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J Dent Educ. 71(5): 655-663 2007
© 2007 American Dental Education Association
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Critical Issues in Dental Education

Eating Disorders in the Oral Health Curriculum

Rita D. DeBate, Ph.D., M.P.H., C.H.E.S.; Deanne Shuman, Ph.D., M.S., R.D.H.; Lisa A. Tedesco, Ph.D.

Key words: eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, dental curriculum, dental hygiene curriculum, comprehensive care

Submitted for publication 10/06/06; accepted 01/13/07

Due to the oral/systemic nature of eating disorders, this serious health issue requires comprehensive patient assessment and coordinated health treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the breadth and depth of eating disorder and comprehensive care within the dental and dental hygiene curriculum. Survey data were collected from deans of U.S. dental programs (n=24) and dental hygiene program directors (n=94). Statistically significant differences were observed between dental programs (DP) and dental hygiene programs (DHP) as more DHP reported including anorexia nervosa (p<.001), bulimia nervosa (p<.001), and oral manifestations of eating disorders (p=.003) within their curricula. Clock hours dedicated to these topics ranged from seventeen to thirty-five minutes, with no statistically significant differences observed between DP and DHP. Only 58 percent of DP and 56 percent of DHP included patient communication skills specific to eating disorders. Moreover, DHP were observed dedicating more instruction time for this skill (p=.011). As greater emphasis is placed on oral/systemic health and the provision of comprehensive care, many oral health professionals may not be adequately trained to identify, provide education, and communicate with patients regarding the oral/systemic nature of eating disorders. The findings from this study indicate that there is a need for appropriate training to better prepare oral health professionals for comprehensive patient care.






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