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Managing mental health crises in dental practice

British Dental Journal volume 232, pages 375–378 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper aims to summarise current evidence and practice relating to mental health crises within dental practice. We review cases occurring within our practice, including management and lessons learnt. We then aim to provide a practical guide to manage such crises.

Key points

  • Knowledge of the management of patients with mental health conditions is important to dental professionals.

  • We need to ask patients about mental health conditions and follow up with details of a community psychiatric nurse or emergency care plan if available.

  • Summarises what to do if a patient presents with a mental health crisis.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Specialist Special Care Dentistry, Senior Dental Officer, Birmingham Community Healthcare Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

    Clare Yates

  2. Associate Clinical Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK

    Vivek Furtado

Authors
  1. Clare Yates
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  2. Vivek Furtado
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Contributions

Clare Yates: conceptualisation; drafting; revisions; and final approval. Vivek Furtado: drafting; revisions; and final approval.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Clare Yates.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Cite this article

Yates, C., Furtado, V. Managing mental health crises in dental practice. Br Dent J 232, 375–378 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-3936-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-3936-0

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