Embracing neurodiversity-informed dentistry. Part two: Oral health considerations

Murphy J, Andrews F, Morgan M. BDJ Team 2023; 10: 18-21.

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Executive function

Published in the May issue of BDJ Team, this article is the second part of an exclusive series of papers written for BDJ Team aimed at promoting a more accessible and inclusive culture where neurodivergence is understood, accepted and destigmatised for the benefit of neurominority patients and staff.

Although some neurominorities can find toothbrushing and flossing challenging due to reduced dexterity, this article discusses how executive functioning, sensory processing, and oral health literacy may impact on oral health outcomes for neurominorities.

For the article visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-023-1864-8.

'No A-levels, no problem'

Quinlan K. BDJ Team 2023;10: 16-19.

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The cover story of the July issue of BDJ Team features Lauren Chipman, a second year BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene student who describes her route to higher education as a school leaver with no A-levels. Doubting her academic abilities, Lauren completed a dental nursing apprenticeship, dental nursing post-graduation certificates and then joined a Dental Development Programme at the University of Portsmouth. This programme is for dental nurses who have the experience and qualifications but may not have the correct GCSEs or A levels to apply for undergraduate study. Lauren was then overjoyed to be offered a place on the full time BSc course and looks forward to graduating in 2023.

To view 'No A-levels, no problem', visit www.nature.com/articles/s41407-023-1924-0.