Embracing neurodiversity-informed dentistry. Part one: Raising awareness.

Murphy J, Andrews F and Morgan M. BDJ Team 2023; 10: 22-26.

Published in the March issue of BDJ Team, this article launches a new series of papers aimed at promoting more accessible and inclusive dental settings for patients and staff. Part one was published during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, 13-19 March 2023, and intends to raise awareness of neurodiversity by providing basic information, covering terminology and conditions, debunking myths, and highlighting inequalities. The authors explain that around one in seven people (approximately 15% of the general population) are 'neurodivergent' and there is a need to increase awareness and understanding among the dental team. Figure 1, from the paper, shows the prevalence, unique traits and unique strengths of Autistic Spectrum Condition, for example.

figure 1

Fig 1 Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) (includes Asperger's Syndrome)

To read the full article visit: www.nature.com/articles/s41407-023-1785-6.

BDJ Team has also launched a new collection of articles on Neurodiversity and dentistry: www.nature.com/collections/neurodiversity.

Does adjunction of Melaleuca alternifolia to periodontal treatment protocol improve clinical outcome?

O'Brien L. BDJ Team 2023; 10: 32-35.

In recent years a selection of third year Oral Health Science students at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) have been sharing the results of their research dissertations through summaries published in BDJ Team.

The first of this year's cohort, Lana O'Brien, assesses the evidence on possible clinical periodontal benefits of tea tree oil (TTO) as an adjunct in the management of periodontal disease.

figure 2

Lana O'Brien

Ms O'Brien comments: '[As] a dental therapist student, I treat patients of different backgrounds, views, and medical statuses. I noticed that patients are frequently on multiple medications, have sensitivities and allergies to products. With antibiotic resistance on the rise and chlorhexidine side effects, I wanted to explore how a herbal agent can be effective to manage periodontal disease. Melaleuca alternifolia is an adjunct of interest. Existing literature claims TTO could have beneficial properties as a successful adjunct in the management of PeDi.'

The article can be viewed at www.nature.com/articles/s41407-023-1786-5.

Upcoming research topics from UHI students in BDJ Team include oral health in the hospitalised older population; vegetarian diet and oral health; and transgender patients and barriers to accessing oral healthcare.

There is also a DCP research collection in BDJ Team: www.nature.com/collections/dcpresearch.