The practices and beliefs of dental professionals regarding the management of patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.

Kelly N, Beaton L, Knights J, Stirling D, West M, Young L. BDJ Open 2023; DOI: 10.1038/s41405-022-00127-3.

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This study aimed to improve implementation of the updated Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) guidance, 'Management of dental patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs'. Whilst dental professionals may be aware of specific guidance, and do what they can to implement it, they may not always feel confident when assessing and managing patients on complex medications.

As such, this study recruited dental professionals from a variety of clinical settings in order to determine barriers to compliance with the updated SDCEP guidance within primary practice, and to identify professional training needs. Find out what they discovered by reading the article in full for free here: www.nature.com/articles/s41405-022-00127-3.

Coffey N, O'Leary F, Burke F, Plant B, Roberts A, Hayes M. Oral care considerations for people with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional qualitative study. BDJ Open 2023; DOI: 10.1038/s41405-023-00136-w.

The oral health status of individuals with cystic fibrosis is not yet fully understood, and no clear consensus has been formed regarding the relationship between this condition and dental caries experience. As such, this study was undertaken to investigate the concerns that adults with cystic fibrosis may have regarding dental attendance and dental treatment, and to identify methods to improve service provision for these individuals.

A total of 71 adults with cystic fibrosis responded to the authors' survey, which asked questions such as 'Do you believe that CF has impacted on your oral health in any way?' and 'What do you think is important for the dentist to know about CF?' With regards to the latter question, the main concerns adults with this condition had were the practicalities of dental treatment and impact of medication/treatment. It is the authors' belief that if GDPs are educated about cystic fibrosis and its repercussions, and can make small but significant amendments to their practice, it should reduce dental anxiety in this cohort of patients. Read the article in full for free here: www.nature.com/articles/s41405-023-00136-w.