Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: Sugar consumption is a common risk factor for dental disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Complications from Excess Weight clinics (CEW) provide children and young people (CYP) living with obesity and associated co-morbidities with a holistic plan to achieve healthier lifestyle practices. Children living with excess weight are more likely to experience dental decay. A collaboration between CEW clinics and local dental services aims to improve oral health (OH) and dietary habits of CYP. Student dental professionals’ inclusion in clinics aims to better equip dental teams to manage affected CYP in the future.

Methods: CEW teams have observed a high proportion of CYP are at high risk of dental decay, erosion and periodontitis. Many do not access a dentist and are from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. A pathway has been developed to facilitate access to dental care, including via flexible commissioning, for urgent/routine care. Also, a dental hygiene and therapy student outreach programme is underway. The aim is for regular student presence in CEW clinics to create a ‘one-stop’ appointment where CYP can access OH advice and preventative treatment, as well as access further care as required. Student reflective reports and CYP feedback will help inform future service development.

Results: Students provide OH advice having insight into food and drink preferences, eating patterns, sleep disruption and the influence of social determinants and co-morbidities on oral and general health. CYP attending CEW clinics are questioned on their OH practices. Family support workers now receive OH training to encourage good practice as part of their home assessments. Advice on preventing decay and erosion and support in finding an NHS dentist are now incorporated into the Service’s App (‘My Health-Boost’).

Conclusion: This service development champions inter-professional collaboration aligning with the Making Every Contact Count approach and CORE20PLUS5. It has potential to improve access to dental care for a high decay-risk cohort of CYP and support them with their weight and OH.