Encouraging conversations about kid-friendly realistic eating strategies in the dental setting.
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Authors
Lamba A.K.
Hurry K.J.
Peh G.
Davies, J.
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2025
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Article
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Introduction Childhood obesity remains one of the greatest health challenges faced by the United Kingdom. With shared risk factors, obesity and dental caries are often associated.Aims A quality improvement project (QIP) was conducted at a London dental hospital to: 1) improve recording of children's body mass index (BMI) prior to listing for dental general anaesthetic (DGA); 2) create a referral pathway for children causing weight-based concern; and 3) improve clinician confidence with weight-based conversations.Methods Gold standards were created considering age and medical/behavioural complexities in this two-cycle QIP. The intervention involved smart template creation and teaching by a consultant paediatrician. A childhood obesity pathway was developed to appropriately signpost and refer to weight-based services. A mnemonic (CARES: create, assess, rapport, engage/explore/educate, signpost) was created to support dental professionals with discussions.Results In Cycle 1, BMI was recorded in 12 patients (37.5%) and centile only in seven patients (21.9%) (mean BMI = 20.0 [range: 14.5-50.7]; mean centile = 70th [range: 1-99]). In Cycle 2, BMI was recorded in 20 patients (74.1%) and centile only in one patient (3.7%) (mean BMI = 17.1 [range: 14.6-21.1]; mean centile = 57th [range: 6-95]).Conclusion This QIP demonstrated clinicians were not routinely recording BMI prior to DGA listing. The creation of a smart template, childhood obesity pathway and mnemonic aided clinician engagement in conversations about weight. Copyright © 2025. The Author(s).
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British dental journal