Abstract
Objective: This study evaluates the partnership between a mental health service and a public dental hospital in providing timely and efficient access to dentistry to patients with a mental illness. In addition, the factors that contributed to the sustainability of the partnership were examined.
Method: The partnership was appraised using a survey-based evaluation with 20 patients, 43 community mental health staff and 14 dental staff, and focus groups with mental health and dental staff.
Results: The partnership between the services is the key element to the success of improving access to dental services for patients. Overall feedback received from mental health staff highlighted the importance of the partnership and its role in meeting the oral health needs of patients. Generally, patients were satisfied with the treatment they received and valued the dental service. Results highlighted an ongoing problem of poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Dental staff felt that mental health patients were less likely to take care of their teeth and were more likely to cancel appointments. Dental staff also acknowledged frustration with patients with a mental illness not attending appointments or following through with a recommended course of treatment.
Conclusions: The partnership with the local dental hospital has created a sustainable way to ensure improved dental health outcomes for patients of mental health services. This partnership has led to increased access to dental services and improved follow-up.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank the Allied Health Workforce Advice and Coordination Unit, (Health Practitioner Research Scheme Grant 2009–2010), Queensland Health, Queensland Government. We also thank the South Brisbane Dental Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth II Dental Clinic for their ongoing commitment to improving the oral health of adults with a mental illness. We are also grateful to Kate Beesley, consumer consultant, for her assistance in reviewing the patient surveys and her helpful insights into oral health of this population.
DISCLOSURE
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.