Knowledge In Action

Bridging the Gap: Inter-professional Collaboration

Welcome to the latest edition of our series—Knowledge in Action: Evidence-Based Insights for B.C. Dental Hygienists. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by providing accessible summaries of relevant and timely research findings. 

Key Findings

New research highlights untapped potential in collaborative care for older adults

This month we explore collaboration between dental hygienists and dietitians in the care of community-dwelling older adults. A recent study highlights key insights and challenges: 

  • Minimal Collaboration: Dental hygienists and dietitians rarely collaborate, in part due to a lack of understanding of each other’s roles. 
  • Organizational Barriers: Time constraints, lack of reimbursement, and insufficient professional networks hinder effective collaboration. 
  • Educational Needs: Interprofessional education is crucial to improve collaboration and patient care. 

Did you know?: You can find a dietitian in our area at https://bcdietitians.ca/.