Melbourne Dental School - Theses
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ItemExploring the oral health curriculum in Australian pharmacy schools( 2019)Introduction Poor oral health continues to be prevalent in Australia despite ongoing advancements in oral health knowledge and care. Without innovative strategies to improve the oral health of the population, the quality of life for an increasing number of Australians will be negatively affected as poor oral health extends beyond the mouth and can affect general health and well-being. Beyond the dental clinic setting, pharmacists have been recognised in the literature to have an important role in oral health care. The potential to expand the role of pharmacists as oral health advisors has also been acknowledged. While previous studies explored the knowledge and opinions of pharmacists regarding oral health, no research has been completed to explore the extent of oral health content that is currently included in Australian pharmacy schools’ curricula or on the knowledge and opinions of the pharmacy students who are about to graduate as health professionals. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards the role of pharmacists in oral health among final year pharmacy students in Australia, and to investigate the extent of the oral health content in Australian pharmacy curricula. Methods A cross sectional study of pharmacy students across 8 Australian pharmacy courses was undertaken using an anonymous online survey. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacy course coordinators or convenors to discuss the oral health content in their course curricula. Survey results were analysed using SPSS software (SPSS 25.0, Chicago Il, USA) and the findings summarised using descriptive statistics. Phone interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results A total of 45 pharmacy students across the nation completed the online survey. Almost half of the students (48.9%) reported that oral health was not included in their course. Many believed that pharmacists have an important role in oral healthcare, however only 38.9% perceived that pharmacists were appropriately trained to provide oral health education. Most students (91.7%) believed that professional relationships between pharmacists and dental practitioners could be improved, and that pharmacists had the potential to be more involved with preventing oral health issues (86.1%). Three main themes emerged from the course convenor interview study: (1) That pharmacists have a role in oral healthcare, (2) That oral health is being taught in pharmacy courses, however each did so in a varied manner, (3) Lack of space in course curricula is the key barrier for further inclusion of oral health care content in pharmacy courses. Conclusion Overall, the findings of this study provide evidence that the oral health content in pharmacy curricula in Australia is inconsistent, with students indicating that they wanted more education on oral health topics. Both students and course convenors recognised that pharmacists have an important role in oral healthcare. Therefore, pharmacy courses in Australia should consider expanding the coverage of oral health content to provide graduates with the confidence and skills they need to improve the oral health of the community.
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ItemA descriptive medical analysis of patients receiving dental implants in private practice over a 5-year period( 2016)Background The population seeking implants in private practice is a demographically and medically diverse group. A fuller understanding of the medical conditions affecting this population can optimise treatment planning and service delivery, as well as focus the informed consent process. Objectives 1. To conduct a retrospective cohort study reviewing and describing the medical and demographic data of patients seeking implants in private dental practices over a five-year period in Victoria, Australia. 2. To create an evidence based clinical picture of the medical background of the typical patient seeking dental implants in the private practice setting. Material and Methods Privately practicing dental clinicians were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected pertaining to 4,116 patients who met the inclusion criterion of at least one implant placed or restored within the study period of 1st of January 2005 to 31st of December 2009. Information was collected regarding: clinician demographics; patient demographics, co-morbidities and oral status; surgical procedure; implant details; restoration details; and any complication details. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were conducted to describe the population with respect to patient demographics, comorbidities and medication usage. Results Demographic data relating to age and gender were obtained. Common comorbidities, their prevalence and associated medications were defined where possible. The most common age group to receive implant therapy was between 51 and 60 years (30.4% of patients). A broad range of co-morbidities was reported, including psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Smoking tobacco was more prevalent amongst the study population than any prescribed pharmaceutical agent. Conclusion Over 70% of all implant patients in this study were aged between 41 and 70 years of age. This period of life is associated with a diverse group of medical conditions and pharmacological therapies that often increase in prevalence with age. Clinicians must be familiar with their target demographic, understand the common comorbidities amongst this patient group and be conscious of how their presence can influence clinical decision making and outcomes. This facilitates treatment planning founded on individualised risk / benefit stratification and informed consent, and a surgical plan that is executed in the setting of patient specific peri-operative optimisation and follow up.