Family expectations regarding dental professionals in Eating Disorder Management

Objectives: Conduct a non-interventional study involving semi-structured interviews with five family members of Eating Disorder sufferers who attend the Eating Disorder Centre Cork (EDCC). Methods: Following from ethical approval, five adult (age 18+) family members of respective eating disorder patients, who attend EDCC were interviewed. Interviews were conducted during a 60-minute visit with the consented participant. One interviewer (MD) conducted each interview. To maintain confidentiality patient and family member name were kept anonymous. Interviews were audio-recorded with a Dictaphone and transcribed verbatim including notations of non-verbal expressions. Themes were derived through analysing each interview and comparing each answer to each question and summarized into: 1) The participants’ ED family members’ exposure to the dentist 2) The expectations of the participant when visiting the dentist 3) Awareness of the impact a dentist can play diagnosing and managing an eating disorder. Results: All family members agreed that if a dentist suspected an eating disorder this should be acknowledged however there was a difference in opinion in the role of a dentist regarding the eating disorder itself – some discussed a DHCP should only discuss potential dental impacts an eating disorder can have while others would like advice, support and a referral to an appropriate medical practitioner. Some family members were unclear regarding potential oral side effects – many mentioned weakened teeth but only two family members were aware of acid erosion. Two family members highlighted the need for further education and training for dental professionals with regards to management of eating disorders. Conclusions: There is need for further research in this area, with a larger sample size and interviewing eating disorder sufferers to ensure opinions are of those directly affected by the disorder. Dental Schools should ensure their students have sufficient training in this area through identification and accurate management of these patients.