via an online questionnaire. The survey contained close‐ended questions, and clinical scenarios which allowed for both close‐ended and free text responses in relation to the provision of dental treatment for PWCF. Data was subject to descriptive data analysis using IBM SPSS 29. Results The results from the survey indicate a wide variety in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of dental practitioners regarding the oral health of PWCF. There is significant variation in the provision of dental treatment and the conditions under which such treatment is provided. Conclusion There is a paucity of information and guidelines specific to this vulnerable population which can make the provision of dental treatment challenging for practitioners. Dental professionals may benefit from continuing professional development and further education targeting patient‐specific populations. A cross‐sectional study of Irish dental practitioners revealed a paucity of information, guidance and standardized oral healthcare treatment for adults with cystic fibrosis despite the identification of disease‐specific risks to oral health in people with cystic fibrosis.