Summary: A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) found that dental offices can effectively conduct mental health screenings without disrupting workflow. With 61% of patients requiring follow-up, dental practices could play a crucial role in early detection and referral for mental health concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Effective Integration: Dental offices can incorporate mental health screenings seamlessly, offering a valuable opportunity for early detection.
- Workflow Preservation: Such screenings do not significantly disrupt dental practice workflows, making widespread adoption feasible.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) suggests that dental offices may serve as effective venues for mental health screenings and referrals. With the growing emphasis on identifying mental health issues in nontraditional settings, this research highlights the untapped potential of dental practices in contributing to comprehensive patient care.
The feasibility study, “Mental health screenings in dental settings” involved 17 dentists, dental hygienists, and dental office staff from five dental practices, who enrolled a total of 36 patients. These patients completed four validated mental health screenings. The dental office personnel were trained not only in administering these screenings but also in reviewing the results and providing appropriate follow-up, such as offering a list of local mental health resources when necessary.
READ MORE: ADA Supports Passage of the Dr Lorna Breen Mental Health Bill
Positive Results with Minimal Workflow Disruption
The results of the study showed that 22 patients, accounting for 61.1% of the participants, met the threshold for follow-up based on their screening results. Additionally, the incorporation of mental health screenings did not disrupt the workflow in 93% of patient encounters, according to the dental personnel involved.
The study authors concludes that integrating regular mental health screenings at dental visits is both viable and potentially impactful.
“This feasibility study highlights the potential of dental offices becoming an avenue for screening patient mental health concerns and providing area resources, thus enhancing comprehensive patient care and overall patient well-being,” the authors noted.
The findings could open the door for making mental health screenings a part of the normal dental patient workflow, suggesting that widespread adoption of such practices could contribute to early detection and intervention of mental health issues while causing minimal interruption to an oral health visit.
Photo: ID 168502358 © Designer491 | Dreamstime.com
