Professor Sondos Albadri, an expert in Paediatric Dentistry in the School of Dentistry, shares insights into an important initiative aimed at developing treatment pathways for dental trauma.
Dental trauma - a physical injury to the teeth and/or their supporting tissue - affects 1 in 10 patients in the UK. Examples include cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, and cuts to soft tissue. The initial management of dental trauma is critical in determining long-term clinical outcomes.
However, our research has revealed a lack of clear management pathways, leading to prolonged wait times for treatment and uncertainty for patients and healthcare professionals navigating complex treatment avenues.
In response, we recently hosted a policy engagement event at The Spine, gathering a diverse group of stakeholders to explore solutions for clearer, standardised care pathways. Attendees included hospital consultants, dentists, heads of local dental committees and patient representatives, alongside representatives from Liverpool City Council, Dental Trauma UK and Liverpool FC Foundation. Speakers presented research on topics ranging from where to go and what to do in the event of a dental trauma, to a national picture highlighting the different and often fragmented pathways and experiences faced by people with dental trauma.
Post-talk discussions emphasised a shared consensus: Liverpool and the surrounding regions need clear, consistent and well-communicated dental trauma care pathways. These would improve awareness for both healthcare professionals and the public in how to access care.
Overall, the event provided a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders committed to improving outcomes for people suffering the effects of dental trauma. This is especially important at a time when access to NHS dentistry is facing significant challenges.
Looking ahead, we have another event planned for June, which we hope will help to formalise evidence-informed dental trauma care pathways and ensure that the public are aware of where to go in the event of a dental traumatic injury.
