BACDT Responds to Calls to Consider Patients’ Lifestyles

Oral health experts have publicised their backing for new government calls which proposes every dental professional should be taking the opportunity to talk to patients about their lifestyle choices. However the news has seen a mixed reception by those within the dental industry.
 
Ministers want dentists and clinical dental technicians to pay particular attention to four key areas of their patient’s lifestyle including diet, exercise, smoking and drinking.

 The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) believes the new support will encourage more people to consider how their lifestyle could be affecting their oral health.

Research has shown that the frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks severely damages oral health, while studies have proved those who stay fit and active are 40% less likely to develop gum infections leading to disease.

Mouth cancer also remains an issue in the UK with the number of cases rising by 46% since 1997. Over the next decade, an estimated 30,000 people will die from the disease unless more is done to change lifestyles, especially attitudes to diet and exercise.

First outlined in the Health and Social Care Bill, a panel of government advisors has recommended that all dentistry professionals should be encouraging patients to take up a healthier lifestyle, a move which has been met by criticism in some quarters of the health sector.

Richard Daniels, CEO of the BACDT (British Association of Clinical Dental Technology) commented on the news stating, “It’s important that every patient considers their oral health and ensures they take the necessary precautions to clean their teeth, or dentures as well as eating a healthy balanced diet to reduce the risk of disease.

“We encourage our member CDTs to educate patients to help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, but only the patient can follow through on the advice.”

The new plans are not only focused on younger generations, however; elderly patients with full sets of dentures are still just as susceptible.

Dr Robert Kinloch, chair of the British Dental Association’s UK Healthcare Policy group, said, “Good oral health is as important for older adults as it is for younger patients. Being able to eat, communicate and socialise confidently all depend on maintaining a healthy mouth as well as providing the same care to dentures.

The BACDT is a not for profit organisation representing Clinical Dental Technicians who are registered and regulated by the General Dental Council. Visit http://dentureprofessionals.org to browse its directory of accredited clinical dental technicians and clinics and find out more about dentures and dental implants.

Contact Information

Richard Daniels

CEO

BACDT

Contact via E-mail