Afifa Eidher, Program and Innovation Manager at the BCDHA, wrote this article for Oral Health Dental Magazine to highlight an exciting new resource addressing the intersection of mental and oral health care.
Check out our feature in Oh Canada! Oral Health Dental Magazine! Learn how BCDHA is bridging the gap between mental health and oral health with our new resource at mentalhealthdentalhealth.com.
By Afifa Eidher, RDH,
BCDHA Program and Innovation Manager
As the program and innovation manager at the British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA), I had the pleasure of collaborating with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) to address the crucial intersection between mental health and oral health care. Together, we created a website, mentalhealthdentalhealth.com, designed to provide valuable resources for the public and health care professionals. Our goal with this site is to help users recognize, understand, and overcome dental anxiety and trauma, fostering a more supportive and informed environment for patients.
The Relationship Between Mental and Oral Health
Anxiety, depression, and trauma can significantly impact oral health, leading to avoidance of professional dental or dental hygiene care and deterioration of dental hygiene habits at home. Poor oral health can also worsen mental health conditions, affecting overall well-being. BCDHA and BCACC have developed resources that address these connections.
Learning and Growing Together
The website development was an enriching experience that allowed dental hygienists and clinical counsellors to learn from each other. The collaboration ensured that the resources would be comprehensive, practical, and beneficial for both patients and practitioners.
Website Offerings
The website, mentalhealthdentalhealth.com, serves as a hub for understanding and managing dental anxiety and trauma. It offers resources tailored to the public and oral health practitioners, aiming to create a better oral health care experience.
- For the Public:
The site provides tools and strategies for individuals with anxiety or trauma related to oral health care. It offers guidance on finding a supportive dental clinic, preparing for appointments, and managing anxiety during visits. The information is designed to help patients feel more in control and at ease, making oral health care more accessible and less daunting. - For Oral Health Practitioners:
Resources are available to help practitioners understand trauma’s impact on patient care. The website offers insights into creating a safe environment, self-regulation as a practitioner, and using specific tools to reduce patient anxiety. These resources aim to improve the patient-practitioner relationship and enhance care quality.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
The website focuses on trauma-informed care. Trauma is a physiological response to events perceived as life-threatening, and its impacts are cumulative within the nervous system. The website explains how unresolved trauma can affect a patient’s comfort in a dental setting. By understanding trauma’s effects, oral health professionals can create more patient-friendly environments.
The website introduces the concept of the “trauma cup,” a metaphorical container representing accumulated unresolved trauma. When this cup overflows, it can trigger anxiety and make everyday tasks, including dental visits, more challenging. Recognizing these triggers and using trauma-informed practices helps oral health professionals assist patients in managing anxiety and improving their experience.
Moving Forward: A Resource for Integrated Care
The launch of mentalhealthdentalhealth.com integrates mental and oral health care. The collaboration between BCDHA and BCACC demonstrates the power of interprofessional teamwork in addressing complex health issues. This website is a valuable resource for patients and professionals, showcasing how different health care disciplines can work together to improve patient outcomes.
As the website evolves, it will remain a dynamic and valuable resource for all seeking to understand the connection between mental and oral health. BCDHA and BCACC are committed to supporting this platform and ensuring it meets the public’s and health care professionals’ needs.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and the British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association has resulted in a resource that improves care and support for patients experiencing dental anxiety or trauma. By addressing these issues through an integrated, trauma-informed approach, this collaboration paves the way for a healthier future for all.