Dentistry

Burning mouth syndrome: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of patients experience

19^th American Dental Congress

December 08-10, 2016 Phoenix, USA

Sharon Curtin, Aherne S, Trace A and McCreary C

University College Cork, Ireland

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Dentistry

Abstract:

Quantitative research has found that patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) report a lower quality of life than those of a healthy population. However, qualitative studies in this area have been sparse. This qualitative study aims to understand the experience of living with BMS. Four female adults who were diagnosed with BMS were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview guide. From an interpretative phenomenological analysis four master themes were identified: The doubting self, the hidden self, BMS as an intrusion and diagnosis as a turning point. Through the process of diagnosis, treatment and management of the condition appear to reclaim the true identity and sense of â??self â??. The â??self â?? is changed from being independent, dynamic and autonomous from a fragmented â??self â??, devoid of the attributes of the former self.

Biography :

Sharon Curtin has received her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology and PhD, Dip.Soc.Std. n Counseling Psychology. She is a Lecturer in Cork University Dental School and Hospital where she is responsible for the development and delivery of the behavioral science components of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree program, the Dental Hygiene program and the DClinDent program.

Email: s.curtin@ucc.ie