Oral Health and Dental Management

Audit into paediatric new patient assessment notes â?? whether the orthodontic assessment is being completed appropriately

4^th International Conference on Orthodontics

October 09, 2023 | Prague, Czech Republic

Olivia Evans

University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: OHDM

Abstract:

Introduction: Worcestershire community dental services noticed the orthodontic examination was not routinely being completed during new paediatric patient examinations. It is important to notice deviations from the normal development of occlusion so interceptive treatment can be offered, issues such as impacted canines can be picked up and referral for orthodontics can be made. Aim: To ensure consistent use of the Paediatric New Patient Assessment template across the Community Dental Service To ensure new paediatric patients aged 7+ are having orthodontic assessment completed appropriately To improve outcomes for patients with malocclusions including unerupted canines. Methodology: Retrospectively selecting 50 consecutive New Patient Assessments for investigation. Results were analysed and presented alongside teaching on completing an orthodontic assessment and managing the developing dentition. A second cycle of data was subsequently collected. Results: In cycle one only 62% of patients had the orthodontic assessment completed in full and only 33% of patients aged 10+ whose canines were not palpable in the buccal sulcus had appropriate investigations and follow up. The results for cycle 2 further highlighted the fact that improvements were still required across all standards. Conclusion: The orthodontic assessment frequently continues to be neglected from a paediatric new patient examination. Further training on completing the orthodontic exam is required alongside the impact of failing to manage appropriately impacted canines and other aspects of malocclusion.

Biography :

Olivia Evans graduated from the University of Birmingham in July 2021 achieving a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with honours and a clinical distinction. Following this she completed a year of Dental Foundation Training before going on to a Dental Core Training post. The DCT post involved 6 months working in oral and maxillofacial surgery developing skills in surgical extractions, suturing, managing complex dental abscesses and trauma followed by 6 months working in the community seeing paediatric, special care, anxious and urgent dental care patients. Olivia enjoys many aspects of dentistry but is particularly interested in orthodontics, paediatric dentistry and oral surgery.